To whom is it available? The service is open to men, women and children through a medical referral from an NHS or private consultant or GP.
Who can it help? Cosmetic camouflage creams are effective on the face, limbs and torso, and can reduce the impact on conditions such as scarring from burns, acne, surgery, etc.; rosacea; birthmarks; vitiligo; tattoos, leg veins and many other dermatological conditions.
What are the costs? The service is provided free of charge by the British Red Cross. Where we offer a regular clinic we do seek assistance towards the costs of maintaining the service and if the service user is in a position to make a small donation, it would be gratefully received. The camouflage creams we work with are available on prescription from the NHS and are reimbursable. They are listed in MIMS in the Miscellaneous Preparations section.
Who are the practitioners? All practitioners give their time as volunteers to the British Red Cross. They are trained in the selection of suitable creams, in colour matching, and in the different methods of application. They are also given some instruction in the recognition of contra-indications to the use of camouflage creams.
What does a Cosmetic Camouflage appointment involve? The Cosmetic Camouflage Practitioner will see a patient for a 45-60 minute session during which time the best colour match for their natural skin tone is chosen from the large selection of creams available. The patient is then shown the best method of application of the cover creams to obtain the most effective and long lasting results. Correctly applied, these creams are waterproof and may be safely left on the body for two-three days, and for twelve-eighteen hours on the face.
The British Red Cross Cosmetic Camouflage Service is available nationally. Clinics are usually held in the Dermatology Department of the hospital, in GP surgeries, or local branch headquarters of the British Red Cross. Further details