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Corrective makeup improved QOL for patients with severe dermatoses

Patients with disfiguring facial dermatoses achieved better quality of life scores after using corrective makeup for a month, according to study results.

Researchers investigated 129 patients (mean age, 42.8 years; 95% women) with various skin diseases affecting their face (scars, acne, rosacea, melasma, vitiligo, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, lentigines). After an initial consultation with a medical cosmetician on how to use corrective makeup, patients applied the makeup for 1 month. Makeup application safety and quality of life (QOL) were assessed through a questionnaire using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); higher scores indicated greater QOL impairment. A 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) also was used before the first makeup application and at final visit. Photographs documented appearance change.

Ninety-nine percent of patients reported using makeup (98% complexion, 81% eye and 72% lip products) at the final consultation (average of 33 days after initial visit). Makeup was well tolerated by 95% of patients; tingling (n=5) and burning (n=2) were reported. Photo comparisons showed a significant improvement in appearance. Mean DLQI score dropped significantly during the study (9.90 ± 0.73 to 3.49 ± 0.40; P<.0001) as did mean VAS score (5.12 to 3.46; P<.0001). QOL improvement was greater among patients with vascular disorders (3.26 at baseline vs. 5.35 at final visit; –39%; P<.0001) and smaller among those with scars (4.39 vs. 5.52; –20%; P<.0001).

Investigators judged more than 20% of patients as depressed; patients with pigmentary disorders appeared more affected by depression than others (36% vs. <20%).

“Dermatologists should encourage patients with disfiguring dermatoses to utilize appropriate and safe makeup to improve their appearance and their QOL,” the researchers concluded. “Corrective makeup can also complement the treatment of facial dermatological diseases in order to improve patients’ adherence.”

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant disclosures.