Make-up as an adjunct and aid to the practice of dermatology.

Make-up for the medically referred client is an illusory product that is applied and removed on a daily basis. It is not intended to promote or maintain skin health; its sole purpose and function is to alter or normalize the patient's physical or reflective image. It is applied for psychologic reasons only--to normalize the appearance by diminishing or disguising facial disfigurements and some of the visible signs of aging. It assists the patient in becoming more socially acceptable and allows the creation of a well-groomed look that lets him or her re-enter the mainstream of life. The person who has a facial disfigurement--no matter how large or how small, whether it is caused by disease, trauma, an acquired skin discoloration, or a birth anomaly--can use paramedical make-up products and techniques as the "grand illusion" to camouflage or conceal the visible effect of the discoloration. Make-up applied by the qualified and properly trained medical make-up specialist can be a valuable adjunct to the dermatologist's overall practice. It assists the physician's patients in obtaining their goal of disguising their facial disfigurement or aesthetically improving their appearance, and at the same time it has a positive effect on their self-image. All physicians and responsible medical personnel who are concerned with their patients' complete healing and mental well-being should use a properly trained medical make-up specialist as an adjunct to their practice.