Managing self-harm scars
Management of self-harm scarring presents unique challenges in the reconstructive field. A variety of different treatments have been described to improve the strongly stigmatising pattern of scars and lessen the significant psychological burden for affected individuals. The aim of this article is to provide insights into the importance of taking a holistic approach to managing this condition.
In this article
The background of self-harm injuries
Self-harm injury has been traditionally associated with a wide range of mental health conditions including psychosis, depression and personality disorders (1). Alarmingly, self injury is increasingly being observed as a coping strategy for emotional distress amongst teenagers and young adults; this has been attributed to a number of ‘contagion factors’ including peer pressure, and risk taking behaviour promoted by popular media (2).
Clinical presentation of self-harm scars
There are a number of common features seen when patients present with self harm scars relating to (3):
- Bodily site, with the non-dominant arm most frequently affected followed by the lower limb and trunk
- Scar pattern, which tends to demonstrate multiple scars found in close proximity to each other
- Scar quality; most scars are ‘atrophic’ (i.e. contain decreased amounts of collagen) and have a depressed appearance
- Psychological manifestations; most individuals adopt a number of behavioural patterns in order to hide their scars and avoid being challenged in social encounters.
Management principles of self-harm scars
Patients need to be managed within a multidisciplinary setting comprising plastic surgery, psychology/psychodynamic therapy and other allied health care professionals able to address the complex needs of each individual. Close liaison with mental health services is important in order to help support patients with the internal conflicts that appear central to their self-harming behavior as well as addressing difficult emotions, which may arise during scar management (4,5).
Conclusion - self-harm scarring is complex and sensitive
Self-harm scarring is a complex and sensitive condition frequently associated with feelings of guilt and regret as well as body image disturbance. Individuals are best managed within an experienced multidisciplinary team, who can offer their combined expertise to address the unique physical and psychological needs of each individual.
If you are struggling with self-harm issues or self-harm scarring, please get in touch with your GP who will be able to advise the appropriate steps and health care professionals for your situation.
Ioannis Goutos, Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Interest in Scar Management
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References
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7) Aust M, Bahte S, Fernandes D. ‘Applications Scars from cut injuries’ in Illustrated guide to percutaneous collagen induction by Quintessence Publishing UK, 2013.
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10) Ismail A, Jarvi K, Canal ACE. Successful resurfacing of scars from previous deliberate self-harm using Integra dermal matrix substitute. JPRAS 2008 61, 839-41.
11) Goutos I, Ogawa R. Isotopic split skin graft for resurfacing of deliberate self harm scars. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018;6:e1801; doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001801.
