Cosmetic camouflage

The British Red Cross Society Skin Camouflage Service, run by the British Red Cross,
provides a nationwide service offering advice to individuals on the selection and
application of camouflage creams. The creams can be used on all areas of the body
to reduce the impact of a variety of conditions and scarring. They are useful for
covering vitiligo and are particularly effective when used on the face.
Camouflage creams differ from ordinary cosmetics in that they have a greater
opacity, therefore greater covering power, and they are waterproof if treated with
care. The creams contain some sunscreen, but sunblock can be worn under the
camouflage creams as additional protection. There are very few recorded cases of
patients having an allergic reaction to camouflage creams, although some of the
brands do contain lanolin.
The British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service is available to men, women
and children via a referral from their doctor or consultant. The service is provided
free of charge and the recommended creams are available on prescription. At a
British Red Cross skin camouflage clinic a highly trained volunteer practitioner
selects the appropriate range from the five brands of cream available and colour
matches to the individual’s natural skin tone. Once the colour match has been
found then the individual is shown the best method of application to give an
effective and long-lasting result. Below are some comments on the British Red
Cross Skin Camouflage Service:
“It looks fantastic. I can’t stop looking in the mirror! I wish someone had
sent me here years ago – I feel angry about that. (Lady with vitiligo).
... As we sat down he said please do something to stop people staring at
me. (Red Cross adviser onmeeting aman with a port-wine stain on his face).
You get used to people staring, it’s when they draw back because they
see only the condition and not the person that it depresses me. Using my
cover creams allows me the freedom to be me! (User, Birmingham).
”
Appearance affects our daily lives and if we have to cope with what we feel is
a disfigurement, that can drain our confidence, especially when facing new people
or situations.
The aim of the service is to teach individuals the simple techniques neces-
sary to apply creams effectively, and enable them to feel more confident about
their appearance.
Skin camouflage uses specially selected creamswhich,while being lightweight,
are very effective at covering, or lessening the impact of, disfiguring marks or skin
conditions on the face or body (see Box 4).
Box 4. Conditions for which skin camouflage can be useful.
l Rosacea.
l Scarring from burns, acne, surgery, etc.
l Birthmarks.
l Vitiligo.
l Tattoos.
l Leg veins.
l Many other dermatological conditions.

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