How to Apply Cosmetic Camouflage in Vitiligo
And, the Permanent Cover-up for the Skin Turned White.
Jul 12, 2009
Proper application of cosmetic camouflage is essential for patients with vitiligo patches on the exposed area of the body. This is best learned from a professional aesthetician. Later, the patients can apply the dyes or creams at home by themselves. Permanent coverup is also available for the skin turned white on limited areas like the lips or fingers.
How to Apply Cosmetic Camouflage in Vitiligo
There are 3 main steps in the cosmetic camouflage in vitiligo: applying a base cream or foundation, covering with the cover up cream or temporary dye individualized for the patient, and topping up with a drying powder.
The dyes or creams are applied with a small brush from the center of the white patch towards the periphery. Care should be taken not to apply the dye near the edges, so that normal skin is not darkened. The edges should be blurred with the camouflage creams, not dyes. The color chosen for the edges should be a lighter shade than the dye or cream color used within the patch. The coverup cream should be smoothed over the edge so that it blends with the normal skin color normally. Normal make up can be worn over the camouflage, which is then followed up with a light brushing of translucent facial powder.
The dyes usually cover the area for 4-6 days then gradually fade off. The coverup creams are washed off daily from the face and neck and reapplied next day. On other body parts, may be kept for 2-3 days. As these are water resistant, oil based cleansers are required to wash off the camouflage creams and dyes.
Which are the Main Brands Available for Cosmetic Camouflage?
There are many brands of camouflage creams and dyes available in the market. Each has got its own characteristics and different methods of application. The choice of the cosmetic camouflage creams depends upon the area of involvement, skin color, skin type, profession and the preferences of patient.
Following are some of the main camouflage agents available:
- Dyes. Vitadye from Elder and Dy-O-Derm from Owen Labs.
- Creams. Covermark, Dermablend, Veil Cover, Keromask, Dermacolor, PerfectCover, Coverderm.
- Sticks. Used for small areas- Erace, Spotstick.
In Which Other Skin Conditions are Cosmetic Camouflage Used?
Cosmetic camouflage can be used to cover up all skin blemishes, except in the presence of infection or open wounds. It is usually used by patients to cover up melasma, birthmarks, rosacea, other pigmentary disorders, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scars and burn marks.
Are there any Permanent Cosmetic Camouflages Available for Vitiligo?
Micropigmentation is tattooing the vitiligo patch with normal skin colored dyes and is used for permanent camouflage in vitiligo in areas like lips and the fingers. The exact color (a shade less) is chosen and applied as a temporary cream make up as a patch test for a period of 4-6 weeks, re-assessed and then tattooed into the vitiligo patch to give a good color match.
This procedure is permanent and only advisable in vitiligo patches which have remained stationary for 2 years or more. Disadvantage of the micro pigmentation is the Tyndall effect whereby the color looks bluish grey instead of the desired brown shades.
What is Depigmentation Therapy or Bleaching in Vitiligo?
When large areas of the exposed skin have vitiligo with scattered islands of dark normal skin, the vitiligo patients can opt for depigmentation therapy or permanent bleaching of the remaining normal dark skin. This is done with 20% monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone under the supervision of a dermatologist. This is a permanent procedure and should be the last resort for generalized vitiligo not responding to treatment.
Is it Possible to Get Dark Spots Even After Depigmentation Therapy in Vitiligo?
The drawback of the 20% monobenzyl ether is that it does not depigment the melanin within the pigmented hair bulbs. If the patient has pigmented hairs remaining, especially on the exposed parts, repigmented dark spots may appear around the hair follicle. This is resistant to depigmentation. The only way to prevent this would be to remove the pigmented hairs with laser and then repeat the depigmentation procedure.
References
- Miki Tanioka & Yoshiki Miyachi.Camouflage for vitiligo. Dermatologic Therapy; Volume 22, Issue 1, 2009. Pages: 90–93
- 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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