Camouflage

Using skin camouflage products can help to provide a uniformity to skin tone and colour which hides the depigmentation. There is a wide range of colours within the product palette and the camouflage practitioner will mix no more than three of these together to make a skin tone colour that suits the patient (Davies, 2007). Once cover creams have been applied, they are fixed with either a spray or powder which means they become fully waterproof. This allows the individual to leave the camouflage products on for up to a week and continue to wash as normal. In order to remove the product, skin cleansers are used.

Patients who are diagnosed with vitiligo may need significant levels of psychological support. Whilst treatment options are limited, it is not helpful to say there is nothing that can be done. For some, repigmentation may occur with treatments, but it is important to be realistic about the fact that these changes are unlikely to be permanent. More importantly patients need to know that they are not alone and the National Vitiligo Society (https://www.vitiligosociety.org. uk/) may be able to provide invaluable support. Skin camouflage is always an option, some may choose to see a practitioner privately; however, a referral from the GP should be an option.