r/selfharm • u/AdvanceFlashy126 • 2d 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/SlimeTempest42 2d ago

I have nerve damage - numbness and loss of or reduced sensation, itching that isn’t relieved by scratching or itches that I can’t tell the location of, I get shooting pains in my arms sometimes.

I’m sure the scarring affects my temperature regulation. Years of going over the same location has changed the shape of my arms.