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Hi, my Vit started five years ago under my right eye. It has now spread to both eyes, above and below. I've also lost the colour on my bottom lip. I also have it on my hands. My question is, I was never really given much advice about this condition from my gp. My eyes have started getting really sore all the time and they always look pink. What can I use to help this? I'm also pretty useless with makeup and have tried different camouflage makeup but I can never get the right shade. I am mixed race and I find it hard finding colours to match. Could you please offer any advice on that aswell?

Many thanks

Tash

Hi Tash,

For good, Dermatologist written information on vitiligo, go to http://www.dermnetnz.org

Getting pain and discomfort in your eyes is uncommon with vitiligo. Vitiligo can affect the pigment which is normally present in the eye, so I would suggest going to see your GP who may then refer you to an eye specialist.

Regarding advice on cosmetic camouflage, I would recommend you contact the British Red Cross 'Changing Faces' - their email address is: skincam@changingfaces.org.uk

As a skin cancer specialist, I am sure you already know that vitiligo skin burns very readily and so sun avoidance and high factor sunblock are also very important.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29026348

http://www.yorkshiremohs.com

Hi Tash
achieving an acceptable skin match can be difficult without the help of someone specifically trained in this specialism - the British Association of Skin Camouflage trains professionals to provide this service.
BASC graduates within the NHS will require referral from a GP or consultant in line with local agreements; BASC graduates providing services privately will accept self referral but a consultation fee might apply.
Sun protection can be applied under the skin camouflage; five brands of skin camouflage are available on NHS prescription (discretionary items).
There are skin staining products that can be used to good effect, especially to areas where skin camouflage would quickly rub off (lip, hands, etc) that may not be a close skin match, but will lessen the difference between depigmented skin and natural skin colour. BASC has recently undertaken a PATCH Survey (products available to camouflage hands) with the Vitiligo Society - where participants agreed that skin staining products can last up to 7 days and provided a degree of camouflage.

Hi There,

It is not uncommon for eczema to also co-exist in patches of vitiligo, particularly if the skin is pink and itchy. Regular use of emollients, topical steroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors may be worth trying in addition to cosmetic treatments.

I hope this helps