Skin camouflage
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For people with scars or other disfiguring skin conditions, skin camouflage can offer a simple route to improved confidence and independence. Our trained volunteers can teach people how to self-apply specialist cover creams.
How do we help people?
Camouflage creams can make a significant difference to disfiguring skin blemishes and provide effective, long-lasting, waterproof cover. They can be used to cover a wide number of visible conditions, including:
- scarring
- tattoos
- rosacea
- birthmarks
- skin discoloration
- other dermatological conditions.
What skills and training do our volunteers have?
All our volunteers receive a comprehensive five-day training course, updated annually, and are provided with a full range of camouflage creams and relevant equipment. They also have good interpersonal skills and a keen understanding of the differing physical needs of service users.
How do I get in touch?
The service is provided free of charge and referrals are accepted from GPs and consultants. Camouflage creams are available on prescription and last between six months and two years, depending on the area to be camouflaged and the frequency of use. For further information, get in touch with your local Red Cross branch office, which can be found in the near you section.
Could I volunteer for this service?
Without volunteers, we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others. Become a skin camouflage volunteer.
True story: Skin camouflage transforms teenager's life
After a nasty fall left her with 30 stitches on her forehead, Suzanne MacMonagle (18) became reclusive and too embarrassed to leave her house – until she was given a new lease of life by the skin camouflage service.
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The teenager, from Paisley in Scotland, recalled: "I became very withdrawn and down after getting those scars.” Finally, she asked her GP about skin grafts, but instead he pointed her to the Red Cross’ free skin camouflage service – and she hasn’t looked back.
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Looking back to her first appointment, Suzanne remembered: "I was really nervous but it's the best thing I have ever done. A lady spent half an hour matching a special make-up to my skin colour and then applied it."
Transforming effect
"When she handed me the mirror and I saw my face, I burst out crying! I couldn't see any of the scars – it was the old me. She then taught me how to apply it and I've never looked back."
Suzanne now gets the special make-up on prescription and it has transformed her quality of life. She said: "I put it on every day now and don't even think about those horrid scars when I am out because I know nobody can see them."
More about the skin camouflage service
Become a skin camouflage volunteer | |
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