By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
A dermatologist and Founder of the Skin Africa Foundation, Dr Kofi Ansah Brifo, has revealed that more than 70 per cent of people who seek dermatological consultations do so based on hearsay rather than personal experience of skin conditions.
According to him, many patients arrive worried about skin problems they have heard others talk about, even though they have not experienced any symptoms themselves.
“You ask them what is wrong, and they say, ‘I haven’t seen it myself, but people are saying my skin is getting dark,’” he explained, citing a typical example.
Speaking on the issue on Tuesday morning, Dr Brifo advised fellow dermatologists to approach such consultations with patience and empathy.
“When someone comes with concerns based on what others are saying, we must take the time to explain,” he noted.
The dermatologist stressed the importance of educating patients on skin health, emphasising the need for individuals to understand their skin type in order to choose the right products.
Dr Brifo further added that due to the stigma surrounding skin bleaching, dermatologists should avoid bluntly instructing patients to stop the practice. Instead, he said practitioners should clearly explain the potential harm associated with skin bleaching.
