ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Dermatologic disorders can be very distressing to patients, especially when they are located in highly visible anatomic areas. Patients react negatively to the lack of eye contact when interacting with others; moreover, psychological effects of skin disorders include problems such as depression, loss of self-esteem, quality-of-life deterioration, sexual dysfunction, and increased prevalence of emotional distress as compared to the general population.(1-3) Some dermatologic conditions, such as acne, may result in scarring with varying degrees of cosmetic disfigurement despite a positive response to treatment or surgical management of the underlying inflammatory acne disorder.(4, 5)
Unfortunately, there are relatively few treatment options for acne scarring. Long-term therapy with topical retinoids may provide minimal improvement for those with mild scarring.(6) Surgical and medical procedural approaches to acne scars, such as punch or elliptical excision or punch elevation or chemical peeling and dermabrasion, may provide effective treatment in the hands of experienced practitioners, but they do present risks while making a decision about which method to choose that eventually benefit the patient and the doctor.(6)
Camouflage, or corrective cover cosmetic (CCC), may be used as an alternative to medications, procedures, and surgery and is notably used as a temporary postprocedure cover for erythema resulting from dermabrasion or chemical peel and may be used as an adjunct in the pharmacotherapeutic management of a number of dermatoses (Table 13.1).(7-13) In addition, CCC has been used as a supplement to dermatological therapy in order to provide a more positive outcome for the patient than may be achieved by therapy alone.(14) Finally, CCC is reported to improve mental well-being, self-esteem, and social acceptance.(15)
MATERIALS AND METHODS Independent CCC clinics in two academic clinic settings in the United States (Chicago) and Italy (Catania) pooled data on patients with acne scarring and/or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation who received CCC. Patients consulting the CCC clinics underwent a preliminary examination aimed to evaluate the need, expectations, and likely outcome for CCC, patient lifestyle, and to provide more detailed information about CCC. Quality of life (QoL) and the relationship between acne scarring and degree of psychological discomfort was also evaluated.(7-10)
The CCC clinics stressed the importance of a private, screened area for patient consultation and CCC application to provide for confidentiality, as a safe, secluded environment for treatment is perceived to be as important as treatment itself by such patients.
