Why Nigerian Boys Are Taught to Ignore Their Skin Problems

I want to name a quiet pattern in many Nigerian homes: girls’ skin concerns are often noticed and discussed, while boys are expected to ignore theirs. When a girl has acne, eczema, dark spots or reactions, relatives may recommend creams or suggest seeing a specialist. But when a boy has the same issues, the usual response is that he is a man and it will sort itself out. Skincare is still treated as feminine by many people. Boys can be made to feel vain or weak for caring about their appearance, while fathers may pass down the same silence they grew up with. The result is that some men carry scars and untreated skin problems from childhood into adulthood. I do not think this is about blaming parents. It is a long-standing pattern that can change once we start talking about it. Did anyone else experience this growing up?

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.