Awareness level regarding adverse reactions caused by cosmetic products among female patients: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundCosmetics have become an integral part of our daily routine. In addition to causing a wide range of dermatological disorders, cosmetic preparations can also affect internal health. Men are less likely to be impacted than women. ObjectiveThis study aimed at determining the awareness level among female patients regarding adverse reactions caused by cosmetic products. MethodA cross-sectional study was performed among women who visited the Dermatology department of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, from December 2020 to March 2022. The sample size included 400 respondents selected using the Convenience sampling method, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and descriptive statistics were applied. ResultsThe study found that many cosmetic users experienced negative side effects (44%). The primarily affected body site was the face (25.50%) followed by scalp and hair (10%). Products responsible for adverse events were skin care products (27.25%). Considerable percentage of patients self-medicated (22.25%) and only 15% of women consulted a dermatologist for cosmetic-related problems. ConclusionAwareness regarding the possibility of cosmetic-induced adverse effects as well as the proper use of cosmetics to reduce these adverse effects is imperative. Implementation of cosmetovigilance system will help to decrease the adverse events to a certain extent.