Cancer drug not a skin whitener

"If you don't have leukaemia, then taking this cancer drug might destroy perfectly healthy cells and tissues within your body," cautioned Dr Pravit Asawanonda of Chulalongkorn University's Division of Dermatology.

The warning came after Pravit received lots of questions from patients about the efficacy of using the leukaemia drug to whiten the skin, some saying that they had witnessed people turning paler after taking the tablets.

Pravit said leukaemia patients develop white spots, not a whiter complexion, from taking the drug. Developing white spots is a common side effect of the drug.

The doctor was speaking at a press conference held by the Dermatological Society of Thailand, which is concerned about questionable techniques being used by beauty clinics.

He also warned against the use of gold or sliver nanoparticles in facial treatment, saying that these can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.

Meanwhile, the Dermatological Society's chairperson, Dr Noppadon Noppakun, said he had received many complaints from patients about malpractice at beauty clinics.

Most of the patients complained that they had undergone substandard treatment that either resulted in burns or left their skin inflamed or scarred.  Most practitioners at beauty clinics are not certified, he said, adding that so far only 1,470 physicians - 470 of whom are dermatologists - have received Medical Council certification. He advised patients to consult with a proper dermatologist before opting for any skincare treatments.