Title : Cosmetic camouflage therapy: A vital missing piece in the care of persons with visibly disfiguring dermatologic issues in family medicine clinics?
Abstract:
Background: Overtly visible skin issues like acne vulgaris, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scars, port-wine stain, and dyspigmentation are among the most prevalent skin diseases seen by family medicine physicians and core skin care experts worldwide. Associated with significant psycho-social impact and impaired quality of life, these skin issues also pose significant aesthetic concerns that require effective treatment and concealment. Cosmetic camouflage therapy (CCT) offers a non-invasive solution to conceal visible skin flaws, using highly pigmented cosmetic products to temporarily normalize the appearance of disfigured skin, or to hide transient skin blemishes that result from dermatological diseases and procedures. However, it is uncertain if family medicine physicians typically address the aesthetic aspect of skin issues when caring for affected persons during clinical encounters.
Objectives: To explore the role of CCT in the management of visibly disfiguring skin issues and ascertain the status of practice of cosmetic camouflage therapy by family medicine physicians.
Methods: This narrative review involved literature search to retrieve relevant evidence from accessible databases.
Findings and Discussion: There is paucity of information on the practice of CCT by family physicians. However, emotional/psychological impact, self- consciousness, and embarrassment were reported as the most bothersome impact of visible skin flaws/disfigurements. The site and severity of the skin lesion were reported to play important roles in the significance of the impact. CCT offered immediate aesthetic improvement and psychological relief, potentially enhancing patients' self-esteem and social interactions. Combining CCT with conventional medical treatment and phototherapy resulted in higher and clinically significant improvement in quality of life compared with medical treatment and phototherapy combination. Similarly, combining CCT with conventional medical treatment and psychotherapy resulted in clinically significant improvement in quality of life compared to medical treatment and psychotherapy combination. Lastly, CCT was recommended for use as an adjunct to medical treatment, serving as “bridge therapy”, and as a novel drug delivery system with a dual function of aesthetic improvement and therapeutic benefit.
Summary: CCT improves psychological well-being and self-esteem thereby enhancing social functioning and quality of life. The authors recommend an increase in awareness of CCT and camouflage cosmetic products among family physicians. The authors also recommend the integration of CCT into family medicine encounters for the management of common skin issues that result in overtly visible flaws or disfigurements, if the provided care is to be deemed truly holistic and comprehensive.
