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Anyone insecure about facial and bodily disfigurements can now be referred to a local Skin Camouflage Service, which is being relaunched as part of International Face Equality Week.
Changing Faces Channel Islands will cover the cost of the service, as it aims to help people in the Bailiwick regain self-confidence and independence.
Appointments are delivered by nurse Kate Morris who works for the Healthcare Group. Ms Morris received her intensive training in the UK from Changing Faces UK and is a trained Skin Camouflage Practitioner.
"When I see a patient, I work with them to select the best colour march for their skin tone," she said. "I then teach them how to apply cover creams to improve the appearance of affected areas. These creams can provide effective waterproof cover for a wide number of skin conditions, including scarring from surgery, accidents or self harm, vitiligo, birthmarks and lots of other skin conditions."
Image from changingfaces.org.uk.
It is part of the campaign for Face Equality, which asks that everyone be treated fairly and equally regardless of appearance. The international week gives an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the bullying, ridicule, staring and discrimination some individuals might experience when they have a disfigurement.
"We are pleased to cover the costs of an appointment to see nurse Kate for skin camouflage advice," said Chairman of Changing Faces Channel Islands, Jill Clark.
"If anyone is concerned about a disfigurement we may be able to help. Patients need to visit their GP and be referred to the Skin Camouflage Service. Once your GP has approved that the service is suitable for you, patients can book an appointment at the Healthcare Group Surgery in St Martins."
Guernsey resident and Face Equality International founder, James Partridge, now carries the scars of burns from 49 years ago with pride. He said: "Our culture's relentless focus on appearance and the huge pressure to look good affects us all. If you have a disfigurement from any cause - a cleft lip and/or palate, a birthmark, acne or psoriasis, Bell's palsy or scars from an accident for example - you can face discrimination because of the way you look.
"You may well be stared at, teased or avoided. You may feel isolated and believe you have little chance of leading a successful life. That should not be the case. International Face Equality Week is an opportunity to start to put it right."
Further information is available here.
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