One in 250 people in the UK self-harm; a ‘hidden epidemic’ which we need to work in partnership to effectively support across the lifespan. The Medical Skin Camouflage Service is a pioneering project with ‘Changing Faces’ charity – developed by the Trust after securing NHS innovation funding to deliver it as part of personalised mental health recovery packages to service users across all ages.
Fifteen per cent of the UK population present with a chronic skin condition each year. About a third of these people suffer psychological distress due to low self-esteem, low confidence and stigma. They are often bullied and isolated, leading to chronic ill health/ disability. Additionally, there is impact on quality of life for the support network/family.
Scars from self-harm are a form of chronic skin condition with the same long-term consequences but are not included in the data. Historically, medical skin camouflage creams treat dermatological skin conditions – not scarring from self-harm. They are not readily available in primary or secondary care and not embedded in mental health recovery. However, medical skin camouflage can enhance well-being for these individuals.
The Trust aimed to offer this as a therapeutic choice within personalised, patient -centred recovery packages and to demonstrate enhanced well-being; improved confidence with potential reduction in self-harm and raise awareness with reduced stigma.
With its simple model, the camouflage intervention with bespoke prescription creams is taught to users, supporting self-care beyond discharge. Staff and service users describe it as ‘life changing’. Delivered by a trained team, service evaluation shows significant improvement in user/carer wellbeing; user confidence; patient experience; ability to reintegrate with activities and a reduction in clinical contact time as a result.
Quantitative and qualitative data (such as the following examples) has supported embedding the service within the recovery model as a care plan choice within shared decision-making across all ages.
98% of service users and 100% of carers reported that they felt the clinic setting within their mental health team was vital in helping them to feel safe and supported.
95% felt the skin camouflage consultation worked well – improving confidence and enabling them to engage in activities they had previously stopped due to self-harm scars.
What service users said: “I was really chuffed when children in my nursery placement did not notice the scars on my arms.”
“I went to the hearing voices group and was able to take my coat off for the first time.”
“The staff were great. I felt safe and able to expose my secret… to finally get help.”
What carers said: “As a parent, I can say it (the creams) helps young people to move on to recovery without judgement.”
What staff said: “An inspiring journey and experience – learning a new skill; so simple but so life changing for the service user. I’m part of a team making a positive difference; empowering them and helping them overcome the stigma and secrecy of self-harm.”
You can find out more about Patient Experience Services here