Latest news with #Sanke
News18
01-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Shefali Jariwala's Death Raises Alarms Over Glutathione Injection Risks; Expert Answers
Last Updated: Shefali Jariwala's sudden death has sparked urgent conversations around the risks of unregulated glutathione injections and the dangers of low blood pressure after IV treatments The sudden and tragic death of actress-model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has raised serious concerns about the safety of unregulated cosmetic treatments, particularly intravenous (IV) glutathione injections. While the official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest the possibility of cardiac arrest, potentially triggered by low blood pressure following a glutathione and Vitamin C injection administered on an empty stomach. In light of the incident, medical experts are sounding the alarm about the growing misuse of IV anti-ageing and skin-lightening treatments in non-clinical settings. Dr Sarita Sanke, Head of Cosmetology and Dermatology, Yashoda Cosmetic Boutique, Yashoda Superspeciality Hospital, Kaushambi, shares critical insights into the safe use of glutathione. 'The principle behind using Glutathione in skin lightening lies in its ability to decrease melanin production, thereby lightening the skin and reducing hyper pigmentation. Glutathione is available in multiple forms, oral supplements, topical applications, and intravenous (IV) injections and each has its own safety and efficacy profile," says Dr Sanke. She explains that oral glutathione especially in sublingual or effervescent dissolvable forms is considered among the safest options. It offers moderate skin-lightening effects with limited side effects and is generally well tolerated. Similarly, topical formulations may help improve skin tone and texture, although their effectiveness can vary. 'Intravenous glutathione, although known for its fast-acting results, carries serious safety risks, including the potential for anaphylactic reactions and liver toxicity. These risks are compounded by the absence of standardized dosing protocols and limited long-term safety data," she warns. As a result, IV glutathione should be approached with extreme caution and always under medical supervision. 1000–2000 mg per day for the first 3 months. 500 mg daily as a maintenance dose thereafter. Do not exceed 2000 mg per day, and avoid prolonged continuous use. IV administration (only under medical supervision): 1200–1800 mg per week for 4–6 weeks. Maintenance dose of 600–1200 mg per week. 'Always consult a healthcare provider before starting glutathione, especially if you are on other medications," she adds. 'The long-term systemic effects are not yet fully understood, so caution is advised with extended use. Watch for potential side effects such as low blood pressure or allergic reactions, particularly with IV use." Shefali Jariwala's death serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden risks involved in unmonitored cosmetic therapies. While beauty trends continue to drive demand for rapid results, experts like Dr Sanke stress the need for medical oversight, proper dosage, and a deep understanding of what our bodies can safely handle.
India Today
10-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Sunscreens and hormone health: What you should know before you apply
As the summer continues to blaze and skin protection becomes a daily essential, growing questions around sunscreen ingredients and their potential long-term health impacts are starting to studies and international safety reviews have highlighted concerns about certain chemical ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, particularly their ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream and act as hormone disruptors.A hormone disruptor is a chemical that has the ability to cross cell membranes and interfere with the body's natural hormone But dermatologists stress that this does not mean sunscreens are unsafe or should be avoided it's a reminder to be more informed about what we apply on our skin every day."The concern for safety and effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients has been heightened after recent evidence of their measurable systemic absorption following topical application," Dr. Sarita Sanke, dermatologist at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi, told the ingredients drawing attention are oxybenzone and octinoxate, two UV filters widely used for their ability to absorb harmful UVB and UVA rays of the both have also been found in blood, urine, breast milk, and even amniotic fluid, raising questions about their possible impact on hormonal balance and foetal these ingredients are not banned and continue to be approved for use in many countries, including India, doctors say more research is US FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) has highlighted the importance of further evaluating all sunscreen ingredients with systemic absorption levels over 0.5 ng/mL, Dr. Sanke SUNSCREEN DISRUPT HOMONES?Some studies have pointed to possible associations with thyroid changes, pubertal development, kidney function, and immune health, though these findings remain ingredients under scrutiny include homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, all commonly found in many commercial sunscreen formulations and approved by the US the research is far from definitive.'Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also present in plastic packaging, water, air, and cosmetics. While detected in body fluids, their systemic exposure hasn't been proven harmful in humans,' said Bengaluru-based dermatologist Dr. Divya added that sunscreen safety is still under active investigation globally, but no regulatory agency has so far called for discontinuing their SHOULD CONSUMERS DO?Both Dr. Sanke and Dr. Sharma suggest that mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, could be a safer alternative for those ingredients physically block UV rays rather than absorbing them, and while they too can penetrate the skin in small amounts, the current data do not indicate fact, many sunscreen formulations available in India have already phased out older ingredients like PABA and triethanolamine, which were previously linked to safety some studies have raised concerns about sunscreen chemicals affecting fish microbiota and aquatic systems, no evidence yet links these effects to human advise that sunscreens are a critical defence against skin cancer and premature ageing, especially in a country like India where UV indices frequently sunscreen entirely out of fear would be misguided, doctors the advice is to choose wisely, look at ingredient labels, and opt for mineral-based products where possible, particularly for children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin.
