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Is it OK to show scars in public? Should I be concerned about people commenting or should I be self-confident?

35 Answers
Last Updated: 01/11/2021 at 11:26pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Erynn
- Expert in Self-Harm
April 11th, 2015 6:18am
Whether or not it's "okay" will depend on the situation and how comfortable you are. Sometimes people will comment, so it may help to think of how you might respond in advance. Most of the time people just stare though. I've worn clothes that show my scars for about a a year and a half now and only had 4 comments. They all were "what happened to your arm?" one was pure concern from someone without his glasses on. The other 3 were curiosity. I tend to say "Oh, it's from a long time ago" because I'm typically shocked. It's awkward, but generally well meant or simply ignorant. I've never hand anyone continue a conversation past that point. The first few times I advise bringing some sort of covering clothing with you, so if you get too uncomfortable you can cover up again. The more you show your scars, the less it will probably bother you. Sometimes I pretty much forget I have scars!
Anonymous
March 7th, 2016 6:01am
Scars are beautiful - they tell stories. Don't be ashamed of them - they are a part you who you are. It is normal for people to be curious, so don't be afraid of people's questions, opinions, or comments if they ever come up. It's OK :)
Estherrrr
February 4th, 2015 6:18pm
It is definitely ok to show your scars in public, just as long as it doesn't make you uncomfortable. I struggled with showing my scars for a long time but now it doesn't make me uncomfortable because after awhile you just stop caring how people are going to view you and what they are going to think. You shouldn't be concerned about what others say because when all is said and done at the end of the day, they aren't you. You are you. All you really need to be concerned about is yourself.
lisahart0811
May 30th, 2015 3:07am
Our physical appearance is somewhat a reflection of who we are. Since others cannot know us off first instance they use our bodies, gestures, scars, and facial expressions as guidelines. This is a sign of who you were and what you went through. No matter what others perceive, it is your story and yours alone. How you present it can help influence how others see you. Be proud of what you have overcome and many times others will see it that way too. So, yes it is okay and you shouldn't be concerned. A chance to tell the beautiful journey of you!
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2018 8:19pm
I think it is completely fine to show scars in public. Yes some people will stare, or even ask you about them which may make you uncomfortable or upset. But at the end of the day you know why those scars are there, and the fact that you're still here, even with those scars shows what a strong person you are. Be confident in who you are, even if some people don't get it.
LokadiaElaine
August 15th, 2016 2:17pm
scars a part of your story. it sucks that you have emotional scars and now you have physical ones too... BUT they are a part of the beautiful you that you are. and you NEVER EVER have to be ashamed to show the real you
ClaireyMarie
July 21st, 2015 2:22am
I think you should do whatever you want. I don't hide mine, and only some people notice. I think that if it tells someone struggling that they aren't alone, it's worth having them on display. I don't care about the people that don't understand and judge me, it isn't my concern.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2016 2:22am
I think it's a very personal choice. But if someone wants to display their battle scars in public then I don't see a problem. People might want to show their scars because they want people to know that they are and have been fighting a battle. Sometimes to show the bullies what they have done.
Braesiat
April 10th, 2015 2:31am
definitely be self confident. A lot of times people judge what they don't understand so don't worry about it!
CJSteckDawg
May 27th, 2015 6:01am
I think of scars like natural tattoos, so I don't mind showing mine in public. Be brave and authentic. :)
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 12:49am
Of course, it's okay. They're warrior parts. There's nothing to be ashamed. You've done it pretty well. You should be self-confident, they're part of you anyways.
Belbelbel
June 6th, 2016 10:15pm
Be self confident! It's your body, and your scars. You might want to consider showing your scars to the world if they're very now because you never know who that can trigger - but otherwise, get outside in that tank top and the short shorts!
Eluna
April 4th, 2015 12:21am
It's definitely ok to show your scars in public! Most people will not comment about that, as it's usually really insensitive to comment about someone's scars. Although, if you feel confident enough to show them- go ahead! Wear them with confidence.
strawberrybubbles112
August 4th, 2020 8:19pm
Yes! It is completely okay to show scars in public. You should stay confident, other peoples commenting doesn't matter as long as you feel happy and comfortable to do so! :) Personally, I see scars as a journey we all survived and it shows that we are brave and confident! You do you because at the end of the day, the most important thing to you should be your own happiness, morale and confidence. So yes, it is completely okay to show your scars in public! I hope this answer helped and I hope you're doing well today! - Rebecca :)
Nahsha
April 11th, 2016 4:31am
If showing scars makes you feel comfortable, then do that. You should ever care about peoples negative comments.
Anonymous
July 27th, 2015 7:48pm
It is absolutely OK to show them in public, and you ought to be self-confident about them. Remember, each scar on your body sings a story of your personal victory in battles and lessons learnt from those that are lost, metaphorically. Your body is a battlefield. You're a fighter, love. And the scars are your medals.
CaptainBatkat
June 11th, 2015 9:57pm
I myself have many scars, but I believe it is okay to show your scars in public, it only shows people that you have had a though time, that you had your downs of life, but it also shows people that even through it has been a hard time, you also overcame it! You will always get scars after a battle afterall! You shoudln't be scared about people commenting, be self-confident! It was your battle, and you only show people that you won the battle.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2017 10:20pm
If you are happy with your scars being visible then absolutely! Do it. If people comment it may simply be that they are intrigued, perhaps been in a similar situation that you don't know about or if negative comments that is their own problem. Be confident in who you are and where you have come from, these scars are just battle wounds to show how far you have come.
Petervanowen
January 11th, 2021 11:26pm
I have a lot of scars on my body. I’m sometimes ashamed of them but mostly I try to embrace them. They haven’t killed me yet so I don’t mind talking about them. It is difficult when people stare however, makes me real uncomfortable in social situations. Self confidence to me has been a key point in accepting my scars. It is VERY hard to be honest about them when people ask. Sometimes I feel like I’m ostracized when people hear the truth. Mental illness is a huge problem in the country. All too often it’s minimized and back burnered. Wear your scars how you feel most comfortable.
beautifulsilence15
April 8th, 2015 6:42pm
Your scars are your body's way of letting the world know you have lived life. Some people hide their scars like the plague, but I say show your scars like trophies that say you played the game of life, and won.
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2018 12:15pm
I believe that showing scars in public is very brave. If you feel comfortable about this and your past, or even the problem you are having now, then there should be nothing to hide about this. You should't be concerned about being commenting on it, because many people got through the same as you, this is nothing to be ashamed of.
MollyCule
January 15th, 2018 6:27am
I say there’s no shame. When I see others’ scares, its makes me feel less alone in my struggle. Those scars are a part of what you are overcome or what you are struggling with.
smallstrawberry12
September 4th, 2017 7:33pm
I think if you want to show your scars, that's fine. I've never really tried to hide mine when I'm out in public. If other people comment or are uncomfortable with it, that's their fault and not yours. The scars aren't necessarily a good thing, but they are there and they're part of you, and there isn't much you can do to change it. I think that if you accept it. other people will start to too.
Anonymous
February 28th, 2017 2:09am
"Should" according to whom? Do not live your life according to other people's opinions on what you "should" be doing or not - that is entirely up to you, the rest is garbage. Second, your question implies it is either you show your scars or you are self-confident. Is it not possible to self-confidently show your scares while being open-minded about a variety of reactions that may occur? Be you! Live you loudly! It's OK if you think it's OK!
Magicalsunshine9
December 26th, 2016 2:16am
I feel like you feel self conscious about your scars. It is perfectly okay to show them off in public , it's not against the rules and it is no ones business to judge you for them. If you feel confident flaunt it , your scars show a story , it's a challenge and battle you've over come be proud 😊
RaCat
August 17th, 2016 9:42pm
It is really brave to show your scars in public. And if you are comfortable with this and with your past (or with your problem you are having right now) there is nothing to hide about. When someone see it, they can help you or they can't change them behavor and even make someones life better :)
PaleRose12
July 11th, 2016 5:42pm
Be confident show that there looks or comments don't bother you its important not to cover up scars they are a part of life and its normal to have them so work it.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2016 2:56pm
Be self confident, you should be proud to show what you've been through! But it is understandable if you are not yet ready.
WarmFireworks
February 1st, 2016 1:59am
Yes! If you are comfortable with it of course you can. There may be people that comment or whisper about it but keep in mind that their words will only bother you if you let them. You have no obligation to justify yourself to perfect strangers. You may have scars but they are not all there is to you.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2017 10:46am
Be self-confident, and yes, it is totally okay to show your scars in public. People might comment (and that's totally in the realm of possibility) but having confidence in yourself and being able to accept that others might not understand is the most important thing. Some people will stare, others might ask you - but it's because it's something they don't understand or have not experienced. Just something to remember!