Cosmetic camouflage was practiced by performing artists for many centuries to cover up blemishes on their faces. Medical cosmetic cover up had its origin during the World War II when camouflage was used to hide the burn scars of the soldiers.
Cosmetic camouflage improves the quality of life for patients with vitiligo. Modern camouflage dyes and creams are waterproof and the wide ranges available help patients choose the most suitable ones for their skin color and tone.
What are the Indications for Cosmetic Camouflage in Vitiligo?
Cosmetic camouflage is indicated in vitiligo
- When medical treatments do not produce satisfactory results.
- When the patients give up the treatment either because they cannot afford the cost of treatment or due to the slow response to treatment.
- When the vitiligo affects the face and other exposed area of the body. This is more important in cases of performing artists and those who have to face lots of people during their day to day work.
What are the Advantages of Cosmetic Camouflage in Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a source of great distress and loss of confidence in the affected individuals. A sense of stigmatization keeps the patients withdrawn from social interactions. Many studies have shown that cosmetic camouflage dramatically improves the quality of life in vitiligo patients. Their self esteem and confidence gets the required boost to face the public when the white patches are covered up properly.
The results of the cosmetic camouflage are immediate, and, once they have learnt the proper technique, the patients can apply the makeup by themselves.
Cosmetic camouflage is a boon for stage and cine artists who have vitiligo or other skin blemishes. The most famous vitiligo patient of all times, Michael Jackson, applied cosmetic camouflage for many years before choosing to depigment the remaining few islands of normal skin to even out his skin color.
Cosmetic Cover Up in Vitiligo: Are There Any Drawbacks?
- It is difficult for the patients to find the exact color match for their skin.
- If the patient does not learn the proper technique, the coverup may look patchy or blotchy.
- Frequent washing removes part of the camouflage and in areas of friction like the neck, wrist and fingers, the camouflage may be rubbed off quite easily. The creams may be licked off the lips unknowingly.
- When large areas are involved, patients find it too cumbersome and costly to cover up the whole area.
How to Overcome These Drawbacks of Cosmetic Camouflage?
- It is advisable for the patient to get help from a professional aesthetician before choosing and applying the camouflage make up for the first time.
- The waterproof camouflage creams usually remain effective for a period of 6-8 hours. These are still not enough for swimmers, barbers or housewives. In an article titled “Camouflage for Vitiligo” in the January 2009 issue of Dermatologic Therapy, Miki Tanioka and Yoshki Miyachi suggests use of CavilonTM 3M No Sting Barrier Film available as a spray, to be used over the coverup cream to prolong the waterproof effects. This remains intact on the skin till you peel it off. Use of camouflage dyes are also effective for those coming in regular contact with water.
- In the same article, Tanioka and Miyachi provide a simple, yet highly effective, technique of camouflage for those who have extensive vitiligo on the exposed body areas. The white patches in vitiligo look conspicuous because of the sudden contrast from the dark skin to the white patches caused by the disease. The authors suggest the border showing sudden contrast of colors be blurred with a graded color cover up. There is no need to cover up the whole vitiligo patches. This gives excellent results, especially on the wrist, fingers and lips and only takes a few minutes and requires far less amount of the cream.
Learning how to apply cosmetic camouflage in vitiligo is the next important step for the patients.
References
- Miki Tanioka & Yoshiki Miyachi.Camouflage for vitiligo. Dermatologic Therapy; 22:1:90–93, 2009.
- Maddin S. Vitiligo. Current Dermatologic Therapy 2: 211-214,1991, WB Saunders Co.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
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