Scar advice

[Katiex]

Hello,

When I was at school I got in with the wrong crowd of friends and started self harming. I was only doing it because I thought everyone was doing it when they weren't. i am now left with scars on my forearm. I have had them for 3 years and they are white line scars which are slightly but not significantly raised. I really want to get rid of them now and was thinking about lasers? Has anyone had laser treatment for white self harm scars? I am told CO2 laser are good?

[Iluvhorses]

I don't know. If it were me, I would just leave them, but it's up to you. Laser treatment is quite expensive isn't it?

[Dbno]

hi

the daily mail did an article on scar reduction - it might be worth looking at.  Bio Oil and Kelo-cote might work.

I think that laser treatment is costly and might not help that much

[hh1992]

Hi,

I have a 12 year history with self harm and have small white scars, thick red keloid scars and cigarette burns. I have never thought about laser as I know it is expensive and doesn't necessarily work.

It's important to remember that scars are forever and there is nothing that will 'get rid' of them. But there are things that you can do to reduce the appearance of them. I use bio oil every day and although i don't think it makes a huge difference, it's important to keep scars hydrated.

I would start by trying to accept the fact that you have scars and that they are a part of your life, rather than be ashamed of them. I find that people don't usually bring it up as it's not appropriate.

There are certain types of make up that you can get to camouflage scars such as Keromask. I have joined a self harm support group that provides makeup for scars as medical treatment for free so maybe have a look around and see if something like this is available in your area.

Best of luck!