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Cote d’Ivoire has banned skin-whitening creams because of health concerns, the health ministry says.

It says, "Cosmetic lightening and hygiene creams... that de-pigment the skin... are now forbidden."

Whitening creams have been popular for years among young women - and some men - across Africa, who believe they make them more beautiful.

But medical experts say they may cause cancer, diabetes, severe skin conditions and other diseases.

"The number of people with side effects caused by these medicines is really high," Christian Doudouko, a member of Cote d’Ivoire's pharmaceutical authority, was quoted as saying by the AFP News Agency.

British consultant dermatologist Justine Kluk told the BBC the major concern was over unregulated products, which may contain ingredients such as mercury or excessive amounts of steroids.

"If one thinks about steroids being present in these products, they're often present in much higher quantities than we would prescribe," she said.

She said the creams could cause a variety of health issues, such as "acne, thinning of the skin, glaucoma or cataracts if applied near the eyes".

"Or if applied liberally to the whole body, [they can] cause high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, weight gain, mood disturbance due to absorption of large amounts of steroids," she said.

The use of whitening creams in Africa is most widespread in Nigeria - where more than 75 per cent of women buy them, according to a 2008 UN Environment Programme study.