A young family member has scars from self harm covering both arms. I let her know that she can’t wear a hoodie outside in summer without risking heat stroke (she got it before here in that manner, but it wasn’t as hot). That’s her normal cover-up method. Makeup may be sweated off, so concealer or skin foundation is a no-go; I was hesitant to suggest either anyhow because I don’t want her to think it’s something she has to be ashamed of of hide- I don’t feel that way at all. It’s just for a few days, while we’re in Texas, and only while we’re outside. I’ve let her know that no one will comment (they won’t), but she still needs to cover herself for her own reasons. And that’s fine. But I want to support her without her getting physically sick from a hoodie or something that will warm her. Any ideas or suggestions? We’re open to listening. She just needs something while outside; inside, the air conditioning will allow her to wear a hoodie. I’ll make sure she has a few lightweight ones with her. So please, suggest away!
It’s probably controversial but I would get tattoos over them. There’s a certain amount of therapy at looking at them as battle scars. You can use fake tattoo stickers depending on age.
Dermablend is a popular cosmetics product for covering up anything from scars to tattoos to bruising.
We used to sell loads of the stuff back when I worked at a cosmetics counter.
It’s basically like foundation and concealer combined and very thick. Also waterproof and smudgeproof and stays on forever.
Kinda pricey last time I checked— was around 38 bucks for a tube, but it works.
Another option if you wanna go the cosmetics route is KVD Lock-It foundation. Also used for tattoo cover and heavy coverage.
Good luck!
What about a lightweight long sleeved t shirt. Maybe cotton.
I got tattoos over most of mine on my legs, it just made me mess self-conscious. But for her, and for time/money reasons, i would say that instead of a hoodie, wear a super thin sweater or kimono. I cant think of the material name for some reason. But something like this
Its $9 from shein. They ship super fast.
@Happy_H could you fix this my name is on it I got it thanks tho
I’ve used Mederma on my self-harm scars but didn’t really notice a difference. I wear long sleeve t-shirts to cover my scars sometimes but I don’t really worry anymore about hiding them cuz they show how much I’ve survived.
Sorry @Turtle44. I was eating dinner and didn’t see it in time. Glad it got straightened out. 
@anon55031185 @Pickpink Tattoos aren’t an option. She’s 16 and doesn’t like them (we talked about my planned cover-up tat earlier today, and (I quote), “Tattoos are BAD.” Yes, a 16 yr old said that. lol Anyhow, I’ll be frank: she has more marks on her arms then I’ve ever seen on anyone. All directions, all sizes, all over both arms (ambidextrous) in places you’d be surprised she could reach. They are not thin. They are not neat and orderly (mine are). They are just… everywhere. She’d need complete sleeves on both arms to cover.
@Schztuna Expensive makeup is my middle name (please take a moment of silence to mourn my husband’s wallet). I use Dermablend’s translucent finishing powder if I’m going all out. Love that stuff. I didn’t know about the other things, but I’m worried about her sweating it off. It’s going to be at least 90* Farenheit. Probably closer to 100*. My sister said it’s already into the 90s, so I’m betting on 100 or at least high 90s.
@Sunlit I found lightweight, t-shirt thin hoodies for inside and short outside jaunts. But a whole wedding ceremony might be rough. She’s also picked out a super cute dress she wants to wear.
@Pickpink She came to me with a solution similar to to this cover up. It’s a super cute little cloak. Problem is it is shipped from China and has an estimated delivery of the day we freakin’ leave. So… nope. I talked to her about it just now, and I suggested we make one for her. She agreed. I’ve sewn Ren Faire costumes overnight that included boning in the bodice, so I hope to goodness I can do a cloak. We shall see!
So that is our plan for now- sewing and t-shirt thin hoodies.
@Happy_H I’m posting a new thread you might b interested in. It talks about covering with tats and has pics.
Maybe get a very light weight long sleeve. Like basically netting type of cloth. Still a bit hot but breatheable
Thats a great idea!! Im sure youll make it look amazing!
That is a great idea!
I have only two scars. I never cover anything. If people judge, it is their problem. At 16, that is different though. And with worse scars. Poor girl.
Here, we have a lot of these style blouses. And thin long-sleeve summer dresses. And little jackets or veil-like jackets to wear over a dress. I dont know what fashion does there, though.
This is for the bride. But you got them in different styles. In fancy occassions, lady gloves can be worn here. “Alternative” girls also wore them at times. In different style. They do not cover upper arms though.
Maybe you could get her some lazer treatment. It has really come a long way, and can be helpful in lightening scars.
I did not pick the ones I like best, but rather the most different styles. This is what jackets or cloaks we could wear in a wedding.
Thank you for sharing! I love the first girl’s top, and I love the ivory lace dress. Definitely not her style, unfortunately. Can you send me a link to the first top (button down white)? I’d love to look into it for myself. I’m like you in that I don’t mind the scars. I actually think they’ll add to the aesthetic of the tattoo, given the quote. It’s not likely to be much of a coverup.
@Pickpink Thank you for your confidence in me! I’ve never taken a sewing class in my life, and that first Ren constume was the first time I’d ever sewn. I stayed up all night making it. It turned out beautifully, so I made it a thing and sewed a costume for each kid when they hit whichever grade and did the Faire.
Welcome. I did a quick search to show a few different styles…thinking maybe it would give inspiration for your own sewing…e.g. we’d use thin material like a veil or linen. It covers the scars, but is great for warm weather. I can imagine the actual jackets are not the style for a 16 y/o I’m afraid the one you like is Dutch and from a few years back. Sorry. 
I’d be really curious what the cloak you sew will turn out to be!
I’ll post pics if it turns out well. It’s kind of cosplay-ish, I think. She wants to add things like a lace trim and embroidery. Trim I can do, embroidery, no. So she’s going to practice embroidery. If it doesn’t work out well, I actually know a lady downtown who embroiders.