I've started wearing short sleeves this summer! (eek!)

[Massive-Molly]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. All the scars on my arms are old. Some are very visible, but they're all at LEAST 2 months old. And I've been putting Dermablend on them, which doesn't cover it up completely but helps a lot with the shine and the purple tint.
So... I guess I've "come out" as a self injurer? I don't show any new wounds or anything, I'd never do that. And I don't flash around my scars or anything. I'd like it if people don't notice. And when people do notice, I lie and tell them they're burns from baking or I fell when I was little or something like that. (But I don't think anyone really believes that) I've only had 2 people ask me about them so far.
It's just been so hot this summer, I was dying under my cardigans and arm warmers.

So what do you think? Good idea? Bad idea? I feel really naked with my arms showing, but it's just SO hot outside...

Anyone else show their scars?

[dragonfly]

If you're comfortable with it, then I think its a great idea. I've shown my scars in past summers and not many people have paid any attention to them and feels better than always worrying about whether or not you've got them completely covered. And its been hot lately, so yeah i don't see why you shouldn't do it.

[Mishka]

It depends on the type of person you are. Personally, I just don't care about any scaring I get.

Unfortunately, they take years to heal (+/-5 years depending on the type of scaring), and you need to constantly protect them in order to give them maximum recovery effort. Even if you have a t-shirt on, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate through them and you do need to apply sunscreen and moisturizer to them.

[iliketurtles]

Unfortunately, they take years to heal (+/-5 years depending on the type of scaring), and you need to constantly protect them in order to give them maximum recovery effort. Even if you have a t-shirt on, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate through them and you do need to apply sunscreen and moisturizer to them.

Ooh didn't know that helped! I always moisturise my whole body after showering anyway, and I use(d) arnica on new cuts but I'm going to step it up! Thanks :)

It's been very hot here (28 degrees or something ridiculous) so I've been wearing short sleeves when out and about on my own, my upper arms are there for all to see but I wear a lot of bangles and walk at some odd angles to hide my wrists. And I wear long sleeves around people I know.

[shadows]

I don't have the courage to do that, even though I have gotten so much better at finding better ways of coping over the last year and almost never self-harm anymore. I still have too many scars that haven't faded and I hate the thought of people looking at me and wondering and judging. I live in a college town where a lot of the other students and professors know me, too, so that doesn't help. My goal is to venture out in public in short sleeves for just one day, but I haven't managed it yet. :/

Hearing dragonfly say that no one really seemed to notice makes me feel a little better, though. Please post if you have any specific positive or negative experiences. You have no idea how much I envy your courage. :p

[Pixi]

My scars are 5 years old now, and now i honestly dont mind flopping them out.
My right arm was my 'fave' arm. Which i now have a tattoo sleeve :) The scars you can hardly see, and the tattoo sleeve diverts the eye/covers them.

It felt really weird at first 'letting them loose' (if i can put it like that) but honestly, not many people noticed. :)
I feel so freeeee!
And loved the day i chucked away my bloody arm warmers!

x

[Mishka]

I know what you mean, turtles, but I would LOVE to have your weather! It's been around 37-38 Celsius here, and over the month of July, it'll be around 40.

Shadows, people tend to be fixated on themselves, so I doubt they'll notice the scaring. :) Just remember to help them heal up!

[iliketurtles]

I know what you mean, turtles, but I would LOVE to have your weather! It's been around 37-38 Celsius here, and over the month of July, it'll be around 40.



Woah! The country's practically come to a standstill here coz of the sun, can't imagine it being higher