Resource Self Harm Support Thread

[JesiBel]

I didn't know redness meant it was infected...guess I've had a lot of infected wounds then. Thank you for this guide btw it's really useful <3

Oh, be careful.

Keep your wounds clean and treat them to prevent complications. Cuts are a perfect entry point for bacteria and germs, and even dirt from the environment. If they are swollen, painful (no matter how many days pass), and have reddish edges they may be infected; watch for any white or yellowish fluid or red streaks extending away from the wound. If you have a fever and recent cuts that don't look ok, be suspicious and see a doctor.

If you Self-Harm frequently it's good to have a small first aid kit for yourself:

You can equip it with basic disposables, sterile gauze, hypoallergenic tape, sterile swabs, gloves, and a neutral soap (to clean the wound, they are not irritating or aggressive to the injured tissues. Never use antibacterial soaps or soaps with essences/perfumes because they are irritating)

It is important to clean your wounds at least once a day, never let the bandage/gauze stay wet or dirty for too long, keep it dry and clean. Change it as many times as necessary.

Do not cover the wound tightly or airtight, preventing oxygen from reaching it; otherwise, it will not heal quickly.

If you use the same "tool" to SH, keep it clean too. In critical moments, we don't check its condition and use it without thinking.
Make sure its blade is not chipped, damaged, or rusty.

 

[flyingovertrees]

These past few months I've slipped back into the habit of burning myself. Anyone else prefer it to cutting? I find it less messy and with easier aftercare. I like the sensation of it too, the relief it gives me is nearly instantaneous. Plus, the tool I use (a pocket lighter) leaves crescent-shaped burns that I find cute in a morbid way. They look like little scales haha.

 

[Porgierot]

Burns take way too long to heal and are much more likely to get infected despite proper woundcare. I suppose with a lighter the area affected is small enough that it may not be the case for you though. I have had different types of them and while I do get the urge now and then I prefer to cut because I don't have the patience for a wound that takes over two months of healing and a burn smaller than my others could never be proper for me, so the 2+ month of healing time is a guarantee.

 

[Kai64]

When i was, like, around 16 and 17 i would mostly self harm by using sharp objects such as pencils, scissors and even knifes my mother uses to prepare food on my home. I still have some marks left on my body, but my mother for some reason never went to investigate on them further. I am trying to find any other objects to cut without leaving any more noticeable marks.