GENERAL NEED-TO-KNOW THREAD FOR S3LF-H4RMERS.
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This thread is NOT meant to encourage SH. It is to inform those who do it and to help keep them safe.
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(Tags4reach) #자해계 #自傷 #リスカ #アムカ #자해 #slicetwt #ouchietwt #slicytwt #catscratchtwt #barcodetwt #198twt

~ BASIC SAFETY ~

• If you cut to fat or deeper, you need to know where is ‘safe’ and where is not. It goes without saying that NO SH IS SAFE, SOME JUST HOLDS LESS RISK.
• AREAS TO AVOID are those with little fat between skin and muscle/major veins/arteries.

Some of these include:
underside of forearms - especially near wrists, ankles & wrists, crook of elbows/knees, inner thighs, groin, stomach, and back of calves. Areas like these hold high risk of severing tendons, arteries/veins, nerves, etc.
• ‘Safe’ places are those with lots

-of fat between skin and muscle, such as top/outer thigh, top/sides of forearms, and the sides of calves.
• If something won’t stop bleeding, apply VERY strong (it should hurt!) pressure on it for 15-20 minutes. Repeat if flow continues. If it is still bleeding, you need -

-medical attention.
• If you cut to fascia or into muscle/to bone, YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED STITCHES or you risk severe infections that can result in loss of limbs.
• NEVER use a tool with ANY rust on it or anything already used for other purposes.
• Always test & know blades -

-before use.
• Don’t use serrated blades - they shred the skin more and it’ll not only be be harder for them to heal, but there’s higher risk of dead flesh that will need to be debrided.
• Don’t use kitchen knives - they’re hard to control, more painful, and can leave metal -

flakes or other bacteria in your cut.
• Know what arteries & major veins are where. Some of the most important are
• FEMORAL ARTERY ~ Inner thigh following the line of your groin - if you are pale you can see it.
• BRACHIAL ARTERY ~ Runs front of bicep.
• ULNAR & RADIAL-

-ARTERIES ~ Divisions of the brachial artery. Run along underside of forearms.
• POPLITEAL ARTERY ~ within the crook of the knee.
• PERONAL & TIBIAL ARTERIES ~ divisions of popliteal artery. Run along both sides of your calves.
• I advise looking all of these up yourself!

~ WOUND CARE ~

• keep in mind that ANY cut to fat constitutes stitches. That said, many can’t/won’t get them, and one can care for them at home in this case.
• it is highly advised that one close any cut that gapes; though many (myself included) choose not to.

• Steri strips, medical tape, or butterfly bandages are best for closing, but regular plasters can be used by sticking one end to one side of the cut, then pulling the sides together. In a tight spot I’ve used regular tape with a small piece of a pad in the middle.

DO NOT:
• Put alcohol/antiseptic/ointment on anything deeper than styro; it will damage the tissue.
• Dry, clean, or cover cuts with tissues/napkins/toilet paper: these can disintegrate and cause infection.
• Leave cuts uncovered until it has a full scab.

DO:
• ALWAYS disinfect your tool before & after use with isopropyl alcohol or by boiling in water.
• Carefully wash the area with gentle soap and water, drying with a clean cloth or towel.
• Optionally wipe alcohol AROUND the cut, then apply antibiotic ointment-

-(only on the edges if it is to fat.)
• Close the cut if gaping, and securely cover - use a plaster, nonstick pad or gauze pad taped with medical tape.
• Change dressings every 1-2 days or whenever the dressing is covered in blood/discharge.

This is an excellent thread on dressings! https://twitter.com/chopchoppity/status/1279167323648163841

• Keep watch for infection! Signs that indicate infections are expanding redness or *red streaking* around the wound, swelling, tenderness or pain, *fever*, bad smell, hotness, cloudy drainage, or yellow or greenish pus.
• Starred are the most serious symptoms that demand-

-IMMEDIATE medical attention. If you are EVER concerned that something may be infected, have it assessed by a doctor - infection can be EXTREMELY dangerous; even fatal.
• Always keep the wound clean & dressed.

~ ALTERNATE SUPPLIES/MY METHOD ~

• Many do not have access to-

-proper supplies to treat cuts, but substitutions can be made.
I AM NOT AN EXPERT. THIS IS WHAT HAS WORKED FOR ME AND IS NOT MEDICALLY APPROVED.
• Uncoloured/unscented hand sanatizer in place of alcohol
• Thick sanitary pads (I use Always) secured with masking tape in -

-place of gauze/nonstick pad dressings.
• cloth strips to secure dressings, (do not put directly on wound) and tube part of a crew sock + rubber bands to secure arm/leg dressings.
• If a dressing is stuck, don’t rip it off! Soak the area in warm water & allow it to release on-

-it’s own.
Here’s another fabulous thread on make-shift medical supplies! https://twitter.com/chopchoppity/status/1292928627298967552

These are the general things I think are important to know for any selfharmer, but especially for those younger or new to the habit, and those just starting to cut deep. Always stay cautious and don’t be afraid to seek help ♡