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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
Hi, I've been lurking for a long time so I thought I'd come out of hiding with a question. I hope this is the right board. I cut and burned my arms very seriously for twenty years, and ever since that time, have never worn short sleeves at work, and only recently have done so outside of work when with very close friends who know, and then only when it's so hot there's really no other alternative. I'm getting so sick of not being able to wear spring and summer clothes to work (always long sleeves or sweaters). Even if I wear the 3/4 length sleeves, the cuts on my wrists still show. They are very white scars which no makeup I've tried will cover.
Has anyone tried Dermablend or other product that really covers the scars? I feel like I'll be judged the rest of my life by things that I did in the past, and that most people (especially at work) don't understand.
Thank you for suggestions.
Posted by lostsailor on March 23, 2003, at 21:59:39
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
I have never heard of dermablend, but have you thought of taling to a dematologist??? Also, I wonder if what they do, and I don't really know what it is, to "remove" tatoos. maybe that is another option. good luck, ~tony
Posted by BekkaH on March 23, 2003, at 22:08:42
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
I've read that there are many new types of lasers used now. I know someone who had laser surgery to remove a facial scar caused by surgery done years ago. If you do try laser surgery, however, go to THE BEST laser surgeon you can find. Anyone, including a psychiatrist, can buy a laser, but that doesn't mean they know how to use one properly. It seems that nearly every dermatologist around here is suddenly a self-proclaimed "expert" in laser procedures. Some of them have only attended weekend "crash" courses in how to operate the lasers, but they want to use the lasers for everything so they can generate enough income to pay for the laser equipment. So, be certain to do A LOT of research before embarking on this route, and only go to the very best laser surgeon. I have seen the results of some laser procedures, and they are truly remarkable. If you live in the New York area, I can give you the name of the best doctor in Manhattan. He has done most of the research in this field, and most of the others learn from him. There IS hope, but it will probably take a while to do the research, to find a good doctor, and to have the procedures, because I don't think they can be done all at once. I wish you much luck.
Posted by BekkaH on March 23, 2003, at 22:15:46
In reply to How about laser surgery?, posted by BekkaH on March 23, 2003, at 22:08:42
Dermablend is a very thick, very greasy make-up, sort of like stage make-up used by actors. I think it might be a good short-term option, but it might rub off on your clothes. It does seem like a temporary option, if you don't mind it getting on your clothes. I believe it is not water-soluble, so it requires a special make-up remover to take it off at night.
Posted by wendy b. on March 23, 2003, at 23:32:53
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
Hi,
I have a friend who has had plastic surgery on her arms (25 visits to the psych ward for SI and anorexia - she's like, 22 years old...)
Maybe you can find a reputable surgeon who will do it for you. I know how hard it is to have to hide them - this friend was extremely self-conscious...best wishes,
Wendy
> Hi, I've been lurking for a long time so I thought I'd come out of hiding with a question. I hope this is the right board. I cut and burned my arms very seriously for twenty years, and ever since that time, have never worn short sleeves at work, and only recently have done so outside of work when with very close friends who know, and then only when it's so hot there's really no other alternative. I'm getting so sick of not being able to wear spring and summer clothes to work (always long sleeves or sweaters). Even if I wear the 3/4 length sleeves, the cuts on my wrists still show. They are very white scars which no makeup I've tried will cover.
>
> Has anyone tried Dermablend or other product that really covers the scars? I feel like I'll be judged the rest of my life by things that I did in the past, and that most people (especially at work) don't understand.
>
> Thank you for suggestions.
>
>
Posted by justyourlaugh on March 24, 2003, at 6:19:41
In reply to Re: Covering up bad SI scars » mcd, posted by wendy b. on March 23, 2003, at 23:32:53
hi.i dontcover mine,
however i really dont mix in well with others...
the people who do see them dont care..
and when some idiot askes,i just say"long story"..
...
i am f,and i love the flowey new styles with the big floopy arms..
...
too bad i am afraid to go to the mall-lol
jyl
Posted by beardedlady on March 24, 2003, at 7:33:47
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
My dad's been using this forever. He calls it "leg makeup."
beardy : )>
Posted by Dr Eamerz on March 24, 2003, at 9:55:00
In reply to Re: Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??mcd, posted by lostsailor on March 23, 2003, at 21:59:39
What I've done is put asian/indian-type bangles on my arm , lots of them up to my elbow..
Posted by daizy on March 24, 2003, at 11:00:49
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
> Hi, I've been lurking for a long time so I thought I'd come out of hiding with a question. I hope this is the right board. I cut and burned my arms very seriously for twenty years, and ever since that time, have never worn short sleeves at work, and only recently have done so outside of work when with very close friends who know, and then only when it's so hot there's really no other alternative. I'm getting so sick of not being able to wear spring and summer clothes to work (always long sleeves or sweaters). Even if I wear the 3/4 length sleeves, the cuts on my wrists still show. They are very white scars which no makeup I've tried will cover.
>
> Has anyone tried Dermablend or other product that really covers the scars? I feel like I'll be judged the rest of my life by things that I did in the past, and that most people (especially at work) don't understand.
>
> Thank you for suggestions.
>
>
Hello!I heard that these work well for some scars, Elastoplast Scar reduction patches.... They are quite expensive though! Im not sure where they sell them in the US, but here's a link
Posted by beardedlady on March 24, 2003, at 11:57:33
In reply to P.S. regarding Dermablend, posted by BekkaH on March 23, 2003, at 22:15:46
It's recommended by doctors for scars, so I don't think actors are the #1 users. It was developed for this exact reason. Yes, it is thick. I don't think it comes off on clothes, though, as my dad used it for years. I believe he could go in the pool with it, too.
beardy : )>
Posted by coral on March 24, 2003, at 12:06:03
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
Dear MCD,
On the inside of my left arm, I have terrible scars - long, white gashes 6-7 inches. For years, I never wore anything short-sleeved, for the same reasons you don't. Finally, I gave in and said to myself.... tough. It's what my arm looks like, and started wearing short sleeves. I don't know what anyone has thought, but no one has ever said anything, nor have I been aware of any horrified looks. I've come to believe that the scars looked worse in my mind's eye than to others.
Posted by BekkaH on March 24, 2003, at 17:35:13
In reply to Re: P.S. regarding Dermablend » BekkaH, posted by beardedlady on March 24, 2003, at 11:57:33
> It's recommended by doctors for scars, so I don't think actors are the #1 users. It was developed for this exact reason. Yes, it is thick. I don't think it comes off on clothes, though, as my dad used it for years. I believe he could go in the pool with it, too.> beardy : )>
*************************************************Hi Beardy,
Yes, you are absolutely right. Perhaps I wasn't clear about that. I didn't mean that it is stage make-up. I meant that it is similar to stage make-up in terms of thickness and consistency.Bekka
Posted by beardedlady on March 24, 2003, at 17:50:33
In reply to Re: P.S. regarding Dermablend - beardy, posted by BekkaH on March 24, 2003, at 17:35:13
Realized later, after I'd posted, that I misread due to my hurry! Thanks for your really nice post!
beardy : )>
Posted by BekkaH on March 24, 2003, at 17:56:01
In reply to Re: Covering up bad SI scars;mcd, posted by justyourlaugh on March 24, 2003, at 6:19:41
> i am f,and i love the flowey new styles with the big floopy arms..> jyl
***********************************************Hi jyl,
Those flowey clothes you mention are a terrific idea! During the summer I like to wear long flowing skirts and dresses that are made in India. Although many of them have long sleeves, they keep me cool because they are made of very loosely-woven, "gauze"-like material. A friend of mine used to joke about the loose-weave. She referred to it as "knit one, skip two." I've had several sun-related skin cancers over the years, so I'm supposed to cover up with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeves, etc., and I've found the Indian clothes to be a very comfortable and attractive option, especially during the hot months.
Posted by paxvox on March 24, 2003, at 19:00:53
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
I have not read the other posts regarding your post, so if I repeat something someone else has said, I'm sorry. OK. I don't know if you have considered all the options here. True, there are methods to cover your scars (at least externally) but it seems that it's more important to ask about you internal scars. Have you "dealt" with this problem so that it is no longer a "problem"? If so, then I would suggest some "thoughts" here. IF you are better in your mind, perhaps you can use your physical scars to help others. I know that may sound unusual, but here's my spin on the subject. If you have healed internally, you have the ability to provide support to some who have NOT healed internally. By this I mean, that by "showing" your scars, and by so doing, initiate some questions, you may be able to explain why you felt it was necessary to hurt yourself THEN, but WHY you do not now, and HOW you have overcome your issues. I know this sounds like an AA deal, but I always try and find a positive spin, if one can indeed be found. Let people ask, tell them what went on with you. I guess it comes to a question of "are you comfortable with yourself"? You seem to be concerned about what others may think about your scars, and clearly, it is human nature for people to look (if not stare) when something "different" pops up. Look them back in their eyes and smile at them. You will find two types of people, those who look away and those who may smile back. The ones who look away may be being "polite" by not wanting to stare, or they may be weak themselves, and feel an insecurity of their own pop up. Those who return your smile also might be of a different mind-set. Again, it might be a polite return to avoid that awkward feeling. However, you may find that these are the ones who are not judgemental. There you find the place of commonality where the chance for you to speak to them may present itself. You never know how that can go. It's interesting, most of us walk around "looking" well, but terribly scared internally. The casual passerby would never know or even notice, so on we walk still wounded. You have the chance to let your visible pains be a way to help others. I know this may all sound somewhat weird. But it was just a thought I had as I read your post.
PAX
Posted by syringachalet on March 25, 2003, at 1:14:44
In reply to Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by mcd on March 23, 2003, at 21:48:23
Hello MCD,
From what I have read, you have already gotten several very good suggestions for treatment of scars.
I have had several clients who have had good results with MEDERMA skin gel.
You can check it out on mederma.com. It doesnt take away truly deep scars but it does smooth
out and soften them so they blend in more with your own skin tones. It does cost a little more than a good cover-up but I have been told that it was well worth the $30.00.Just trying to help...
syringachalet
Posted by Rach on March 25, 2003, at 7:22:52
In reply to Re: Covering up bad SI scars - Dermablend??, posted by syringachalet on March 25, 2003, at 1:14:44
veins, freckles, stretch marks...
I have never used it, but if it can fully cover a decent tattoo, and not rub off while an exotic dancer sweats and grinds, then I think it will work for your arms.
All the best.
Rach
Posted by BekkaH on March 25, 2003, at 22:30:45
In reply to Dermablend; strippers use it to cover scars, tatts, posted by Rach on March 25, 2003, at 7:22:52
I don't see mcd posting, but if you are lurking, I see that Dermablend has a website, www.dermablend.com. It looks as if they have quite a selection of colors and all sorts of other products.
This is the end of the thread.
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