I have to get an HPV jab but I have old self harm scars... Help?

[justarandomgirl]

Hi all c: A while ago, I think 3/4 months, I didn't feel really happy and I 'selfharmed' a few times. It weren't deep cuts though, but there are still a few white stripes/scars (the scars are on my upper right arm, and I think it's the place where I need the jab). I don't cut anymore (luckily) and I really regret what I've done, and please don't judge me for it. But as I said in the title, I need the HPV jab and there are still a few white scars visible. I'm not sure when I need the jab, but I really want to get rid of the scars. What if the doctor or my mom will notice them? I am really scared at the moment and I hope someone has some kind of advice to let them fully fade away (if that is even possible...)

Love<3

[Desuetude]

I've had this worry twice before. I had to get blood taken and I have really bad scars from burning and cutting on my whole forearm. I sat there with two nurses both blatantly looking at my scars while they drew blood and then walked out. They didn't even mention it even though they looked a little taken aback. If your scars are faded and white then I'm sure your nurse won't even notice them, they'll be too busy making sure everything is alright for the jab and even then injections don't take that long.

In regards to making them fade, depending on how long you have until your appointment if you buy vitamin E or bio oil and rub them in the skin where your scars are a couple times a day then after a few months you should start to see them fading a little more - it should speed up the process anyway.

The main thing is not to stress yourself out about it because that's exactly what I did and I had nothing to be worried about. For some tips I say act happy and make jokes, especially if your scars look old if they do notice them they'll think you're 'over it' and you have got past that stage so you're not lying. As backup if someone does ask just say you were going through a tough time but you got through it and you're a lot better now. If you tell them there's nothing currently wrong then they should just leave you alone.

I hope that helped somewhat, I'm sorry if it was a bit all over the place! Good luck :)

[Tarannosaurus]

As Nikki said, they might not notice. And if the nurse notices s/he might not necessarily assume it's from self harming - they would be more worried about new or red scars. Aloe vera gel can help scars to fade :)

[ImagineRepublicCity]

Everyone's already said it but yeah, just don't make a huge deal of it when you get your needle. If you act calm and collected, they may not realise at all.

[Katiya]

I have a ton and I have needed IV painkillers for migraine in the er many times and no one has ever said a word about it. I wouldn't worry. They have likely seen it all before.

[justarandomgirl]

Thanks for all the reply's! I feel less stressed now c:

[AlexOnToast]

If the scars are old, chances are the Doc' will see them as irrelevant and not dwell on them.

[Sayako]

Doctors, of all people, will understand things like self-harm. Don't worry. :)

Reading your topic made me nostalgic for the days when I bothered to hide my self-harm. I'm so sickeningly audacious these days. I've lost all sense of borders.

[elz137]

Hi I have the exact problem as I have jabs soon but there on my wrist so I'm going to try and hide them they are quite old but there's a lot of them and this other girl is the same who is a closw friend and we kinda share eachothers problems and she has them all over her forearm and she's really worried like she can't even sleep at night and I'm really worried but reading through this really helps and I'm going to show her this to try and help .My mom and dad know but hers don't thank you

[Luminous]

Hi I have the exact problem as I have jabs soon but there on my wrist so I'm going to try and hide them they are quite old but there's a lot of them and this other girl is the same who is a closw friend and we kinda share eachothers problems and she has them all over her forearm and she's really worried like she can't even sleep at night and I'm really worried but reading through this really helps and I'm going to show her this to try and help .My mom and dad know but hers don't thank you
Please don't post in threads that have been inactive for 2 months or more. :locked: