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Original poster

Upper Arm Cuff/band - to hide scar

37 replies

TBJP · 13/07/2011 13:29

Hi

I have a scar on my upper right arm that prevents me from wearing short-sleeved tops/dresses.

I quite like this thing Kylie is wearing in this video; , or that the girls in white are wearing, but I can't find anything.
Will it look too much like a black armband they wear during football matches, when someone has died, or can a non-popstar carry off this look?!

Am hopeless at crafts/sewing, so please don't suggest I make something!

Any idea where I can buy something similar, or any other ideas?
I don't want something too metally/jagged, as I have a baby I am always hoisting up!

tia

OP posts:
dexter73 · 13/07/2011 13:32

I think it would look like some sort of bandage and wouldn't look that great.

Original poster
TBJP · 13/07/2011 13:34

Yes, that is my concern! Looks great on Kylie and the dancers though!

Any other ideas please?

OP posts:
ellangirl · 13/07/2011 14:02

So, there are two options in my mind:

  1. camoflage make up- red cross do lessons I hear, you should be able to get info from your GP.
  2. Wear the clothes you want anyway. I have vitiligo all over, and if I only wore clothes that covered the white patches , I would be restricted to wearing something akin to a full burka!
Original poster
TBJP · 13/07/2011 16:33

Thanks for the kind reply, ellangirl.
The scar is indented, no amount of makeup (unless literally caked on in layers!) will hide it.
And yes, you are right, and I have done, I'm just quite conscious of it. :(

OP posts:
ellangirl · 14/07/2011 14:19

Sorry it didn't sound all that kind TBJP. Covering up, or not, is something I'm very conscious of at the moment, as the sun is bringing out all my white patches badly! I should have a been a lot more sensitive to your wanting to hide it, and I wasn't.

Original poster
TBJP · 16/07/2011 16:37

:) Not sure if you thought I was being sarcastic - I was perfectly happy with your reply, the kindness about not caring what anyone else thinks and I should just wear what I like.
And you are right - I should just brave it.
I do sometimes, but sometimes I want to hide it, I do feel less attractive with this big ugly scar on my arm, though I appreciate people struggle with far worse.

Sorry you are struggling with the white patches too. Hope you are doing ok!

OP posts:
daisythelabradoodle · 16/07/2011 18:39

I broke my knee last year and had to have it screwed together and now have a massive scar down the side of my leg, I got sick of having to wear tights/Leggings with dresses and so teamed up with a dressmaker and we have put together a line of dresses with various length sleeves and skirts maybe you would like to have a look I know how hard it is trying to hide scars, www.facebook.com/pages/CEE-Chic/110521819036748

Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:08

Thanks, daisy. Hope your knee is ok - sympathies.
I don't want to pay for a new wardrobe though - I have lots of lovely clothes already. I just want something to cover the scar, jewelery or something.

OP posts:
cyb · 19/07/2011 20:10

I would be brave enough to go without

no one will care

Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:13

Thanks, cyb. Looking like I'll have to. It really is a very ugly scar though - I don't think the poor unsuspecting public should be subjected to it!
I should not be so vain, I know.

OP posts:
cyb · 19/07/2011 20:16

What about some make up if you are really conscious

Lots of good covering brands

Shame to let one thing stop you from wearing what you want

And ahve you seen most other people?

CMOTdibbler · 19/07/2011 20:18

How about getting a jeweller to make you a silver arm cuff/bangle ? It wouldn't need to be v bulky, and you could design it as you like. I'm thinking silver, flat in cross section, maybe curved with spirals so there wouldn't be anything to catch on your baby

I'm planning on having something made to reduce the emphasis on the extensive scarring on my hand - not that I'm embarrassed, I'd just rather it wasn't a focus

TeaspoonThief · 19/07/2011 20:21

I too don't let my scars bother me....they are down my legs from my knees to my ankles. Bizarrely i'm alot less self concious about them as my flabby upper arms and tummy etc....since in a strange sort of way - they can't be helped iyswim...

Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:26

:) Thanks, cyb. I guess. I just do feel hideous. Not average like most people.

The make up won't help - the scar is indented.

CMOT, I think I'll do that - just didn't want to have to spend too much, and I am always wary of getting something made in case I don't get over exactly what I want. Will any jeweller make this kind of thing? How do you source someone for this type of job?

True, teaspoon. Am feeling not so bad now I know there are others with scars - I just never see anyone with scars as bad as mine.

OP posts:
TeaspoonThief · 19/07/2011 20:27

How did you achieve your scar? Mine was through an accident and as such i'm lucky to have two feet to walk on (nearly lost one - have a delightful limp and when i run i look ridiculous) - seriously - no one will care. People are far more likely to be judgemental about other things Hmm - and in any case - ignore them any way.....

The shape will be fine - the only thing i might suggest is to make them a little less red with some concealer if it will make you feel better. Have you seen Amanda Redman? she burned her arms and upper torso pulling boiling water on herself as a toddler....she shows off her arms.....

TeaspoonThief · 19/07/2011 20:29

sorry i couldn't find a bigger pic....Smile

Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:30

I had to have an operation. You are very right - on the bright side, I am alive, and I might not have been.

I will google Amanda Redman - have not heard of her. I am in awe of the Katie who does that program My Beautiful Face. I know an arm scar is nothing compared to what she deals with.

OP posts:
Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:30

Ah, crossposted, you saved me the bother!! Thanks! I do recognise her.

OP posts:
WhoWhoWhoWho · 19/07/2011 20:34

I have a big sking graft down my left arm from my neck to down past my elbow (and a scar from where the skin was taken from said graft on left thigh).

Have you had this scar all your life TBJP? I'm guessing not. Only reason I'm guessing not is that as a child my scar made me the subject of a lot of bullying and questions and I suppose I have become very thick skinned about it. Smile

I know it's hard to brave it, especially on general yukky days when you feel a bit blah anyway (I'm sure I'm not the only one that has these), but I think trying to hide your scar is really like trying to hide part of who you are and no one should have to do that. Hope that makes sense.

TeaspoonThief · 19/07/2011 20:36

Perhaps we should do a scar / skin graft amnesty on here Grin It's more common than people think....

CMOTdibbler · 19/07/2011 20:37

I'd go to some local craft fairs - always lots of silver jewellers at them. People usually like to work closely to get your design right - look for people with stuff you like, then chat with them and see how you feel.

But Teaspoon is right - no one is bothered by the scar except you. Organisations like Changing Faces can advise you on being more confident about it, if thats something you are interested in.

TeaspoonThief · 19/07/2011 20:40

But CMOT is right too (fab name btw) - if it is making you that unhappy it can be covered with a nice piece of statement jewellery....

Original poster
TBJP · 19/07/2011 20:41

Thanks WWWW! No, not had it since childhood, so I know I should be grateful I am only dealing with it now. Sorry to hear about the bullying, that's just awful. And yeah absolutely, I have yukkier days when I feel more bleurgh.

TT, ha, ok, I'm in! :)

Good tip, CMOT, and I have just thought of one that is local to me, so I'll get there soon. And thank you re the Changing Faces idea.

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
WhoWhoWhoWho · 19/07/2011 20:47

I look at it as a positive that i've had my scar as long as I can remember, like I say I am used to it and pretty accepting of it now. Smile

Also do bear in mind that everyone has something they'd change, no one is perfect!

CMOTdibbler · 19/07/2011 20:53

Is it fairly recent btw ? As silicon sheet dressings/putty can make a huge difference ime - one of my scars was very indented, and a compression garment (which was for something else, but are used in scar management) has left it almost smooth. But you only have a year after the scar forms to remodel them.

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