Makeup to cover lesions?

[ChuckPerrySr]

I am going to be in our daughter's wedding in September. Since I have psoriasis lesions on and around my face, I cannot predict how bad they will be at that time. Have any of your found a makeup or coverup that makes them less noticable without looking as if you are wearing makeup. Being a 63 year old man, I am just vain enough to not want my lesions to show in any photographs and to not look like I have makeup on.

Does that make any sense?

My wife has tried very hard to find something that would do a good job. One thing she tried is green before application, but then disappears when used. She is an Avon representative, but hasn't been able to find anything there that would do a good job.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[khorath]

As a male, I understand exactly how you feel....

My doctor recommend Dermablend. I found it at a Bergner's store at the mall. It does a good job. The best thing is to try to remove any scales first. Then apply the makeup. A little powder helps, too. Check with your doctor. They can tell you other brands that might be good for skin. The NPF may have some ideas, too.

Don't feel vain. Just do what makes you feel comfortable.

[lnbconad]

That's a great question. One that I have wondered about too. I've tried Dermablend and it helps but not not as good as I would like. Please keep us posted if you find something you think looks good.
Good luck.
We'll be watching for your post.
Linda

[Eve-Maridy_R]

Note from the Psoriasis Foundation Member Services Coordinator:

Many people with facial psoriasis have told us that it is possible to use cosmetics that help to reduce the appearance of psoriasis lesions and/or the marks that are left by healing lesions.

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict if these cosmetics will irritate your psoriasis lesions, as each person with psoriasis will develop symptoms and respond to each item in a different and individual manner. Special cosmetics that have been developed for use by those with scars and other hard to cover problems have been designed and tested to be hypoallergenic, however they have not been designed to be used on open wounds or active psoriasis lesions.

We suggest that you consult with a skin care professional regarding which cosmetics would be best for you specifically. The cosmetic counters at most large department stores (such as Bloomingdale’s, Sears, Neiman Marcus, Penney’s, Macy’s, etc.) provide skin care consultants to guide you in selecting products. Your dermatologist may also be able to recommend products as well. Several of the companies that we are aware of who sell this type of cosmetics are,

Dermablend Corrective Cosmetics
Faye Mendelshon Cosmetics
Lasting Impressions II
Lydia O’Leary Cosmetics
Kryolan

Several people have also told us that they have had success with less expensive brands that are available in most local drug stores. These products are,

Max Factor:
Pan-cake water activated makeup
Pan-stik Ultra creamy makeup
Erace plus cover-up
Erace secret cover-up
Erace waterproof cover-up

Physicians Formula:
Gentle cover concealer stick
Gentle cover cream concealer
Concealer twins 2-in-1 cover stick
Protecting concealer
Powder finish concealer stick

Please feel free to contact our Patient Education Support Specialists toll-free M-F, 8am - 5pm PT, if you have any further questions, comments or concerns. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Eve-Maridy Rice
Member Services Coordinator
erice@psoriasis.org

[makeitgoaway]

Chuck-

See my response to your posting on lasers. I had great success with the Pulse Die Laser on my face. In addition to that, I have had very good success with a Rx called Protopic on my face. I would ask your Derm. about it. It has worked great for me. Cleared up a couple of new spots that I got in 2-3 days. Now I only use it once or twice a week as maintenance to keep them from returning.


Steve

[ChuckPerrySr]

Thanks Steve. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate anyplace here in eastern Iowa that has the laser.

I have now been using Protopic of a couple of months. It worked wonders for the first four weeks. Now I am using it more because of its heavy petroleum jelly base that keeps the plaques soft and less obvious.

I have been using Derma Wheat wheatgrass recovery spray since the latter part of January as a trial to see what effect it has. Since I began using that, I no longer have the very thick plaque that I did before. We use it once a day. (My wife applies it because I cannot reach or see the plaque areas on my back, etc.) We follow it with the Protopic and then Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion.

Thanks again.

[faerielyn]

I have psoriasis around my hairline and I have found the Max Factor stick pretty useful since there is one that is nearly my exact skin color. I apply the coverup directly to my skin and then use a damp make-up sponge to blend. I know everyone's skin is different, but the Max Factor stick contains a lot of oil, which I find moisturizes and doesn't damage the area further...if you're looking for longer wear you will need to apply a powder as well...that's where I would recommend going green. Physicians Formula makes a very light green powder (not sure what your sking color is, but i was pleased to find a light one since I'm as pale as they come).

I've been wearing make-up for years and I would imagine the most frustrating part of this for a man would be re-application...all I can say is just expect it. You'll have to check it out in the bathroom every few hours...at least the stick is small enough to fit in a pocket.

I have never tried dermablend because the consistence felt cakey to me, I don't think it would sit well on super-dry skin. They other thing to consider is a bronzer...I'm sure your own personal Avon Lady will have some of that

Best of Luck!

[faerielyn]

which ever coverup you choose, exfoliation (removing scales) is paramount prior to applying any cosmetic...if you don't you'll be left blotchy for sure as the scales loosen during the day.