This is quite hard for me to post... so please be gentle.

lollipopsarah

Please don't tattoo just yet.
I admire you for posting here and am sure you are not alone (as indeed my DD may feel the same in a few years time) I have lots of scars all over my arms and legs from over 30 years ago when I used to scratch with a comb when my exzema was bad, nowadays they only really show if I get a sun tan (haha) but I don't worry any more I figure life is hard enough and am just that that I am otherwise ok.
I'm sure most people don't even notice your marks but maybe you could just remember that you have gown stronger and are better than anyone who is ignorant to make comments with understandind.
Best wishes.
xx

DomRavioli

I have a lot of scars throughout my body, some from surgery, some from a gymnastics career, and some through S/h. I use camouflage make up when I wear tops without sleeves, but the thing that helped me most was some therapy to get me more comfortable in what I look like now.

I've also had a tattoo covering a scar - worst thing I ever did. Hurt like a mo-fo, and doesn't look right as covering scar tissue is painful and in some cases just impossible.

Ignore the idiots who thought it was ok to behave like animals - they are the ones with the problem! You are fab, and brave for going out and baring your battle scars, wish I was that brave too!

SunshineButterfly

They usually do not bother me much, but with the weather being so nice I've been wearing summery clothes. I do like the way I look most days, but I noticed someone on the bus staring at my scars a few days ago and now I seem to be noticing how much they stand out!
When I am around teachers and strangers I usually have my arms folded so that they are mainly hidden. But to be honest I am getting fed up of having to hide part of myself.
I just want to be seen as pretty, lovely, kind.. Rather than her with the self harm scars.

starlight29

Hi
My sister has scars from the same thing as you all over her legs she has tattoos covering all of them and it looks truly amazing cant see anything I would never judge anyone I myself had anorexia so I know how it feels to think people are staring be yourself you have to live in your body for the rest of your life cover them if you want to its entirely your decision but yes it is possible to cover them well my sister has lillies that go around her leg and up over her hip they were done by a well known tatto artist and u honestly cant see anything unless u look close and hers were really bad.
Anyone who comments or calls you silly is ignorant and doesnt deserve a second thought well done on getting better and stopping be proud of yourself and your battle scars dont think what others will say do they bother you yourself if you are ok with them them sod everyone else your scars show a truly strong person who has overcome a very difficult time and nothing more.

Starlight

meritaten

Sunshine - we all have something that makes us self-conscious. tbh I hate people staring at my face even though the original skin discolouration has faded - if people stare at me I rush home and look in the mirror to see how 'bad' it is! sometimes I even think its come back - until I calm down. its not important to me if people stare - but if people are commenting I realise it is really hurtful to you.
YOU are not the same person you were back then. those who stare don't matter - but its difficult to keep that mindset when they 'comment'. Its none of their business hunny. it really isn't! even medical professionals - if you don't want to discuss it - they have no right to comment, ask or judge you!

THS

Hi

Firstly, please don't worry about what other people think, do or say. Mostly they don't understand or are intrigued. It's just ignorance. If people comment or stare, don't be afraid to explain what they are either - I'm not saying you have to explain yourself to anyone but often people genuinely just don't know and you could be saving someone else from going through the same anxiety by helping to make the world more aware.

Secondly - my girlfriend's tattoo is fuzzy on the bits that run over an old scar. Might have been the artist (it was done in Cambodia!!) but you should definitely check before getting one or you could really regret it.

Thirdly - I have prescription camouflage make up called 'Derma Color Camouflage System' it covers scars and even tattoos - win / win haha! You get a setting powder with it that has to be applied on top. This then makes the make-up waterporoof! Ask your doctor, no, TELL your doctor that you would like some. Mine was from the dermatology department at the hospital. I was initially sent to Boots where a lady was 'qualified' to issue it. She was absolutely rubbish - much better at the proper place so you have to persevere if you get a poor 'colour matcher' at first. The one at the hospital was fantastic though and spent ages getting the closest colour match and trying different brands.

Also, I don't really use it anymore because my scars have faded on my face and I found it a bit thick and time consuming. I now use mineral foundation but don't think it would be as good on your arms (not waterproof). I have found Bare Minerals is the best though.

Sorry this was so long but I hope it helps!

Best of luck!

jackyann

sensible of you to be thinking carefully about this - and what a lovely lot of replies you have had, with such good advice.
Your current training must include some type of counselling / support / therapy for yourself. Could you try asking whoever mentors you, to suggest someone with whom you could have some sessions in order to explore this?
In this situation I would want to explore why you feel judged, what comments or gestures are made and how you respond / how you would like to respond.
I would wonder what your scars say about you, and what you feel a tattoo would say.

And yes, the Red Cross still do specialist make up advice and can direct you where to buy camouflage make up. It's a little-known, but tremendous service.

Good luck.

mountainofdebt

I'm another one in the don't get a tattoo.

I might be old fashioned but when I see a woman with a tattoo,especially when she's done up to the 9's, I can't help feel that the tattoo somehow detracts from the overall look she's trying to portray.

There's a british actress who I've noticed on her tv programmes and pictures of her that has quite bad scarring....I have no idea of how she came about it but she wears what she likes and doesn't try and hide it at all - good for her is what I say !

Molly41

Amanda Redman?

peachyprice

SunshineButterfly wrote: »

I
I do already have 1 tattoo on my wrist on that arm of a self-injury ribbon as a butterfly which I think looks really nice and I got that because I at the time felt proud of my scars as it means I have recovered and gotten through that period in my time.

See, this is what I think if I see someone with old scars, even if I don't know them I feel kind of proud on their behalf, if that makes sense? And would view it as a positive not a negative.