COVERING Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin due to a lack of melanin. It is not fully understood why this happens or what triggers it although it is thought the body's immune system is attacking and destroying the cells which make melanin which give colour to the skin.
Generalised Vitiligo is when white patches appear on both sides of the body, sometimes symmetrically. The patches can appear on the back of hands, around the eyes, on the arms, elbows, knees or feet. Generalised Vitiligo affects 9 in 10 people with Vitiligo.
Localised Vitiligo is less common and causes white patches to appear on just one area of the body.
Generalised Vitiligo is when white patches appear on both sides of the body, sometimes symmetrically. The patches can appear on the back of hands, around the eyes, on the arms, elbows, knees or feet. Generalised Vitiligo affects 9 in 10 people with Vitiligo.
Localised Vitiligo is less common and causes white patches to appear on just one area of the body.
Photographer Armin Rimoldi
Photographer Ron Lach
should vitiligo patches be covered?
In an ideal world no one with any sort of visible difference would ever need to cover the condition. Many people with Vitiligo eventually come to terms with how they now look and choose never to cover the patches and develop a range of answers to any questions asked. Sometimes though, when people are first diagnosed with Vitiligo it can be quite a shock to realise their skin is changing and they can't control it. They then realise they have social or work events happening and the stress of their changed appearance can be quite overwhelming as they realise they may have to face stares and questions from strangers. Strangers who for some reason often feel they have the right to ask awkward questions in front of others. In these early stages, skin camouflage creams and skin stains can help bring back a feeling of control. The creams or stains can be applied in the morning and the person can then go about their day without having to feel stared at or deal with questions.
Some people choose always to cover their Vitiligo every day. There are an increasing number of Vitiligo groups on social media where people with Vitiligo proudly post photographs of their uncovered Vitiligo patches. This can be great for bringing awareness to the wider public of what Vitiligo is and that it isn't something to be feared. It can help others with Vitiligo feel more confident in facing the world with their new skin. However no one should be made to feel pressured to do this and if you feel right now that life would be easier with your Vitiligo patches covered then that is your choice.
Some people choose always to cover their Vitiligo every day. There are an increasing number of Vitiligo groups on social media where people with Vitiligo proudly post photographs of their uncovered Vitiligo patches. This can be great for bringing awareness to the wider public of what Vitiligo is and that it isn't something to be feared. It can help others with Vitiligo feel more confident in facing the world with their new skin. However no one should be made to feel pressured to do this and if you feel right now that life would be easier with your Vitiligo patches covered then that is your choice.
what can be used to cover vitiligo patches?
There are two options for reducing the appearance of Vitiligo patches on the face and body.
The first is skin camouflage creams. These are highly pigmented creams which match your natural skin colour and are applied directly to the areas which have lost pigment. They are blended in, set with a Fixing Powder and can be further protected with a Fixing Spray. They can last for hours and are waterproof. They need to be removed at the end of each day and applied again the next day as required. Skin camouflage creams are available to order from your local pharmacy or to order online from specialist shops.
The first is skin camouflage creams. These are highly pigmented creams which match your natural skin colour and are applied directly to the areas which have lost pigment. They are blended in, set with a Fixing Powder and can be further protected with a Fixing Spray. They can last for hours and are waterproof. They need to be removed at the end of each day and applied again the next day as required. Skin camouflage creams are available to order from your local pharmacy or to order online from specialist shops.
The second option is a skin stain such as Zanderm, which is fairly new to the UK. Zanderm can be applied to the Vitiligo patches using a smaller felt tip pen like applicator or a wide applicator for larger areas. It is blended into the skin with a sponge and allowed to dry. Once Zanderm has dried it can stay on the skin for days and survives washing. This property makes it ideal for use on the hands as they can be washed freely without the Zanderm disappearing or transferring to towels etc. Some people prefer to use Zanderm on their hands and body and Skin Camouflage Creams on their face as it can give better results.
Zanderm will remain on the hands after washing - Photo Camouflage Consultations
how do i find the best products for me and the correct colours?
The best way to find the most suitable products for you and your vitiligo and learn how to apply them is to see a Skin Camouflage Practitioner. I provide consultations in London and you can contact me to book an appointment or call 07970175514
summary
Deciding whether to cover your Vitiligo patches is entirely up to you. You could cover them for occasions when you are due to meet lots of new people, or every morning before you leave the house or not at all.
If you wish to discuss the products available please get in touch here or call 07970175514
If you wish to discuss the products available please get in touch here or call 07970175514
