Covering self harm with jewellery/similar?

[yellowraincoat]

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for this. I have a couple of quite bad self harm scars on my forearm. I really hate them and want to cover them up. In the winter, it's ok, I can just wear cardigans, but obviously it's not really great in the summertime.

I've seen a couple of things I could wear, but nothing in particular that really jumps out at me. I'm thinking some sort of metal cuff, but one that actually covers right round to the inside, most only cover the outside of the arm, if you see what I mean.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I know these aren't metal, but they are quite interesting.

Have you thought about wearing multiple bangles?

Not metal again, but these leather cuffs would cover quite a bit and they are unusual and very pretty.

How extensive are these scars? Have you considered burning them off with liquid nitrogen? I've had several large sun spots removed from my face this way and there is no trace of them.

New Look beaded cuff

Oooh I actually really like the leather AND the plastic cuffs. Knotty, have thought about multiple bangles, but a bit worried that they might not really cover the scars if they are falling about on my arm.

Cote, I have not thought about liquid nitrogen. In fact, have never even heard of that for scar removal. Going to look it up now!

Thanks for your replies, I really appreciate it!

More expensive metallic

Top Shop beaded

With the multiple bangle idea, if you went for the softer bangles they would stay in place more. I'll have a look to show you what I mean.

Lots of these There are cheaper versions around at the moment.

If you google images for 'elasticated cuff bracelets', there are quite a few that are chunky and would cover all the way around.

Thanks so much for these suggestions, have to dash right now, but going to check out the links when I'm home!

You're very welcome . Hope you find something that you like.

Looking ahead, have you considered using Bio Oil to help reduce the scarring?

Liquid nitrogen is so cold that it causes a burn, but this is of course a controlled burn. A thick scab forms and some days later, it falls off and baby skin comes from underneath

how many scars do you have? can you not pass them off as some kind of accident?

i used to self harm, and i have so many scars that there is no way of hiding htem. i tend to just wear long sleeves, although have decided that this summer is my "coming out" summer and i do have a couple of 3/4 length sleeve items that i'm too scared planning to wear

Hi and thanks again all for your suggestions, going to have a look around tomorrow and buy something I think.

Bunbaker, I do use some different things to try and make the scars go - nothing really working so far although they are better than they were. Really going to consider the liquid nitrogen, never heard of it before for this.

Thisisyesterday (manics fan, yes?!), I have lots of little and old scars, but two new ones. Really annoyed that I did it again, cos I hadn't for ages. This was ages ago, before Christmas, but they're just not fading as much as I'd hoped. Spose one good thing that's come from it is that I really don't think I'll do it again, I really shocked myself I think. I wish I could pass them off as an accident, it's just the horrible thought of someone ASKING. I think it is so rude to ask - any scar is not going to have a happy story and yet people do ask. Horrible.

Hope it goes well for you with the shorter sleeves - I know it's not easy.

Thanks again for all the suggestions! Will let you know when I buy something!

yep am a manics fan
i too think it's rude to ask, and tbh when i was younger i used to wear short sleeves all the time and the only time anyone ever asked about my scars was when i was in America, so i don't know why i am so worried really, but there you go!

hope you have found some lovely new bangles/cuffs anyway :)

You could maybe try somewhere like TopShop for a very fine lace cardi. They have had some in lately. Really lightweight to wear and the fine mesh would hide any marks on your arms.

This one is cool as fuck and the fringe is gorgeous.

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2327944&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208524&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[209729|208524]&noOfRefinements=1

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2327944&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208524&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[209729|208524]&noOfRefinements=1

Suspect this link attempt won't work and no idea why, sorry.

Here is the item code instead so you can search for it on the Topshop website if you are interested! Item code: 04C09YCRM

Hey hero, I like the idea of a cardi like that, but am most worried about my arms at work and it wouldn't really be appropriate.

Might have a look around for something similar...pay day is TOMORROW!

Hey OP. I self harmed a lot in my teens and have far too many to pass off as anything else. Over the last three years they have faded to what they will stay like and you know what? It was my past. I did self harm. I was unhappy. I am not now. I don't cover them up (people generally don't notice anyway - I am pale and so they blend well, tans make them a bit more obvious but still most people wouldn't notice) Don't cover them up if you can help it. Accept it and move on from it. Don't think about them, they are there, they are part of you now. If anyone asks you just say it was a while ago and all is fine now. :)

Just seen that you have some new ones. I once while doing it but a bandage on my arm and said that I had eczema that had flared up. If anyone asks to see you just say, no sorry it is too uncomfortable.

Actually, melted makes a very good suggestion. Could you maybe get a small tubigrip bandage and cut it to size to fit over the marks? You can slip it off whenever you go home. You could pretend you have sprained your arm. Then you can happily wear whatever top you want.

What about make up? I have two large scars from surgery, one on each thigh, that I am very self conscious about when on holiday. I use DermaColor here (got it at Charles Fox make up studio in Covent Garden and they colour matched for me). It's expensive but you hardly need any. It's waterproof, so fine for swimming/getting caught in rain, and just comes off with baby oil.

I like it because you can vary how much you cover up - layer it on if you want to avoid anyone asking, just a light covering if you want to make it less obvious at first glance. And no chance of it slipping, like a bracelet.

Like DoubleDegreeStudent was just about to recommend camoflage make up - you can buy online or get colour matched. Or ask you gp for a referral to the red cross voluntary camoflage make up at your local hospital that has a dermatology unit. All for a donation to Red Cross when you are there (though they actually didn't ask me!) Lots of brands there so they keep testing until it is just right. They used to self harmers using them and it can help with confidence etc. It is waterproof also! And only cost then is a prescription one if you can't get to Covent Garden to do it privately.

I have scars but my work opperates a bare-below-elbow policy.

I've never heard of liquid nitro either!

I'd be too scared to mention it to my GP, Kezia, as I'm being treated for depression and I'm terrified SS would get involved, even though the scars are from 15 years ago. But great advice!

I say my cat scratched me whilst worming.

Ah, the folly of youth.