Cosmetic camouflage advice improves quality of life

Background The subjective benefit of attendance at cosmetic clinics has not previously been reported. Objectives To assess the effect on perceived quality of life (QoL) of cosmetic camouflage advice. Methods In a three-centre study, 135 individuals were invited to complete a dermatology-specific QoL measure, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), before and 1 month after their first visit to a cosmetic camouflage clinic. Results Eighty-two completed DLQI questionnaires were returned before the camouflage clinic appointment, and 56 corresponding questionnaires were returned 1 month after. The mean age of responders was 50 years, and the mean duration of their skin conditions was 15 years. The main conditions seen were pigmentary disorders (29%), scars (22%) and vascular disorders (13%). There was a significant difference in mean DLQI scores before and after the clinic visit (9.1 vs. 5.8, P = 0.0001). Conclusions When assessed at 1 month, attendance at a cosmetic camouflage clinic appears to improve QoL significantly.