Anybody else? Self harm and acne

[Brunette2023]

HiI have a mixture of scars on my lower forearms both raised and flat. This is from self harm. They are fully healed. Many years ago I massaged bio oil into the affected areas. It turned my scars white.

I have started to get the ball rolling with skin camouflage via Email and eligibility. I found on the NHS scar reduction too. Maybe my GP could prescribe me something to help flatten the raised scars.

I developed acne in my later years and have received dermatology help on the NHS.

I find it very hard to face the mirror as a result of the scarring on my arms and acne. I cover up a lot and find hot weather hard to manage and summer is coming up. My face gets even more oily and I have to wear long sleeves. I get break out and feel sad I can't wear shorter sleeves. My facial appearance has changed and I find that very painful emotionally as my skin was in good condition and had no problems. It's now a different story. My dermatologist is optimistic but it's not a full cure.

I have had stares in the past at swimming pool during water aerobics from the scarring and never went back.

I find it hard to cope with at times as both affect my self esteem.

I would be grateful for any thoughts or useful comments.

Thank you

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Brunette2023 Thank you for your post and welcome to our community. I understand your scarring and acne have had an impact on your self-esteem and wellbeing which does sound hard for you. It’s good that you have felt able to be open and share with us how you have been feeling.

I can also hear that you are feeling unsure about what services and treatments from medical professionals may be able to offer you, it sounds positive that you have taken steps to do research and book appointments to gain more information and explore your options further.

Many people we talk to also tell us that experiencing staring and feeling limited in clothing choices particularly in the summer months is difficult for them, hopefully you will be able to connect further with others on here who can also relate to this.

I thought it might also be helpful to mention that Changing Faces also has a Wellbeing Service which has various options of support including advice and guidance pages, and 1-1 support and counselling. I have included a link to the website here in case you might like to get more information about the options available: changingfaces.org.uk/servic...

I hope you find this space supportive and helpful.

Take care

Caroline - Changing Faces

[Solocat Community Ambassador]

Hi Brunette2023! First of all, be more than welcome to our site. Kudos for reaching out and ask for help: that's the first most important step of all, and you just did it! I hope you can find our site helpful in any possible way!

It looks like you're having such a hard time adapting to your situation which somehow is coming up as challenging to you, but know this: there's always hope and there are plenty of things you can do to go round situations and overcome your challenges. I see you've been reaching out to your dermatologist and it looks like you're really doing good and getting good advice from them. Keep it up and eventually you'll get to overcome your hurdles. I really think a dermatologist will be a great ally for you as they can handle skin issues really well. Please reach out to them; it's good they also know that your skin problems are somehow affecting your self-esteem and your self-image, I believe they could have access to a multi-d approach that could also address the mental stress derived from skin conditions as this is not uncommon.

Well, and of course please let me know how it goes. I'd really love to hear from you. "Let me struggle your struggle and find my path when you find yours" Myself, .

Take good care Brunette2023!