“Is it possible to get this fixed?”
Okay, so before anyone who answers this says anything, I am getting help for my self-harming. So, I have fully healed (white) scars on both arms, but recently I have relapsed and started cutting on my left arm, which has the most scars because I am right-handed. However, when I had cut this time, a few of the wounds closed fairly quickly, and for one specific one, the skin did not heal together, so basically there is a very small pair of lips on my arm (Weird way of explaining, I have no idea how to describe it any other way.) Do I have to slice the lips(?) off to fix it or should I go to a professional to fix it? This was not my intention and it is so ugly and makes it way harder for when it heals, to hide it all.
Female | 19 years old
Medications: Adderall, Wellbutrin, Trazadone, Hydroxyzine, Buspirone
7 Answers
PsychiatristPsychiatrist
I would recommend you see a plastic surgeon to evaluate the scar. They are typically very skilled at minimizing scarring. I don't think that you should try and treat this at home. That could be dangerous and cause infection. In addition, I think that slicing off the excess skin could lead to worse scarring.
Good afternoon
You would need to have a professional surgeon to fix this. I suggest you speak to your PCP about it first. She can then make a referral
You would need to have a professional surgeon to fix this. I suggest you speak to your PCP about it first. She can then make a referral
This is definitely worth consulting about with a medical doctor. You don't want to create an accidental infection, nor would you want to run the risk of making the scar worse. I am glad to learn you are getting help for self-harm, and my hope is that you have a relationship with your therapist in which you feel able to communicate and trust enough to get to the issues that precede the self-harm. Self-harm is the maladaptive way of coping with whatever it is that you're struggling with. I wish you much success with your process and healing.
I’m sure you have concerns about the way the scar healed and looks but I have concerns about your decision to cut. Self-harming is serious. Please reach out for support.
Lots and lots and lots of hope! Let me first comment that trazodone and Wellbutrin, and trazodone and hydroxyzine, can be worrisome with regards to your EKG so that should be looked at and potentially changed. It is great that you’re concerned about your skin. The specialists in this type of situation should be consulted: either a dermatologist or potentially a plastic surgeon. Equally important, is your motivation to change this approach to regulating mood issues. Would really encourage you to talk to a therapist or psychiatrist that can help with this. Lots and lots of help, and with anything else in which there’s a habit, there needs to be patients and an appreciation that this is a process.
Wish you all the best!
Lance Steinberg MD, Inc.
Wish you all the best!
Lance Steinberg MD, Inc.
Please do not cut the wound further, it could actually make it worse. Seek professional consultation from a plastic surgeon or a dermatologic surgeon.
Go to a professional to take care of wound. Also see this link..
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350956
and
https://digitalcommons.providence.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1020&context=socialwrk_students
and
https://www.skylandtrail.org/understanding-cutting-and-self-harming-behaviors/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350956
and
https://digitalcommons.providence.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1020&context=socialwrk_students
and
https://www.skylandtrail.org/understanding-cutting-and-self-harming-behaviors/
