• S A Holme, P E Beattie, and C J Fleming.
• Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, U.K. saholme@hotmail.com
• Br. J. Dermatol. 2002 Nov 1;147(5):946-9.

BackgroundThe subjective benefit of attendance at cosmetic clinics has not previously been reported.ObjectivesTo assess the effect on perceived quality of life (QoL) of cosmetic camouflage advice.MethodsIn 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.ResultsEighty-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).ConclusionsWhen assessed at 1 month, attendance at a cosmetic camouflage clinic appears to improve QoL significantly.

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