Teen Forums - Teen Chat, Teen Help, Teen Advice & Support

For some people, scars aren't an issue - they self-harm in ways that don't leave permanent marks or they only harm in area that can be covered, like the torso and thighs. However in general people who cut or burn scaring happens, although the obviousness of it depends on the severity of the harm. Some people like their scars and admire them as they seem to tell stories or act as a way of release. Many others hate their scars and want to find ways to get rid of them.

Often people dealing with self harm will get asked unpleasant questions like “what’s that?” “What happened?” etc… It can make you feel uncomfortable and alert. Nonetheless I can confidentially say, people aren't usually trying to make you uncomfortable but trying to make conversation; they don't really want to know why you have scars, but it's something to say. Nevertheless, it does leave you stuck with coming up with an answer.
Quite often, the easiest thing is to say, “It’s a long story,” or “I fell over.” Then change the topic…but is it really going to actually do anything by saying that, as your not facing up to it but accepting it. So maybe next time if someone asks you can say, “I would rather not talk about it” or “it’s personal…”

Dealing with scars

If you hate your scars and want to do something about them, you have two options: You can find ways to conceal your scars, or you can try to heal/minimize them.


Sometimes when the option of concealing scars is available, you can;
Wear long sleeves, bracelets, or watches especially for scars around your arm. For example you can wear long sleeved tops made of light material, or just wear it open with a top underneath.
Trousers, tights can be worn for scars lower down
Concealer Make up (like dermablend) - can be another option to hide scar, it can be bended to colours very similar to your skin.

Other times plastic surgery may be required (please don’t consider this as a joke) to reduce the scarring. It can be effective but also extremely expensive. A good source for information about scars and plastic surgery is http://www.scarcare.org. [scarcare.org.]
Grafting may also be done on deeper, more serious wounds with the aim to reduce a network or scars to one bigger scar.
Tattooing has become popular as time progressed, which more and more people wanting to tattoo over their scars, however sometimes this would not work as scarred skin is very difficult to work with and may find it harder to hold the ink.
But you MUST remember that nothing can make scars fully go away, as the skin is already damaged.
Healing scars
When you want to heal the scars after self harm, you should clean the wound properly using antibiotic ointments etc… then you should clean around the wound and cover it up with a bandage- like band-aid advanced healing and it seals the wound completely and all the fluids would be absorbed but the bandage, keeping your wound moist and protected. You should always make sure you clean the wound every day and change the plasters daily and bandaged- like tubie grips weekly to prevent infection.
Use should also reduce the urge to pick at the wound, because picking it and damaging the scabs can cause infection and further scarring.

Medical concerns for people who cut

If you cut, you're losing two important things: fluid (plasma) and red blood cells. Your body can replace the plasma in about 48 hours if you drink enough liquid BUT the red blood cells will take about two months to be replenished.
Therefore you could have a chance of suffering from dehydration- which can send you into shock. Dehydration is when you do not have enough fluids in your body. Causing symptoms like dizziness, rapid pulse. Please note if you experience severe dehydration (very dizzy, can’t seem to hold fluids down etc…) go to the doctors immediately.
With low red blood cell counts- it can cause Anaemia- when you lose too much iron by losing too many red cells. If you are anaemic, you will be pale and feel very weak. You might be irritable and short of breath and just feel bad. If you have these symptoms, you can see a doctor and have the anaemia confirmed; the doctor will then give you iron supplements and vitamin C which should make you feel better in a few weeks. However to avoid anaemia you should take multi vitamin tablets and other supplements to reduce the chances of it occurring.

Please tell me what you think, what needs changing etc..

Good article, Sherry!

This is very nice. It caught my eye while browsing the Forums.

I don't think telling people who self harm how to cover up their scars is good advice, because it gives them more reason not to stop. Just my opinion.

okay, i do see your point, so if you want to tell me what you think, should be edited please say.

Wow, this was very helpful for me. Seeing as I cut myself before, and still do somewhat, I was looking for something like this. I was always too afraid to ask a friend or parent. They would be like 'Why?' 'What For?' Ect. I found this very informative, and helpful. Kudos, and thank you very much.