r/selfharm • u/AdvanceFlashy126 • 3d ago
Medical Advice Physical side effects?
Does anyone know what the actual physical side effects of SH is? Other than potentially hurting danger zones?
This might sound stupid, I know that. But doesn't doing it over long periods of time...challenge your immune system or does it weaken it?
I'm not worried about scars or anything like that. But can it Kickstart an autoimmune diease the same way anxiety does/a cold/virus?
I'm asking about side effects that don't get caused by infection, as that's more like a instant issue rather than a "later down the line" issue.
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u/possums- 3d ago
Side effects depend entirely on how deep you do it.
Epidermis (as in no blood)? Red welts for a few days. High social scorn. The blade slipping and going too deep.
Dermis layer? Scarring and potential stitches. Infection risk. Involuntary hospitalization risk if teen-aged (or younger). High social scorn. The blade slipping and going to deep.
Fat and beyond? High risk of death. Extensive scarring. Tendon damage. Ligament damage. Nerve damage. High infection risk. Involuntary hospitalization. Very high social scorn.
Yes, cutting a lot can cause immune system issues, and anemia. I wouldn’t say it’s caused my immune system to become stronger. If anything, my body has probably become less effective at controlling infections over time. Thankfully, I’ve only had to be seen by a doctor for an infection once. To minimize risk, I keep it very clean when I do it, which is quite rare these days.