Hi everyone,

I know that prevention is best (what we're all aiming for, right? ) and that there's really no 'cure' for scars, but:

I just wondered if any of you could share any wisdom/advice on how to heal cuts and make scars less visible?

Luckily I don't think my latest SI cuts are going to scar very noticably, but I have some pink/shiny scars on my upper forearm - these cuts were a little deeper, at the worst of my SI. At the time I don't think I realised how much damage I was doing (or cared) and things got a little out of hand... anyway, that was a number of months ago, and these scars are still very obvious, and a painful reminder of where I've been. I really want to put SI behind me. (And I'd really like to not have to wear long sleeves EVERY d*** day for the rest of my life!)

I've been trying using Bio Oil, which I'm not sure had much of an effect, and also Aloe Vera gel - which I've had some success with on stretch marks before, so I figure that might help... I'm hoping time will also be a healer.

I've 'Googled' this, but there's not a lot of info I'd consider reliable - companies trying to sell products, people recommending things they haven't actually tried, etc. So, have any of you had any good results from creams/gels/oils etc? Home remedies?

I know some people have also had tattoos over their scars - and this is something I'd consider - but I've not really found much info on how successful tattooing actually is at disguising scars - my fear is that it would draw more attention to them? Anyone have any experience of this?

I've heard some people use makeup - but I've tried one really good concealer and it did squat...

Anything I'm missing?

[Indie'sOK]

I know what you mean and I HATE it. My job involves constant physical work, so I don't really have much success with hiding my scar. Mine is a single dark, deep lash across my forearm, about an inch and a half long and a few millimeters wide. If someone were really looking, they'd be able to see many smaller, faint marks further up my arm, but they're barely noticeable in relation to the bigger one. I caught one of the new girls at work today staring at it...most of the older ladies ignore it altogether, though I know they've seen it too. I hate the thought of people thinking I've tried to commit s**c*de, but it's very possible they do.

Anyways, I guess I can't offer much more than empathy as I'm in the same boat, but know you're not the only person struggling with this. Most of us are.

[mistyeyed]

Originally Posted by just_some_girl

Hi everyone,

I know that prevention is best (what we're all aiming for, right? ) and that there's really no 'cure' for scars, but:

I just wondered if any of you could share any wisdom/advice on how to heal cuts and make scars less visible?

Luckily I don't think my latest SI cuts are going to scar very noticably, but I have some pink/shiny scars on my upper forearm - these cuts were a little deeper, at the worst of my SI. At the time I don't think I realised how much damage I was doing (or cared) and things got a little out of hand... anyway, that was a number of months ago, and these scars are still very obvious, and a painful reminder of where I've been. I really want to put SI behind me. (And I'd really like to not have to wear long sleeves EVERY d*** day for the rest of my life!)

I've been trying using Bio Oil, which I'm not sure had much of an effect, and also Aloe Vera gel - which I've had some success with on stretch marks before, so I figure that might help... I'm hoping time will also be a healer.

I've 'Googled' this, but there's not a lot of info I'd consider reliable - companies trying to sell products, people recommending things they haven't actually tried, etc. So, have any of you had any good results from creams/gels/oils etc? Home remedies?

I know some people have also had tattoos over their scars - and this is something I'd consider - but I've not really found much info on how successful tattooing actually is at disguising scars - my fear is that it would draw more attention to them? Anyone have any experience of this?

I've heard some people use makeup - but I've tried one really good concealer and it did squat...

Anything I'm missing?

As incredibly guilty as I feel sharing this and only because you asked, and I'm a cosmetic junkie. Sally Hansen 'airbrushed legs' is pretty amazing. It's waterproof which is helpful for hot/sweaty days in the summer. It dries quickly but I guess with my experience and pigmentation, I had to layer it for certain scars.. it also doesn't come off on clothes from what i can tell. If you're particularly worried esp with arms and whatnot, I find dabbing foundation powder on top of the airbrushed legs stuff to be super helpful

[whenwillitend]

I've tried Mederma, used it for 6 months. It was expensive, and that was all. Didn't do anything for the scars. I'm so embarrassed by them.

I just read about body makeup, the stuff they use to cover up tattoos and such on models. I think I'll give that a try. I'm just glad fall/winter is coming, and long sleeves.

[nicoleb2]

I've also tried mederma, with no noticeable changes.

I have some really dark scars on my upper arm. It's only a problem in the summer when I want to wear tank tops.

I also have some smaller marks on my thighs, which are an issue anytime i am in shorts.

I haven't really had any luck with anything.

I hope you find something that will help you

[Mike_J]

Being a guy sort of helps, I don't try to hide my scars, I have several from just "life" so the 100 or so extra ones don't seem to get noticed..

Originally Posted by Mike_J

Being a guy sort of helps, I don't try to hide my scars, I have several from just "life" so the 100 or so extra ones don't seem to get noticed..

Good for you

I think I'd be less bothered by my scars if they'd fade to white and/or if they were more 'random' and therefore could be easily explained away as from just 'life', but mine are very obvious SI (all in a row.) I really wish I could take them back.