Help Cutting scars - cover up

[Whisperinyourear]

Hi all,

Can I ask what others have done to minimise the appearance or hide any cutting scars or tell others when they notice.

I have several 20+ noticable old scars on both arms. I have recently started uni to do nursing and my placement commences in aged care facilities/hospitals. I am not allowed to wear sleeves as part of healthy and safety policy and if I apply tattoo foundation it rubs off due to the tasks I do.

I'm considering telling patients a lie such as I got attacked by a dog, or keep it simple saying I had an accident a few years ago or just tell them to mind their own business when they ask. I just don't want to create an awakard relationship when I care for patients.

Any advice is appreciated. :)
Sorry - just realised my spelling errors when I wrote the post :/

 

[Silvermorning]

Tattoos in both arms , in my case.

 

[ecmnesia]

are your cuts still opened? if so, you might consider using bandages to cover them, it'd make total sense as an argument, cause if you exposed them you'd be risking an infection.

if not, you could count on the cover stories for a while and at the same time you should, if you can and want, look out for treatments that will help you reduce the scars, I myself used to apply a cream on the most prominent ones, and it helped a lot. I personally just avoid the questions... change subjects and depending on the person tell them to mind their own business, usually because of cutting patterns saying that you had an accident or were attacked by a dog doesn't tend to work...

 

[bpdteacher]

Hypocritical of me, but you could always 'own' them. I've seen so many healthcare professionals with scars that must be from self injury that I actually find it reassuring to know I'm not too abnormal and that successful people have had problems too. I appreciate that's not an easy option though.

Hypocritical of me though because I'm a teacher and while I would love to be able to share my mental health problems in a supportive way with kids I realistically know that it's not possible.

 

[Deleted member 14573]

I want to get a nice tattoo to cover up my scars. But it would need to be fairly larger size, and I worry a bit about a stigma that would be attached to me, especially since I'm a woman.
I think I care too much about what people think.

 

[Yuki Tenuki]

Yes, you care too much. :/
Tell them, such questions are way too personal and that you would like to work with them on a professional level. Getting tattoos to cover up your scars (even if you really like them) doesn't feel right, considering the purpose they are supposed to serve. *hugs*

 

[Sinkinshyp]

I've sported scars for ohh just over 30 years. I'm a lefty so my right arm is 1 big tic tac toe board wrist to bend in elbow. I've always had to hold my arm against my stomach so they didn't show. Sometimes when asked I would say my son pushed me on the oven rack when I was getting food out, sometimes I admitted it I was a very emotionally messed up teenager. I hope you can find a way to own them as well as hide them.

 

[GoneGoneGone]

If the pattern allows it, just say cat(s). Have some names prepared and maybe 2-3 pics to show to curious patients.

 

[suicidal-raven]

I got a tattoo to cover my old, old scars (then I went on to the other arm so now that oe is covered sadly) but that's a more permanent way and it depends on what you want on your body so it could take more time. I'd say to pretend like it's nothing, if anyone asks you can tell them what they are or use an animal/accident excuse as others have said. Or say it's personal and say you aren't comfortable talking about it. If you really think about it, others may understand better than you think. You may have a patient that also sh before or is still currently doing it. Honestly though? Take it one step at a time. Go with your gut instinct on what to say if you aren't fully sure. Some people may understand more than others and, sadly, some may judge more than others. Don't take anything to heart. You got this!

 

[Whisperinyourear]

I got a tattoo to cover my old, old scars (then I went on to the other arm so now that oe is covered sadly) but that's a more permanent way and it depends on what you want on your body so it could take more time. I'd say to pretend like it's nothing, if anyone asks you can tell them what they are or use an animal/accident excuse as others have said. Or say it's personal and say you aren't comfortable talking about it. If you really think about it, others may understand better than you think. You may have a patient that also sh before or is still currently doing it. Honestly though? Take it one step at a time. Go with your gut instinct on what to say if you aren't fully sure. Some people may understand more than others and, sadly, some may judge more than others. Don't take anything to heart. You got this!

Thankyou :)

 

[neitherherenorthere]

When you say you're not allowed to wear sleeves, do you mean long sleeves, or any sleeves at all? Maybe you could get away with wearing 3/4 sleeves?

Personally I wear t-shirts all the time and nobody ever notices my scars. If someone does notice and asks about them, usually making a dumb joke about it (e.g., I got in a fight with a lawn mower and lost; the tiger at the zoo looked like it needed a hug; etc.) sends the message that you don't want to talk about it. If they don't get the hint I'll just say that it's a personal matter. I don't think it would make things awkward--everyone has something that they don't like to talk about.

And don't feel ashamed of your scars. They're evidence of your strength and persistence in the face of adversity.

 

[Meretlein]

There are some laser scar removal treatments.

Tattoos are also an option.

My arm looks fine until you take a closer look, I just accept it and leave it as is.