Camouflage experiences in vitiligo: a survey of Australian dermatologists.

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a depigmenting condition that can cause significant psychological distress. The use of camouflage products leads to an improvement in self-esteem and the quality of life of patients with vitiligo. Despite this the familiarity with these products amongst dermatologists and the recommendation for their use is unknown. We aimed to determine dermatologists' familiarity with and use of camouflage products for patients with vitiligo. Method(s): A cross-sectional survey was sent to Australian dermatologists (08/2021). Descriptive statistics was used. Result(s): A total of 122 surveys were completed (48% male; 42% aged 50 years or more; 82% in private practice only and 96% metropolitan practice). Around 20% of dermatologists reported having a special interest in vitiligo and 73% consulted <5 patients with vitiligo/- month. Over 80% of dermatologists ?agreed? or ?strongly agreed? that the use of camouflage has a positive impact on their vitiligo patients but only 60% considered themselves as being ?not at all? or ?slightly? familiar with camouflage products. Majority of dermatologists ?agreed? or ?strongly agreed? that they needed to improve their knowledge about camouflage. Only 18% of dermatologists ?always? discussed camouflage with their patients during a consultation. There was more familiarity with older camouflage products and less familiarity with newer and better performing products. Most ?agreed? or ?strongly agreed? that there was a need for more trained camouflage experts (84%), and online videos that demonstrated for doctors and patients the use of camouflage techniques (95%). Conclusion(s): Education for dermatologists on camouflage products for patients with vitiligo is needed.