Skin Camouflage Service

Irish Red Cross Skin Camouflage

History of Development of Skin Camouflage Service

·         Early 1950’s – experimental schemes commenced in some UK hospitals using cosmetics to improve the moral of hospital patients.
·         1959-British Red Cross was asked to take over the scheme,
·         2003- Irish Red Cross started Skin Camouflage in Ireland.
·         2012- We now have a growing service with 16 Volunteer Irish Red Cross trained Skin Camouflage Practitioners throughout the country.
What is skin camouflage? Can it help you?
Skin Camouflage is the application of special cover creams to improve the appearance of scarring and can dramatically help to disguise skin conditions such as Vitiligo, Rosacea, Lupus, Birthmarks, Leg Veins, Tattoos and many dermatological conditions.
Camouflage creams can make a significant difference to the appearance of disfiguring skin blemishes and can be a vital tool to help a person’s self-esteem.
Correctly applied these creams are waterproof and may be safely left for two to three days on the body, and for twelve to eighteen hours on the face, they contain sun protection factor thirty and are hypo- allergenic.
At a skin camouflage clinic an Irish Red Cross trained volunteer selects the best colour match for the individual’s natural skin tone. Once the colour match has been found the individual is shown how to apply the cream. To make the cream waterproof and long lasting you will also be shown how to use a specialised setting powder.
A selection of shades is available through pharmacies in Ireland, other creams and setting powders can be ordered online or through mail order. The volunteer in the clinic gives advice as to where one can get the creams and powders.
Cork has 3 Red Cross Shin Camouflage Practitioners and monthly clinics are held in Ballincollig. To make an appointment for advice on the use of cover creams, a letter of referral from a GP or dermatologist is required. The appointment can take at least one hour, and is free of charge although the Irish Red Cross is grateful for donations to support the service.

For more information on clinics held in Cork and throughout the country contact: Irish Red Cross, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2: Tel: (01)6424600: email: info@redcross.ie. Website: w.w.w.redcross.ie
Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch of the Irish Red Cross.

We provide a range of services, including first aid training, first aid cover (including a professional ambulance service when required), automated external defibrillator training (AED) and manual handling to our members, our local community the general public and commercial organizations in our area.

The cadet (youth) section training is held each Wednesday 6.30 - 7.30 pm
The senior / Intermediate Section training is: Wednesday night 7.30 – 9.00 pm in Ballinora GAA Hall.

Our members also visit the elderly offering therapeutic hand care and provide a skin camouflage service to improve the appearance of scarring and other disfiguring skin conditions for men, women, and children.
Each member of our branch volunteers their time to serve the community and we welcome new member at all times.

Check out the various sections of our website w.w.w.ballinoraredcross.org or BallinoraBallincolligredcross.blogspot.ie

and feel free to contact us with any inquiry or comment you may have.

About Us

Courses - Contact 087 9276518
Practical First Aid
This course is suitable for members of the general public, youth groups, transitional year students, carers etc. The Practical First Aid certificate is valid for three years. 
Intermediate First Aid
This course starts in September 2013 in Ballinora GAA Hall
Occupational First Aid
This is a three day course- 24 hours, which fufills the Health and Safety Authority Requirements for first aiders at work. This course follows the syllabus as set down by the Health and Safety Authority. Additional site specific modules can be added if required.
The certificate is recognised under health and safety legislation and is valid for three years. The syllabus includes the following modules:
1.     Accident assessment and scene management
2.     Bleeding and shock
3.     Respiratory problems
4.     Heart disease & CPR
5.     Burns and Poisons
6.     Fractures
7.     Unconsciousness
8.     Medical Emergencies
Occupational First Aid Refresher Course
This one day refresher course is suitable for anyone whose occupational first aid certificate requires renewing.
Basic Life Support
This is a 4 hour course which covers choking procedures and CPR for adults, children and infants. This course is suitable for members of the public, parents, health care and child care workers etc.
Public Access Defibrillation
This course provides training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and is suitable for anyone who has access to an AED.
Manual Handling and Risk Assessment
This course covers the theory and practical application of manual handling.


Team Ireland FACE 2013



                                          Further photos and report on FACE 2013 to follow

Practical First Aid Course


Ballinora/Ballincollig Branch Irish Red Cross will give a 7 week Practical First Aid Course in Bishopstown Community School. 

Registration 11/9/13 
Course commence 23/9/13. 

Cost €90 including book and equipment.

Further details available from the school Tel: 021-4544311.