[onionknight]

If you are hot in say a classroom and you feel comfortable with people seeing your cuts, can someone tell you to cover up for their own comfort?

[geis]

It depends. In the US, there are legal protections against discrimination on the basis of disability, and since self-harm is a symptom of mental illness, that falls under the ADA guidelines. However, if a dress code requires long sleeves for everyone or something similar (basically, the rule somehow applies to everyone, regardless of dis/ability), then I believe it's legal.

What you're more likely to come up against, though, is whether it's really worth a fight. Law or no, some people are likely to be jerks if they see scars, and a lot of the time it's just easier to keep them covered than to get into it with those people. But that's a judgment you can make yourself.

[smmath]

Can you at least cover them up with Bandaids? I felt the same way years ago and let people see them, but now I realize that it can be a trigger for others so nowadays I cover them with Bandaids if it is hot.

[amandalouise]

onionknight...most times this doesnt become an issue. in general people who have visible scars tend to naturally cover those scars up. just like one would naturally try to cover up an extremely notice-able birthmark, zit or rash. With all the attention society places on things like good hygiene, good looking skin, being the right look, people who have scars are usually seof conscious of having their scars whether that scar was gotten though natural causes or through crimes committed against them, accidents, or self injury. most in general dont want others to see their scars and then have to explain to those who may ask what happened to get that scar. I know I wouldnt want to explain to anyone that walked up to me and saw the scars I have and to have to tell them my abuser did this that and the other thing to me, and that one I tried to kill myself and that one I was angry and ....see what I mean most people dont want that kind of attention brought to their self so they naturally cover up, and look for miracles that will fade/get rid of scars. A lot of people cover up their scars with getting tattoos, others opt for plastic surgery. Some try creams that are out on the market that may or may not work...

That said I do know a rare few who are so confortable with their self, their life they dont think about their scars. they have found that some jobs, schools have a dress code. if the dress code is to cover up tattoos, scars on the arms/legs then yes someone can enforce that. if a medical doctor says its in someones best interest to keep their scars covered due to health risks that can happen if they dont then yea that can in some cases be enforced like parents following the doctors treatment for the minor child.

they do make great summer products for people with scarring like light weight make up that can be rubbed on to cover the scars so that a person with blemished /scarred skin can wear short sleaves without everyone staring and questioning them about the scars. theres also light weight blouses/shirts made for people who due to medical or mental problems have to wear long sleaved clothing. They are usually sold near the bathing suits in stores as cover up blouses for bathing suits. so people will be warm when they get out of the water.

that said Im glad you are comfortable with yourself and your scars to consider not covering them up. that shows you have done alot of positive work in this area of your life. but just to make sure of things I might suggest you talk with the school or workplace to make sure they dont have a dress code about tattoos and scars and such, people cant discriminate against you but if its in a dress code for everyone who goes to school or work where you are considering not covering up then its not considered discrimination according to ADA laws. ADA covers physical and mental handicaps not self inflicted injuries/scars. (Im assuming this is self injury scars since you posted this in self injury)