Eight Ways To Hide Scars And Blemishes On Your Skin

Last updated on : February 18 2023

Scars From Drug Use

Drug addiction leaves numerous wounds all over people's lives and bodies. Drugs profoundly affect the body's internal organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys. 

However, the skin is the organ that usually receives the most obvious blows during drug addiction.

Not only do drugs cause skin problems, but their application can also leave ugly marks all over the body. The most common scars among drug users are track marks. These are mainly associated with intravenous drugs such as cocaine, morphine, methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, and prescription stimulants.

The effects of drugs on mental health also make numerous users cut themselves as a form of release. 

Rational decision-making is also often rare in people who are under the influence. Thus, such people are more likely to be involved in road accidents or fights, leaving them with scars. 

Drug users are also more likely to pick abscesses, leading to poor wound healing and, eventually, scar formation.

Scars can cause a lot of emotional devastation and frustration, especially if they are large and visible. They are disfiguring, and when recognized as track marks, they are the cause of unfair stereotypes and bias. 

Scars are also physically uncomfortable and come with numerous side effects. Here are some of the most common side effects of scarring:

• Tenderness
• Pain
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Severe itching

Scars are a cause of low self-esteem and lack of confidence in numerous people. When one decides on stopping heroin or any other drugs injected, they suddenly become more apparent. This increased visibility is because often, users are hardly ever aware of the damage being done to the body when using drugs. 

How To Hide And Conceal Scars

Not everyone can be comfortable in their scars; thus, they need to devise ways to cover them up. Here are a few tips on how one can achieve that:

1. Use Medicated Creams Or Gels

There are numerous antihistamines on the market that reduce itching and ultimately better promote the healing of scars. Creams that have corticosteroids can prevent scarring and reduce the appearance of existing scars.

Products containing high amounts of healing ingredients such as quercetin, petrolatum, and vitamin C are also very useful.

Silicone gel can also soften the appearance of scars by hydrating the skin. It can also work for marks that aren't flat on the skin by reducing their height and texture.

When using these products, it is also essential to reduce exposure to direct sunlight because ultraviolet rays lead to the darkening of scars, making it even harder to hide them.

2. Cover With A Tattoo

Camouflage tattooing is a highly effective and exciting way of hiding scars on any part of the body. The process is just like getting a regular tattoo, but the professional uses highly pigmented products to match your skin tone. Additionally, the tattooist could draw around the scar to make it part of the image.

Before getting a tattoo around a scar, it is vital to ensure that it has completely healed. Most tattooists will advise you to wait two years to be sure the tissue has mended fully. Tattoos are highly invasive; thus, making multiple open wounds around an unhealed scar could lead to severe infection.

Additionally, if you quickly form keloids, first consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of developing scars from your tattoo.

3. Use Concealer

Concealer is highly effective in hiding even the darkest of scars as long as they are flat. You need to ensure that it matches your skin tone so that it is not apparent you've used a concealer. Makeup stores are the best places to buy concealers because they have various products you can try. 

If you're not familiar with buying makeup, there are always consultants available to help you get the right shade of concealer.

Camouflaging kits also effectively protect and conceal deeper and more prominent scars for longer than most makeup concealers. You can find them in the form of adhesive creams and powders that you use to make concealing paste. Such kits are usually available in most drug stores and beauty supply stores.

There are also thin skin-like tapes that can be found in drug stores as well.

4. Consider Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery

If you have more prominent scarring such as keloids (a type of raised scar), then cosmetic procedures may be the best option for you. Keloids are very fast-growing scars that usually begin as tiny wounds.

Something may start as a syringe wound and then develop into a 12-inch or more mass. Plastic surgeons are highly trained when it comes to removing such scars.

Your dermatologist or aesthetician may also recommend other more straightforward procedures, such as a chemical peel. A chemical peel usually involves applying a mixture that stimulates skin peeling a few days after the application. It is instrumental in reducing the appearance of small scars.

5. Take Some Supplements

For the body's immune and repair system to function correctly, it needs to have enough nutrients. The use of drugs is positively associated with nutrient deficiency diseases because drugs make it difficult for the body to assimilate nutrients from food. This lack of nutrients causes wounds to take longer to heal, which eventually causes scarring.

Zinc is one of the essential supplements utilized by the body in the healing process. It aids in the production of anti-inflammatory substances, which ensure proper and faster healing.

However, before using supplements, it's essential to consult a doctor to get the appropriate dose. Overusing zinc can lead to bloating and diarrhea.

6. Apply Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has numerous benefits, making it a safe option for scar treatment.

Numerous studies have shown that it is highly effective in keeping the skin soft and plump. This effect, in turn, makes scars smoother and thus helps combat itchiness. Untreated, itchiness can lead to more scratching, which promotes more scar formation. 

Coconut oil also contains numerous fatty acids that promote cell growth, which aids in constructing new cells around the scarred area.

Additionally, it also has some antibacterial properties that guard against bacteria that may cause improper healing of wounds. All these benefits promote proper wound healing, and they also aid in the shrinking of scars.

7. Wear Appropriate Clothing

One of the most common ways to hide scars is by wearing clothing that covers them up. This type of clothing includes long sleeves that hide upper arm and wrist scars.

Shirts with thumb hole cuts are also a stylish yet practical way of hiding scars that have extended onto the palms. You can also easily convert any long sleeve into a thumbhole cuff without needing to buy new clothes.

When swimming, you could also consider wearing less revealing costumes that keep your scars tucked away.

Swimwear may be in the form of board shorts or rash-guard style swimming tops, and jewelry such as bracelets can act as great hiding tools for scars on the wrist and hand. Additionally, bracelets are also beautiful fashion pieces that never go out of trend.

The most effective ones are large cuff-style bracelets. You could also invest in small but high-quality designer bracelets that can potentially distract people from your scars. 

Thigh-high socks, tights, and scarves are also great options that help hide scars on the neck and thighs.

8. Make The Decision To Show Your Scars

Deciding to be comfortable in your scars is a tremendous yet difficult decision. And so it's optional to reveal them to the world or not. 

You can be delighted with your scars without feeling the pressure to expose them. However, if you decide to, it may feel better to take it one step at a time.

First, start by showing them to close friends and family members and getting them used to it. In doing so, you'll be more comfortable showing them to other people. 

Additionally, it's essential to mentally prepare yourself for the numerous questions, glances, and even stares from time to time. Be open to receiving questions and responding to them as long as they're respectful.

Talking about the scar is also an effective way of being comfortable in your skin.

Eventually, you may realize that people don't think about your imperfections as much as you think they do. Human beings naturally look at things that are out of the ordinary.

Thus it is normal for people to look at your scars without it necessarily meaning that they are judging you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with scars and blemishes can be challenging and emotional. But it's essential to remember that imperfections don't define your worth or beauty. The most significant indicator of beauty is how you see yourself and the person you are.

Scars are merely reminders of past challenges you have overcome and can even serve as symbols of strength and resilience.

Whether you hide your scars with makeup or pursue more permanent treatments, focusing on self-care and self-love is essential. Take the time to appreciate and celebrate the person you are, including all of your scars and imperfections.

Remember that you are more than your scars, and you have the strength to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

1. What is the best way to hide scars caused by drug addiction?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to hiding scars caused by drug addiction. However, some methods that can help include using makeup, clothing, and accessories to cover the affected areas and undergoing scar treatment procedures like laser therapy, chemical peels, or micro-needling.

2. Can scars caused by drug addiction be removed entirely?

Complete scar removal is often not possible, but various treatments can reduce their appearance. The best approach is to consult a dermatologist or medical professional who can recommend an appropriate treatment based on your specific case.

3. Are there any natural remedies that can help reduce the appearance of scars?

Some natural remedies that may help reduce the appearance of scars include applying aloe vera, coconut oil, or vitamin E oil to the affected area. However, these remedies may not be effective for everyone, and it's always best to consult a dermatologist before trying any home remedies.

4. Is it safe to use makeup to cover scars?

Yes, it's generally safe to use makeup to cover scars. However, it's essential to choose products that are gentle on the skin and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores and causing further skin irritation.

5. Can scars caused by drug addiction be prevented?

The best way to prevent scarring caused by drug addiction is to seek treatment and stop drug use as soon as possible. These steps can minimize the damage to the skin and reduce the likelihood of scarring. Additionally, taking care of your skin by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and using sunscreen can help prevent scarring.

6. How long does it take for scars caused by drug addiction to fade?

The time it takes for scars to fade can vary depending on the severity of the scar, the location on the body, and the treatment used. Some scars may disappear within a few months, while others may take several years. In some cases, scars may never completely fade.

7. Can scars caused by drug addiction affect my mental health?

Yes, scars caused by drug addiction can have a significant impact on your mental health, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It's essential to seek professional help to address any mental health issues that may arise due to scarring, in addition to managing the physical appearance of the scars themselves.

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