Boy, 12, gained 6kg & stretch marks after using '0 steroid' eczema cream, HSA warns about 3 products sold online

A 12-year-old boy gained 6kg and developed stretch marks after regularly applying a "herbal" product for his ezcema for two months.

The product was purchased by his mother via Facebook from a vendor in Malaysia.

It was later found by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to contain a potent steroid.

In a Jul. 23 press release, HSA warned about this product and two others which have been sold at various locations, including online platforms.

B-Lian-S Herbal Cream

"These products were marketed as supplements or herbal products, which should not contain any medicinal ingredients," the agency shared.

After receiving adverse event reports from doctors and public feedback, HSA tested the products and found banned or undeclared substances in them.

The product the 12-year-old used was named “B-Lian-S Herbal Cream 百莲霜草本修复乳膏 (Bai Lian Shuang Cao Ben Xiu Fu Ru Gao)”.

It was marketed as a "natural extract formula" with "zero steroids" to manage psoriasis, eczema, red and itchy skin.

Tests by HSA found that it contain a potent steroid and antifungal agent.

Second product

Another product named in HSA's advisory is called “血压高中风青草药草 (Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao)”.

A woman in her 60s regularly took it for 10 days for her knee and back pains as well as to improve blood circulation.

She obtained the product from Bentong, Malaysia.

The woman later experienced signs of Cushing's syndrome, with its characteristics of a rounded “moon face” appearance and abnormal fat accumulation on her upper back.

She also developed lethargy upon stopping the product.

She has since recovered after being treated at the hospital and stopping usage of the product.

This product was marketed as a herbal remedy and claimed to remove blood vessel blockages, relieve back pain and limb stiffness, and help with multiple chronic conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and diabetes

A potent steroid was found in the product by HSA.

There are no known local suppliers of this product, but a Shopee store had listed it.

C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product

The third product named in HSA's advisory is “C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product”.

After consuming the product, a woman experienced heart palpitations, nausea, a constant feeling of thirst and a lack of appetite.

“C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product” was marketed as a "dietary supplement" and was labelled to contain chia powder and chilli pepper powder.

However, HSA found that it contained a banned substance, Sibutramine, and an undeclared laxative.

Advisory to consumers

These products were found to have been sold by vendors on online platforms such as Shopee, TikTok, Carousell, Lazada and Facebook.

HSA said it has worked with the various platforms to remove the listings or disable the online stores selling them.

For those who have consumed or are consuming “C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product”, HSA advises these consumers to stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.

For "血压高中风青草药草 (Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao)” or “B-Lian-S Herbal Cream 百莲霜草本修复乳膏 (Bai Lian Shuang Cao Ben Xiu Fu Ru Gao)”, see a doctor immediately.

Do not stop taking these products suddenly on your own as they contain potent steroids, HSA said.

"Sudden discontinuation of steroids (including topical steroids which can be absorbed) may cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure, especially when it has been used for more than a few weeks," HSA added.

"Children and infants are more susceptible to the effects of steroids and may be at a higher risk of steroid-associated adverse effects," the agency also warned.

HSA also said that all sellers and suppliers must stop selling the three named products and that it will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells or supplies products adulterated with banned or potent ingredients.

Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined up to S$10,000.

Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA at 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email [email protected].