VITILIGO & CAMOUFLAGING FOUNDATION

Maximum cover camouflaging foundation for major skin conditions and imperfections

 Since biblical times visible skin lesions have caused distress in sufferers. These may include vascular or pigmented birthmarks, simple freckles, and pigmentary problems, such as melasma (darker patches on facial skin) and vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a very distressing condition where well demarcated white areas develop on the skin. These often have a symmetrical distribution and is often found in areas of friction or trauma. Hair in these areas may also become white. The white changes develop as a consequence of our own body’s immune reaction to the pigment producing cells, namely melanocytes. As the melanocytes die the color in the skin disappears. Why this immune reaction develops is still not completely clear and is the focus of ongoing research. There is often a family history of vitiligo or some other autoimmune condition, such as alopecia areata or rheumatoid arthritis.

First line treatment is always a medical maximum cover camouflaging foundation. Although this cannot cure the skin condition, it can cover the lesion to such a degree that it may be completely invisible. This could instantaneously improve the quality of life of sufferers and their families, and gives the patient the opportunity to return to normal activities. Other treatments include cortisone creams, light therapy and sometimes even melanocyte transplants. These treatments take some time to give visible results and that is where the camouflaging foundation can be very helpful.

Unique features of medical camouflaging products that make them so ideal in these cases is that there are products that are water-resistant once stabilized, that may last up to 16 hours and that do not have any negative effects such as clogging the pores or not allowing the skin to breathe. The coverage will not suddenly unbeknownst to the patient disappear during the activities of the day. The technique of applying and stabilizing the product is unique to each brand name and should be explained by a trained professional. These products should be seen as a paramedical intervention and not as make-up or a cosmetic procedure. With this knowledge, groups of individuals who usually avoid make-up, should feel more comfortable in using these medical camouflaging products.

Watch video on how to use Coverderm Make-up – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4nUwx7WStU

Article by Dr. Suretha Kannenberg (Dermatologist in Cape Town)

About Dr Suretha Kannenberg

 Dr Kannenberg qualified as a medical doctor (MBChB) in 1999 at Stellenbosh University. She spent some time practising in the United Kingdom after which she returned to South Africa to practice at the Karl Bremer and Tygerberg Academic Hospitals. After specialising in dermatology, she received her Master’s degree Medicine in 2012.

 Dr Kannenberg is registered with the Health Professions Council, is a member of the Dermatology Society of South Africa and regularly participates in congresses, conferences etc. She is also a member of the executive committee of the African Women’s Dermatologic Society.

 Dr Kannenberg is very passionate about her calling and enjoys caring for babies right through to the elderly, from acne and eczema through to aesthetic practices to enhance natural beauty.