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Dealing with Rude Strangers Asking About My Scars

Dillybop

757d

What sucks about having this skin picking disorder (besides the obvious reasons) is that strangers are always asking about my scars. I get that kids don’t know any better, but adults? I just feel like it’s so disrespectful to ask such personal stuff to a stranger. Some people even assume how I got the scars it’s just so rude and makes me feel horrible. Does anyone else go through this? What do you say to those people?

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Dermatitis factitia

Skin rash

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Top reply
    • AutumnalHSP

      704d

      @booksandcats I feel this! I always make up an excuse. My husband knows better and will try to hold my hand to stop me.

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    • Josie1995

      724d

      I went to the hospital to give birth and the nurse was like what happened to my arms with a shocks face like I had something contagious smh had this since 5 years old with stress it gets worse. Sometimes I wish I could just be invisible to be able to walk outside and not have a worry about my cuts or scars even though I hardly see anyone staring. Maybe it's just all in my head and I'm just super self conscious and anxious. Who knows? 🤷🏽‍♀️

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    • ChickenCraze

      753d

      I always say I have super sensitive skin that doesn't heal well. It's not true, but that usually works. Then there's the people that ask if I'm doing meth or tell me I must have such-and-such condition like liver failure. It makes me dizzy.

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      • Dillybop

        753d

        @ChickenCraze I’ve been asked if I was on drugs (they called me a junkie) before because of the scars on my arms. It amazes me how people can be so rude. How could someone assume something about a stranger about something so personal? I just don’t understand.

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    • SiMill

      753d

      I honestly just tell them that it’s from bug bites in the summer. I do get bit a lot because I am O+ so it makes sense and then they have an answer and do not speak of it anymore. It is not their place to know any private information you don’t feel disclosing because it’s a touchy subject. ☺️

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    • slothtastic36

      756d

      yes!! unless it’s someone i’m close with i usually am not comfortable talking about the truth, but i never know what to say! i usually make up some lie about closing it in a door or something but that’s probably not very believable 🥲

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      • Dillybop

        756d

        @slothtastic36 I think when strangers ask me and I look really uncomfortable and say something like oh it’s nothing and they drop it. This is why we need more awareness of all kinds of conditions and the different types of ocd

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    • booksandcats

      756d

      I pick at my fingers, and work at a daycare, the kids will come up and go “What happened to your hands?” or “Your bleeding!” To that I say just a paper cut or make it seem like its no big deal. Adults are harder. The ones that go “Dont ruin your beautiful self!!” Thanks Melissa 🙄. Or my personal favorite “What did you do to yourself?” While laughing. That I hate. You dont know someone untill you do. I find that shutting it down quickly as possible works best for me. “Did you stick your hand in a paper shredder?” the response “No, but I’ll grab a bandage” Then change the subject. Im always open for messages ;)

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      • AutumnalHSP

        704d

        @booksandcats I feel this! I always make up an excuse. My husband knows better and will try to hold my hand to stop me.

        1

        Reply
      • Dillybop

        756d

        @booksandcats lol thanks Melissa, for real. Omg my psychiatrist says that to me “Oh you’re so pretty you shouldn’t be doing this.” No shit if I could stop I would. Next time I’m gonna say something dumb like I stuck my hand in a paper shredder that’s classic.

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        • booksandcats

          756d

          @Dillybop I’ll be here all week 🤩

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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