Blood donation

I was supposed to give blood the other day, but was unable to because I have some small cuts on my arms from picking at the skin. (I do cut myself as well but these are in less visible places.) They said that I wasn't able to give blood because they said about risk of infection and bacteria that could get into the wound.
This got me to thinking are you able to give blood if you self harm?

Hi L and S - I get that if there are open wounds that you would be unable to give blood - but am not sure about old healed wounds. I have given blood in the past, but my scars would be seen if I gave it now - so I too would be interested in the answer to that question. I am also aware that the last time I did give blood it gave me the same relief that SI does and for that reasons too I have been avoiding it as I think that maybe for me giving blood is a sort of SI thing and not a good thing.

I cut and donate blood, but my cuts and scars are not in a visible place. I wasn't aware that you couldn't donate if you had open wounds on your arms, but I guess that makes sense. I am surprised they don't ask or say anything about donating if you have open cuts if that is something that could disqualify you from donating.

There are no guidelines for donating blood if you have visible scars.
An open wound means probable bacterial infection, but if you're healed, then yes, you can give.

Yep you can my mother is a boss of the American Red Cross In my city.....in fact I went to give blood today but my iron was too low and didn't pass, they're rarely ask questions unless they are fresh cuts but if not not necessarily. I just simply reply I have/had a problem and am now working on it can't speak for the whole foundation of the A.R.C. Across the states but assuming from where I stand it won't be a big deal