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After recovery from self-harm, how can I deal with the scars left on my body?

24 Answers
Last Updated: 06/23/2020 at 6:06pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Elaine Kish, LMSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

My goal is to treat clients with respect and compassion. I am a supportive, strengths-based therapist with experience in treating mood disorders, grief, and trauma.

Top Rated Answers
jediforce
October 9th, 2015 7:59am
I took this question to mean something else entirely than the perceptions of the other comments left. When I stopped self-harming and while I was doing it, I had an overwhelming sense of pride in my scars. I would think to myself that I'm worthless and ugly and, therefore, deserve them, which is obviously a terrible way of thinking. I loved seeing them, and I loved being proud of them. Therefore, it instilled in me a greater sense of want to self-harm. So, my number one advice, do not be proud of your scars. It may not seem like a big deal to think of them in a positive light in a sense that you overcame a difficult time; however, I think that is a glamorized ideal that can further perpetuate the desire for destruction. I like to think of my scars as ugly marks left by ugly times. Take pride in the fact that you stopped not in the evidence left on your body. People may adversely disagree with my point of view. But, in the end, I think it is the healthiest way to cope and move on. Now, that may not be at all what you were inquiring about, but I do still think it's important to share, regardless. In terms of medications and remedies, Medurma works excellently.
SpreadingPositivity
March 29th, 2015 11:49am
Good question. There are a lot of remedies to help with self harm scars, bio oil, rescue oil, which can be bought in a numerous of stores. But the main remedy to help with the scars is acceptance. No matter how much you hate you're scars, you have to accept that they ARE there, try looking at them in a different way. They are battle scars, they are proof that anyone going through self harm can recover. They are part of you're body now, and it's you're choice to accept them. Everybody is beautiful, with or without scars. ♥
Erynn
- Expert in Self-Harm
April 11th, 2015 6:26am
There are tons of ways to deal with the scars - and YOU are the only one who can decide for YOU what will make you most comfortable. Some people accept their scars; some embrace them as a symbol of things they've overcome; some regret it but just remind themselves it's over. Some people don't bother to cover them in public; some show them at home or among friends; some keep them covered... it's up to you! However you feel about your scars - proud, ashamed, fond, unhappy... it's all valid and ok. You've made it all the way to recovery - you'll figure this out too.
Anonymous
April 3rd, 2015 6:10pm
I useally put Make up over my scars until i think that they have faded enough. I have been clean 2 weeks.
kuriyagi
June 19th, 2018 11:01pm
Wear your scars with pride their recognition of your victory over self harm crisis many argue with this however with experience I know that this is a very influential and positive way to take away any worry about the subject my ignoring it's there by revealing it.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2015 6:35am
You can do one of three things: cover them up, try to make them go away, or embrace them. Depending on the part of body you've self harmed, you can cover them up with pretty typical clothing. Mine are on my hips and left arm- just above my elbow- and those are easy to cover up with oversized t-shirts, tucked in. Vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, baking soda, and many other natural remedies can work for scars, but not for everybody. That's something you just have to work with and see what you like.
Anonymous
August 17th, 2015 5:58pm
I see my scars as a physical reminder of a battle I have overcome. They remind me that I am strong and I can do this. For the worst ones, I covered with a tattoo. Not just any old thing, but an inspirational quote that reminds me to keep going. A personal meaning.
MovingForward23
November 7th, 2016 1:10pm
Don't be ashamed of these- you were in a HORRIBLE place and you are alive now! That's amazing, and no matter what- know that.
Mgogreen
June 27th, 2016 4:29pm
Try finding some cream from a store. I know one cream. Polysporion. This cream will really help you.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2020 6:06pm
You don't have to get rid of them they are scars from your gain. They are not bad . They will make you remember what you have gone through and how strong you are . Don't let someone make fun of you because of them . They are a prize not something you will be ashamed of. But if you really don't feeel good with them you can ask your parents to take you a doctor who can make a surgery to get rid of them . Don't be scared to ask your parents and don't let them making fun of you. You are trying to recover. yYou won that fight.
zaatarHoney
September 2nd, 2019 6:13pm
This is a situation I’ve lived through and currently cope with still. I’ve personally handled this in a couple ways. I’ve had some covered with a tattoo I really love, and others- I can hide with my clothing, the ones that still remain visible, or become visible when I dress for hot weather, I find peace with how much they fade over time. Yes, almost like braille, they tell a story of heartache and turmoil, but as they fade- it’s a reminder that I’ve overcome all of that and have continued to thrive past it all. So, I guess to answer your question... there are many ways we can cope afterward. But if I have any suggestion? You are a survivor. Your strength allowed you to persevere despite the obstacles you were up against. You are worthy of love for the entirety of who you are, including your past.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2018 8:12pm
You can hide them with makeup until they fade and treat them with over the counter medication for scars if you don't wish to see them. However, some people get tattoos over them or around them as a reminder of the past. It all depends on where you're trying to go and what you're trying to do, personal preference and what you're most comfortable with.
bettyanne12
April 11th, 2017 5:29am
Bio oil. I used bio oil for most of mine but there is still some left. I got a tattoo for mine because every time I looked in the mirror it was always there and made me feel worse than I did. Now I look and smile because I realised I got through that stage in my life.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2016 10:34pm
Being that they are scars it is important to know they will be there for a long time. Scars do not disappear, but fade gradually. So we can not ignore them. It is understandable to desire to cover them up, but when we do look back at them they will remind us. They'll hold memories whether we like it or not. To deal with scars is to deal with the emotions they bring to us. It may be a feeling of defeat, despair, embarrassment even. We need to learn to not feel ashamed of these memories and especially of how our scars look. Then you'll begin to deal with the scars left.
Anonymous
June 14th, 2016 7:06pm
It is best to embrace those scars. They are a part of you, and although they may have a bad history behind them, they're good - because they're a part of you.
BVBismycopingskill
May 16th, 2016 12:02am
Concealer sometimes works. But you should try the concealer people use for tattoos. It's stronger and waterproof. You should also try vitamin E oil.
CuddlyTom
May 10th, 2016 1:16pm
I use things such as 'Bio Oil' which help in reducing the marks left from scars, but the best thing is to let the scars heal naturally.
Anonymous
March 21st, 2016 6:53pm
Take them as experiences in life. Every scar has a story and resembles a mistake made in life. Learn from all the lessons and use what you've experienced to evolve and be a better you.
Anonymous
January 28th, 2016 3:26am
They're battle scars - don't be ashamed of them. They tell you what you have been through, it shows you're a survivor.
laylac09
September 15th, 2015 12:07am
I've been clean for a year and 3 months and I honestly still cannot deal with my scars. Some days I love them because they are a reminder of how far I've gotten and I'm still her today and other days I hate them because I feel that people will judge me. I think it's all about confidence. If you feel confident and not really pay it any mind then I think people are not gonna care because if it doesn't bother you, why should it bother them?
Anonymous
August 18th, 2015 6:54am
Scars are nothing to be ashamed of. I have heard of a medication that helps scars fade and you can also cover them with makeup if they bother you that badly. You should never be ashamed of them though.
stronger10
July 27th, 2015 1:22am
Some people view scars as a strength because they mean you made it through. You can also try scar removal methods (like Mederma). Just try to accept them as part of your past, but know that they don't define you.
WhenYouSmile
May 15th, 2015 12:56am
There's many scar creams out on the market! Friends of mine say this really works for them! Make sure to let them fully heal first before covering them with anything x
LittleChowey13
April 5th, 2015 9:27am
Well I think that you should never be ashamed of them, they are part of a battle that you had to fight. You should be pretty proud of being able to fight your demons and stop your addiction. To fade them using scar creams and bio oil helps too! If anyone asks just say there scars which mean there in the past now and are a battle you won :) xx stay strong from littlechowey13