The contribution of skin camouflage volunteers in the management of vitiligo.

A 52-year-old woman with recently diagnosed vitiligo presented at the Skin Camouflage Clinic of the British Red Cross. She found these hypo-pigmented patches very distressing and wanted to be able to cover them up. She was referred to the clinic by her general practitioner. This service of the British Red Cross is run by volunteers and helps the patient find suitable creams, foundations and powders that even out the skin tone and so disguise skin conditions. This patient was taught how to apply the cream and left the clinic with an appreciably improved mood. Observational studies have highlighted an improvement in quality of life after the introduction of skin camouflage for vitiligo. This is a free service in the Red Cross and is a necessary part of its management, equipping the patient with practical ways to cope with a condition that does not usually respond well to treatment.