How to do cosmetic camouflage: a strategy to cover discoid lupus skin scars

Abstract

BACKGROUNDIn systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, discoid lesions may leave definitive scars such as atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and depigmentation, which are emotionally devastating, as they increase psychological burden of the disease and negatively impacts on health-related quality of life. Cosmetic camouflage has been integrated into medical practice to help patients disguise congenital or acquired disfigurements that are not amenable to medical or surgical treatment. Training is essential in camouflage therapy, once the application and adherence processes are different from regular makeup foundations. We aimed to present a stepby-step video produced to teach how to do cosmetic camouflage, through a QR code access. METHODSA signed authorization for image use was obtained. A video teaching the techniques of cosmetic camouflage was produced, as part of a University Extension Project, by a skillful makeup artist, a dermatology fellow, a lupus patient, medical students and rheumatology professors. After publication in the social media, patients will be able to interact with the staff to solve issues. RESULTSThe best camouflage cosmetics are natural-looking, waterproof, easy to apply, long-lasting, fragrance-free, available in different shades, matte, nonirritating, nonphotosensitizing, noncomedogenic and affordable. It is noteworthy that the cosmetic camouflage should not be done if the skin lesion is injured or inflamed. Steps are as follows: 1) Wash the area with soap and water, or with a micellar solution; 2) Prepare the skin with a moisturizer and a sunscreen; 3) Correct the lesion color not only with skin-colored correctors, but also colored ones, as these are useful in camouflaging certain lesions; 4) Test the foundation in the region you want to cover to identify the most suitable color; 5) Apply the cover cream or foundation; 6) Finish with a colorless powder. The QR code in Fig. 1 give access to the video presenting the technique of cosmetic camouflage. Figure 1. QR code: Video "How to do cosmetic camouflage." CONCLUSION Cosmetic camouflage is an effective intervention and should be recommended in the rheumatologists practice routine as a validated therapy. The video explains the proper way to do the camouflage and facilitates the patient's understanding and adherence.