Maybe you cut yourself shaving or the knife slipped while working in the kitchen. Sometimes some accidents can result in cuts that you would like to hide, but you may wish to mask them even if you injured yourself intentionally. If this is the case for you, the fact that other people can see the cuts could increase your stress and emotional turmoil. You should always put in place adequate treatments as soon as you injure yourself, in order to reduce the appearance of the scar as much as possible; after this priority surgery, you will be able to follow a variety of different tactics to hide the cut on the body or face. If you have intentionally injured yourself, it is imperative that you see a doctor. Remember that you are important and deserve all the attention you need.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Treat the Wound Area
Step 1. Examine the cut
Is it smaller than 5 mm in size? Was it caused by a fairly clean tool, such as a kitchen knife or razor? Are the edges pretty smooth? If you can answer yes to these questions, you can probably heal the wound yourself. Instead, you should see a doctor if the cut falls into one of the following categories:
- Large areas of skin have been torn, the cut has jagged edges or flaps do not join, bones, tendons or muscles are visible;
- It is a puncture wound or the object that caused the cut is made of rusty metal (in this case you must undergo tetanus, if more than 5 years have passed since the last recall);
- You are unable to remove any dust or debris left inside the cut;
- The wound was caused by a human or animal bite;
- The injured area is numb.
Step 2. Wash your hands thoroughly
You need to clean them with soap and water to avoid infections. Consider wearing disposable protective gloves if available, especially if you are treating another person's wound.
Step 3. Apply pressure to stop bleeding
Most minor cuts usually stop bleeding on their own; However, if it shows no signs of improvement, take a sterile gauze or clean tissue and press firmly on the wound until the bleeding subsides.
- Keep in mind that cuts on the hands or head can bleed more, due to the thick presence of blood vessels in these areas of the body.
- Seek medical attention if you can't stop the blood within a few minutes.
Step 4. Rinse the injured area with clean water
You can wash the skin around the wound with soap and water. Don't put soap directly on the cut though, as this could cause irritation and discomfort.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol to rinse the wound. Some doctors have determined that they are unnecessary and can further irritate the injury
Step 5. Eliminate any traces of residue
Disinfect a pair of tweezers with alcohol and use them to remove all dust particles and debris, such as gravel or splinters.
Step 6. Apply a topical antibiotic
You can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to protect the cut, ward off infection, and keep the wound moist for healing.
- Know that this type of topical treatment does not speed up the recovery process.
- Some people have skin that is sensitive to certain substances found in topical antibiotics; if you notice a slight rash, discontinue use.
Step 7. Consider using a liquid patch
If you have one available, it is worth putting it on the cut (or scratch) to "seal" it and avoid the risk of infection. Pull the skin flaps together and spray the liquid patch over the entire length of the wound.
Step 8. Cover the wound
You can use a band-aid, sterile gauze with duct tape, or a liquid patch to cover the cut. This way you can be sure it stays clean and avoids possible infections.
- If you have minor peeling or scratches, do not cover them and leave them exposed to the air to make them easier to heal.
- The liquid patch is able to cover the cut after a single application. To apply it, you have to spray the liquid all over the wound (thoroughly cleaned) and allow it time to dry, in order to form a protective layer. This type of patch is waterproof and lasts for several days; it typically comes off on its own when the injury heals. Avoid rubbing or scratching the area where you applied it.
Step 9. Change the dressing regularly
You should do this at least once a day or when the bandage is wet or dirty. If you are allergic to the adhesive of gauze, you can use paper tape, a rolled up bandage, or an elastic bandage that is not too tight.
Step 10. Watch for signs of infection
If you notice swelling, red and unusually hard skin, red streaks, heat, or fluid drainage on the cut area, see your doctor, as these are all signs of possible infection.
Method 2 of 5: Cover the Cuts on the Body
Step 1. Put on long sleeved shirts or long pants
If the cut or scratch is on an arm or leg, you should wear this type of clothing to better hide the injury and not make it too visible. Women can wear thick tights under the skirt. In the summer months, consider wearing light, opaque clothing, such as lace tops, devoré fabrics, long skirts, capri pants, or Bermuda shorts.
Put a clean bandage under your clothing to avoid rubbing and irritating the wound
Step 2. Put on some bracelets or your watch
If the cut is in the wrist area, you can put on a massive bracelet or watch to try to hide it. Be sure to put a band-aid under the jewelry so it doesn't irritate.
Step 3. Use makeup to cover minor cuts and scratches
If the injury on your arm or leg is superficial, such as those caused by cat scratches, you can put some makeup on to disguise it. To get the best result and match the colors with the complexion, choose products with shades of yellow and pink.
- You can use a thin brush and concealer a little darker than your skin tone and dab it on the affected area.
- However, avoid applying makeup to a recent wound or a deep cut, as this could cause an infection.
Step 4. Make your bandage become a style
Buy patches or bandages in bright and fun colors or designs to "hide" the cut in plain sight. Your favorite cartoon character or a cheerful motif could improve your mood too.
Method 3 of 5: Cover the Cuts on the Face
Step 1. Rinse the wound with cold water
Do not use soap and do not rub your face with a towel, as the skin in this area is usually very thin and can be easily irritated. Instead, gently splash the cold water on your face.
Step 2. Place an ice cube on the lesion
Cold helps to narrow blood vessels and stops bleeding.
Eye drops, like Visine, perform a similar function
Step 3. Apply lip balm or hemostat to the cut
While you can easily find hemostatic pencils on the market, just know that simple lip balm works just as well. These products seal the cut and prevent it from becoming infected. Whichever product you choose, leave it in place for a few minutes to dry.
For best results, take a lip balm with no added flavorings or dyes. You can also use perfume-free petroleum jelly if necessary
Step 4. Apply a concealer to the affected area
Choose one that is the same shade as your skin tone or slightly lighter.
- Take a cotton swab or thin brush to gently pat the concealer in the center of the cut.
- Blend the make-up by tapping the brush on the wound or using your fingers to smear it outwards and around the edges.
- Apply the powder to fix the concealer. Choose a translucent or colorless one, so as not to draw attention to the area further. Use a swab or powder brush and apply it to the cut, then blend it in sweeping circular motions.
Method 4 of 5: Use Topical Products to Minimize Scarring
Step 1. Apply sunscreen
Sunscreen containing zinc or titanium dioxide blocks UVA and UVB rays responsible for hyperpigmentation of scars or in any case for excessive color change due to sun exposure.
Step 2. Put the petroleum jelly
Several manufacturers sell expensive creams claiming that the ingredients they contain can reduce scars, but there is little scientific evidence that these vitamin E or cocoa butter products are more effective than plain petroleum jelly. The best way to reduce scars is to leave them moist and petroleum jelly performs this task perfectly.
Step 3. Consider purchasing silicone gel sheets
You can find them in most pharmacies and they should be applied every day. Keep in mind, however, that this is not a short-term remedy. In order for you to notice excellent results, you need to use them for at least three months.
Method 5 of 5: Coping with Self-Harming Behaviors
Step 1. Identify why you are hurting yourself
Self-injurious behaviors typically manifest during adolescence, although some teens begin as early as 11 or 12 years old. Being able to recognize the causes can give you some tips on how to seek help.
- Emotions that are too strong or overwhelming. Do you think that hurting yourself may be the only possible way to express or calm those feelings that are too overwhelming and that you cannot manage? Do you feel the pressure of having to be perfect or that you will never be able to be perfect? Do you have the feeling that others are putting so much pressure on you that you cannot bear? Maybe you think that hurting yourself helps you "feel" the pain that actually comes from other traumatic situations in life?
- The need to focus the pain on something specific and visible. Do you feel like you need to be in control of the source of your pain? Are the wounds you cause yourself replacing an invisible but very real inner pain?
- A sense of relief. Do you feel better when you cut yourself? This sensation could be generated by the endorphins (hormones) that are released from the body both during physical exertion and when you are injured. In other cases, emotional pain materializing into physical pain can provide a sense of relief.
- Feeling addicted to self-harm. Do you feel like you've triggered the habit of cutting yourself? Do you feel that you need to hurt yourself more to feel the same sense of relief or release?
- Other mental health problems. Are you experiencing other symptoms of mental illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or other personality disorders? Are you experiencing post-traumatic stress?
- Peer pressure. Are others influencing you to experience self-harm? Do you hurt yourself to gain approval from friends or to feel accepted by a group?
Step 2. Get help
If you are prone to self-harm for any of the reasons described, you should see a doctor. Your health and well-being are important. Talk to a trusted friend or loved one, consider seeing a school psychologist (if you still go to school) or a hospital - wherever you feel safe.
- Set a quit date and seek help from a family member and / or friend who can motivate you to stick to the commitment.
- Replace your behavior with positive actions. For example, if you find that you feel a sense of relief when you are injured, when you feel this urgent need to cut yourself, try instead to put on your jogging or walking shoes and go out for some exercise. Can you replace the discharge of endorphins released when you are injured with the one produced by running? If friends push you to this behavior, get out of this situation and join new groups or participate in new activities.
- Get therapeutic treatments to treat the underlying causes that are contributing to your self-harm. Your doctor will help you understand the reasons for this behavior and will work with you to find the most suitable solutions to deal with sources of stress and emotional tensions. In addition, he will be able to diagnose the underlying psychological problems that may be fueling your desire to get hurt.
- Consider going to a rehabilitation center for self-harm if you are really trying to combat this condition. In this type of center you will be able to find the support and friendship necessary to try to develop an effective plan, but above all you will be provided with valuable tools to deal with this pathology.
Step 3. Be aware that you are a person of great value
It is imperative that you fully commit to overcoming this destructive behavior. The therapist can help you develop positive behaviors, as well as show you the right tools to recognize all your great qualities and worth. You are an important person.
