Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Monday, 31 October 2011
Tact - not everyone has it!
TACT
n.
1. Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.
It's a pretty important trait, tact.
If you have something a bit different about you, it's likely that people are going to say something Which is absolutely fine. What is not fine is the WAY some people chose to say it.
3 of my most cringe-worthy situations so far.
Supermarket Shocker
As a human, I have to eat. Sometimes you have to go out to get food. And people might see you. So I went to the supermarket, without my make-up on! Shock horror! Now, lets get this straight, my face is red in places but it's not grotesque. Yet the checkout lady gave me a good looking over and then said,
'what's that on your face?'
Me: 'errrrr....'
Her: 'Is it eczema? I've got eczema on my arm.'
Me: 'No, I had an accident.'
Her: 'What type of accident?'
Mum looks horrified and starts packing aggressively and shooting the checkout lady evil glares.
Me: 'Er, a burn accident.'
Her: 'Oh, I burnt myself the other day on the oven. It really hurt me. (Shows me a minisule burn on her arm.) I read in my magazine about proper burns and the things they have to do. Like when they clean them...'
Mum leans in and says borderline aggressively...'Will you please stop talking?'
Does she? No but she does veer slightly off the subject to a safer one.
Mum says, 'what is wrong with her?'
Me: 'She's just really thick. I feel sorry for her.'
Dustbin Man Div
For those out-of-the-UK readers, we recently had an indian summer. Temperatures reached over 35 degrees. (It does happen!) I ventured out very rarely because the heat played havoc with my injuries. One day, sun-creamed and parasoled up, I headed to the corner shop.
As I passed the Dustbin collectors, I could see they were going to say something. They were all men and they were all looking at me. Yes, I had a parasol but actually, it was very, very hot! So I didn't think it looked particularly out of place.
As I walked past him, the man said with a sneer over his wheelie-bin, 'too hot for you is it?' He didn't say it in a nice way, more like 'she's such a diva' way. I'm a good judge of intent.
Me: 'No, I've been in a chemical explosion actually.'
His face! To give him credit, he looked guilty and then was very nice.
Him: 'Can't you be in the sun then?'
Me: 'Nope.'
Him: 'Never?!'
Me: 'About 2 years.'
Him: 'At least it's only 2 years....I guess that's something.....'
Yes. Something really annoying!!!
Restaurant Man
Although this was fleeting, it made me laugh. The man in my life (best man ever, has been amazing throughout this ordeal) took me out to one of my favourite restaurants for dinner. It was lovely, the first time I have felt normal, mainly because of my make-up. It was the first meal I've really enjoyed because I was now off the painkillers that made food taste bland.
(In case you're interested: scallops, rare steak and salted caramel ice-cream.)
The man diagonally opposite me looked at my forearm, the only exposed part of me. It is fairly red but again, not grotesque. People notice it, I know this. I see them notice it and that is fine. They might even ask about it, fine. BUT there is no need to stare. You might glance twice. After that, you're staring. People don't like to be stared at!
So, after he had stared six times (I counted) for more than 5 seconds at a time, I decided to stop him. I stared at him back and waited for him to catch my eye by accident. He did and I didn't break my gaze. I stared unblinkingly; my scary teacher face. He went slightly red and turned his gaze back to his party of five, whom he should have been paying attention to in the first place.
MWHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Don't let people make you feel uncomfortable. If they want to ask you questions and they do it nicely, be generous. Educate them. But if they stare at you or treat you without tact, don't stand for it.
Use shock factor, 'I've been in a chemical explosion.'
Use assertiveness, 'Can you please stop talking now.'
Or stare back, like a hungry snake.
n.
1. Acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.
It's a pretty important trait, tact.
If you have something a bit different about you, it's likely that people are going to say something Which is absolutely fine. What is not fine is the WAY some people chose to say it.
3 of my most cringe-worthy situations so far.
Supermarket Shocker
As a human, I have to eat. Sometimes you have to go out to get food. And people might see you. So I went to the supermarket, without my make-up on! Shock horror! Now, lets get this straight, my face is red in places but it's not grotesque. Yet the checkout lady gave me a good looking over and then said,
'what's that on your face?'
Me: 'errrrr....'
Her: 'Is it eczema? I've got eczema on my arm.'
Me: 'No, I had an accident.'
Her: 'What type of accident?'
Mum looks horrified and starts packing aggressively and shooting the checkout lady evil glares.
Me: 'Er, a burn accident.'
Her: 'Oh, I burnt myself the other day on the oven. It really hurt me. (Shows me a minisule burn on her arm.) I read in my magazine about proper burns and the things they have to do. Like when they clean them...'
Mum leans in and says borderline aggressively...'Will you please stop talking?'
Does she? No but she does veer slightly off the subject to a safer one.
Mum says, 'what is wrong with her?'
Me: 'She's just really thick. I feel sorry for her.'
Dustbin Man Div
For those out-of-the-UK readers, we recently had an indian summer. Temperatures reached over 35 degrees. (It does happen!) I ventured out very rarely because the heat played havoc with my injuries. One day, sun-creamed and parasoled up, I headed to the corner shop.
As I passed the Dustbin collectors, I could see they were going to say something. They were all men and they were all looking at me. Yes, I had a parasol but actually, it was very, very hot! So I didn't think it looked particularly out of place.
As I walked past him, the man said with a sneer over his wheelie-bin, 'too hot for you is it?' He didn't say it in a nice way, more like 'she's such a diva' way. I'm a good judge of intent.
Me: 'No, I've been in a chemical explosion actually.'
His face! To give him credit, he looked guilty and then was very nice.
Him: 'Can't you be in the sun then?'
Me: 'Nope.'
Him: 'Never?!'
Me: 'About 2 years.'
Him: 'At least it's only 2 years....I guess that's something.....'
Yes. Something really annoying!!!
Restaurant Man
Although this was fleeting, it made me laugh. The man in my life (best man ever, has been amazing throughout this ordeal) took me out to one of my favourite restaurants for dinner. It was lovely, the first time I have felt normal, mainly because of my make-up. It was the first meal I've really enjoyed because I was now off the painkillers that made food taste bland.
(In case you're interested: scallops, rare steak and salted caramel ice-cream.)
The man diagonally opposite me looked at my forearm, the only exposed part of me. It is fairly red but again, not grotesque. People notice it, I know this. I see them notice it and that is fine. They might even ask about it, fine. BUT there is no need to stare. You might glance twice. After that, you're staring. People don't like to be stared at!
So, after he had stared six times (I counted) for more than 5 seconds at a time, I decided to stop him. I stared at him back and waited for him to catch my eye by accident. He did and I didn't break my gaze. I stared unblinkingly; my scary teacher face. He went slightly red and turned his gaze back to his party of five, whom he should have been paying attention to in the first place.
MWHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Don't let people make you feel uncomfortable. If they want to ask you questions and they do it nicely, be generous. Educate them. But if they stare at you or treat you without tact, don't stand for it.
Use shock factor, 'I've been in a chemical explosion.'
Use assertiveness, 'Can you please stop talking now.'
Or stare back, like a hungry snake.
Seriously tired of being seriously tired.
I recently realised I had reverted back to my student routine, just without any of the fun. There's no going out, meeting in the pub, late nights, wine nights, great nights... but there is sleeping in until midday, unable to get up, headaches, voice loss, kidney infections and sitting around all day...eating. Gaining weight. Daytime TV. Afternoon naps.
I am seriously tired of being seriously tired.
Everything wears me out. If I plan an event, I have to plan to recover for the next three days. At least.
Here's an example.
At the weekend it was my Mum's 50th birthday; not an event I want to miss, recovering or not. It took several hours to get ready to go out in public. I dressed creatively to hide all my woes, with a high neck, long sleeve lace bodysuit under my dress. As it was a Murder Mystery dinner for Halloween, this didn't look out of place.
Neither did lots of gothic make-up, hiding a multitude of sins!
The night was great. I drank 4 litres of water during the evening, to offset my 2 glasses of wine. Despite this, by 10.30pm, I was losing my voice!
I croaked my way til midnight. The clock struck 12 and Cinderella turned back into Frankenstein. We stayed at the hotel so I didn't have to travel home and could touch up my make-up or go to bed early if I needed.
When I woke up, my voice was gone. All I could do was gasp like a fish!
It does feel like I'm being punished for trying to have any fun. I don't think I'm asking much these days. I'm not exactly dancing the night away, slamming down shots or going out night after night. I just want to be able to go to special events. So far I've tried a wedding (too much; got a kidney infection) and my Mum's birthday (voice loss.) Each event has been something I really don't want to miss, so I've put up with the consequences.
But I'm asking myself this...how long will it be before I can enjoy myself without any?
I am seriously tired of being seriously tired.
Everything wears me out. If I plan an event, I have to plan to recover for the next three days. At least.
Here's an example.
At the weekend it was my Mum's 50th birthday; not an event I want to miss, recovering or not. It took several hours to get ready to go out in public. I dressed creatively to hide all my woes, with a high neck, long sleeve lace bodysuit under my dress. As it was a Murder Mystery dinner for Halloween, this didn't look out of place.
Neither did lots of gothic make-up, hiding a multitude of sins!
The night was great. I drank 4 litres of water during the evening, to offset my 2 glasses of wine. Despite this, by 10.30pm, I was losing my voice!
I croaked my way til midnight. The clock struck 12 and Cinderella turned back into Frankenstein. We stayed at the hotel so I didn't have to travel home and could touch up my make-up or go to bed early if I needed.
When I woke up, my voice was gone. All I could do was gasp like a fish!
It does feel like I'm being punished for trying to have any fun. I don't think I'm asking much these days. I'm not exactly dancing the night away, slamming down shots or going out night after night. I just want to be able to go to special events. So far I've tried a wedding (too much; got a kidney infection) and my Mum's birthday (voice loss.) Each event has been something I really don't want to miss, so I've put up with the consequences.
But I'm asking myself this...how long will it be before I can enjoy myself without any?
Remember, remember the 5th of November, fireworks, bonfires and accidents...
We all love loud, unpredictable explosions, don't we?
There is no reason why Fireworks Night can't be enjoyed by all. However, as someone on the receiving end of an explosion related accident, I can't help but stress that fireworks may be fun BUT they are also unpredictable, explosive devices.
A factsheet from the Child Accident Prevention Trust has some alarming statistics on it.
*Great Britain - in the four weeks surrounding Bonfire Night 2001, 1362 people
were treated in hospital casualty departments after an accident involving a
firework.
*685 children under 16 were treated in hospital for injuries caused by fireworks.
*Many more boys than girls were injured by fireworks– particularly in the 12 to 15 age group.
* Sparklers burn at a temperature of approx 2000 degrees! They cause a large number of accidents with young children being particularly at risk.
*Common injuries are to the hands (34%), face (12%), and eyes (17%)
*Over 60 per cent of injuries require ongoing treatment from a GP or hospital
and may leave permanent scarring.
Fireworks and bonfires must be treated sensibly and with caution. There is nothing wrong with being careful. It is not pathetic or silly. It takes seconds for an accident to happen and YEARS to heal from it.
There is a fireworks safety website but most of the advice found here are things you already know. They are common sense. Unfortunately, common sense evades some people.
1 Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves, have a bucket of cold water to put them into, hot end first. Do not drop them on the ground. Do not pick up a sparkler from the ground.
2 Never give sparklers to a child under 5
3 Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
4 Keep fireworks in a closed box
5 Follow the instructions on each firework
6 Light them at arm’s length using a taper
7 Stand well back
8 Never go back to a lit firework
9 Never put fireworks in your pocket
10 Never throw fireworks
11 Keep pets indoors
Bonfire safety is also common sense.
*If, after careful consideration, you do decide to have a bonfire, make one person responsible for it, from early planning to final clearing up.Don’t site it too near your display or firework storage area.
*Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to get it going as this can result in uncontrolled spread of fire or explosion.
Check immediately before lighting that there’s no animal or even a young child hidden inside.
*Never put fireworks on a bonfire, even if they’re dud.
*Don’t burn dangerous rubbish (e.g. aerosols, paint tins or foam-filled furniture).
Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so there’s nothing that can be thrown onto the fire on the night.
So careful people, careful. Skin grafts are not fun.
Lecture over.
http://www.b48s.org.uk/downloads/safety/CAPT%20Firework%20Factsheet.pdf
http://www.fireworksafety.co.uk/
Safe firework fun, a cute site for kids. http://www.welephant.co.uk/bonfirestory000.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/Escapingandrecoveringfromafire/DG_180786
http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/bonfires
There is no reason why Fireworks Night can't be enjoyed by all. However, as someone on the receiving end of an explosion related accident, I can't help but stress that fireworks may be fun BUT they are also unpredictable, explosive devices.
A factsheet from the Child Accident Prevention Trust has some alarming statistics on it.
*Great Britain - in the four weeks surrounding Bonfire Night 2001, 1362 people
were treated in hospital casualty departments after an accident involving a
firework.
*685 children under 16 were treated in hospital for injuries caused by fireworks.
*Many more boys than girls were injured by fireworks– particularly in the 12 to 15 age group.
* Sparklers burn at a temperature of approx 2000 degrees! They cause a large number of accidents with young children being particularly at risk.
*Common injuries are to the hands (34%), face (12%), and eyes (17%)
*Over 60 per cent of injuries require ongoing treatment from a GP or hospital
and may leave permanent scarring.
Fireworks and bonfires must be treated sensibly and with caution. There is nothing wrong with being careful. It is not pathetic or silly. It takes seconds for an accident to happen and YEARS to heal from it.
There is a fireworks safety website but most of the advice found here are things you already know. They are common sense. Unfortunately, common sense evades some people.
1 Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves, have a bucket of cold water to put them into, hot end first. Do not drop them on the ground. Do not pick up a sparkler from the ground.
2 Never give sparklers to a child under 5
3 Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
4 Keep fireworks in a closed box
5 Follow the instructions on each firework
6 Light them at arm’s length using a taper
7 Stand well back
8 Never go back to a lit firework
9 Never put fireworks in your pocket
10 Never throw fireworks
11 Keep pets indoors
Bonfire safety is also common sense.
*If, after careful consideration, you do decide to have a bonfire, make one person responsible for it, from early planning to final clearing up.Don’t site it too near your display or firework storage area.
*Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to get it going as this can result in uncontrolled spread of fire or explosion.
Check immediately before lighting that there’s no animal or even a young child hidden inside.
*Never put fireworks on a bonfire, even if they’re dud.
*Don’t burn dangerous rubbish (e.g. aerosols, paint tins or foam-filled furniture).
Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so there’s nothing that can be thrown onto the fire on the night.
So careful people, careful. Skin grafts are not fun.
Lecture over.
http://www.b48s.org.uk/downloads/safety/CAPT%20Firework%20Factsheet.pdf
http://www.fireworksafety.co.uk/
Safe firework fun, a cute site for kids. http://www.welephant.co.uk/bonfirestory000.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/Escapingandrecoveringfromafire/DG_180786
http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/bonfires
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Covering up burns, scars and scorch marks - a master of disguise for winter
Luckily, I am female. That means I have a plethora of fashionable clothes to choose from and several make-up choices at my disposal. Yes, it will take some time to adjust to high necked and long sleeves...but with internet research and free delivery, I can try them out in the safety of my own home.
I have always been more The Only Way Is Essex
than Made in Chelsea. 
I am really reluctant to give up looking good, to cover up.
But then I thought...don't lots of people do this everyday???
I am one of the lucky few who loves the gym, enjoys running and likes eating healthily. As a consequence I (pre-accident) have a trim figure. Yet most people have bits they dislike: less-toned arms, post baby-stomach, chunky thighs. The key is not to think about covering up bits but exposing the best bits! Well, it made Gok Wan his fortune...
Scarves
Scarves are one of my new favourite things. They look excellent on men too. As winter is coming up in the UK, scarves are the perfect cover-up. Forever21 do an excellent, affordable collection. http://www.forever21.com/UK/Product/Category.aspx?br=f21&category=acc_scarf_gloves I have bought several and now have a huge range of colours and weights.
Jumpers
I've mostly found that plain jumpers with a contrasting coloured scarf swathed over the top looks the most appealing. Most jumpers, however chunky, usually don't go high enough up the neck. I have found some excellent ones from Primark at £5 each, so you can buy every colour. Alternatively, roll-necks work well. They are especially good to go under pretty tops that you want to wear but find an unsuitable shape.
Show your shape
If you have a nice figure, you can still show it off.
There are a lot of long sleeve dresses, that combined with tights (if needed) or a scarf (if needed) would look very flattering. There is no need to wear shapeless clothes (unless of course you need to give your injury space. Then you should wear whatever is comfortable.)
Lace is also really fashionable at the moment which is perfect to hide discolourations of the skin. Just make sure the lace isn't too scratchy on sensitive skin.
Pussy bow dresses and blouses are also very popular at the moment and a godsend to the covered up look!
They are flattering on most shapes although if you have a very big bust you might look better with layers of co-ordinating colour rather than a block colour across your chest.
Good underwear
Underwear can really help your outfit. I am having to wear a really good strapless bra, as I can't do straps. However, I have figured out I can have a strap on one side from the front, over the shoulder and attached to the opposite side at the back. This gives a bit more support. I am going to be wearing a lace bodysuit under quite a lot of my clothes. These are fashionable and cover up a world of issues! I washed mine first to help soften them. Search for bodysuits to find a selection.
Jewellery
Jewellery can be used as a focal point, to misdirect the gaze. I burnt my ear badly, so earrings are out for a couple of years. My right forearm is badly scorched but I can't always wear sleeves to the wrist! Instead I have been wearing a big bracelet and statement ring on my left arm. I have noticed that the person's gaze is drawn to my non-injured arm because of the bling! It's difficult but I'm practising gesticulating with my left arm too (I'm right-handed) to further minimise people noticing. Misdirection! It sounds silly but it works for Derren Brown!
Armery - Thanks Mary Portas!
Armery has been designed as a bingo-wing-holder-inner for ladies who want to wear sleeveless fashions.
Indirectly, they are also a brilliant cover-up for anyone who has an injury on their arm! Lots of outfits I've found have high necks but are sleeveless and this will be just the thing to sort out that problem. You could also wear them under t-shirts, as they are quite discreet. http://www.mytights.com/gb/findit/mary-portas.html?limit=30&gclid=CMOM5eKLmKwCFYEZ4QodiggFPQ
Hair
If you can, get a good hair style. My hair burnt off quite badly at the front and I had to have the sides and some of the back shaved. I am aware I'm very lucky that I've got thick hair but I'm even luckier I have a good hairdresser. She came round to do my hair at home and she went through my injuries with me, to make sure she didn't catch me in the wrong places. I felt more comfortable this way. She cut me in a thick fringe to cover up all the lost, stumpy and spiky bits. She evened out the charcoaled ends. Already, it looked so much better. Next, I had a few packets of bleach to cover up my roots as I had to wear my hair up all the time.
Roll on 2 months and the fringe is long enough to brush to one side, reminiscent of my original side-sweep. I went to the salon for a full head of highlights and went bright, bright blonde! Doing this made me feel like I have more control over my appearance.
The only thing to be cautious of is colouring...if you have had a burn on or near your head you might want to avoid putting all over colour on these areas. Packets are much more controlled.
Make-up
If, like me, you are able to use camouflage make-up then work out what you want to highlight and what you want to disguise. I make my face a blank colour and then join up where the red patches are (under the make-up) with very pink blusher. This works because if the make-up comes off at all, the blusher helps blend the red patches together. I just look very flushed!
Another trick I am using is dark, smoky eyes. Lots of mascara, eyeliner etc. Then I cover my lips in the Dermablend concealer and white them out. This means you can't really see my blurred loss of lipline. I try to draw people to my big blonde hair and smoky eyes. Misdirection!
Lastly....
SMILE
No one wants to talk to angry looking, unsmiley people...well-dressed or not! You could look fabulous but if you aren't smiling, what's the point? You will find your own style again, it might take a while if you're on a budget like me or if you have a lot to heal up but you will look and feel fabulous again in time. It takes practise, perseverance and a positive attitude. Sometimes I look in the mirror and all I can see is graft, rash, red, red, RED! But then I remember it's early days and I get to work.
I have always been more The Only Way Is Essex
than Made in Chelsea. 
I am really reluctant to give up looking good, to cover up.
But then I thought...don't lots of people do this everyday???
I am one of the lucky few who loves the gym, enjoys running and likes eating healthily. As a consequence I (pre-accident) have a trim figure. Yet most people have bits they dislike: less-toned arms, post baby-stomach, chunky thighs. The key is not to think about covering up bits but exposing the best bits! Well, it made Gok Wan his fortune...
Scarves
Scarves are one of my new favourite things. They look excellent on men too. As winter is coming up in the UK, scarves are the perfect cover-up. Forever21 do an excellent, affordable collection. http://www.forever21.com/UK/Product/Category.aspx?br=f21&category=acc_scarf_gloves I have bought several and now have a huge range of colours and weights.
Jumpers
I've mostly found that plain jumpers with a contrasting coloured scarf swathed over the top looks the most appealing. Most jumpers, however chunky, usually don't go high enough up the neck. I have found some excellent ones from Primark at £5 each, so you can buy every colour. Alternatively, roll-necks work well. They are especially good to go under pretty tops that you want to wear but find an unsuitable shape.
Show your shape
If you have a nice figure, you can still show it off.
There are a lot of long sleeve dresses, that combined with tights (if needed) or a scarf (if needed) would look very flattering. There is no need to wear shapeless clothes (unless of course you need to give your injury space. Then you should wear whatever is comfortable.)
Lace is also really fashionable at the moment which is perfect to hide discolourations of the skin. Just make sure the lace isn't too scratchy on sensitive skin.Pussy bow dresses and blouses are also very popular at the moment and a godsend to the covered up look!
They are flattering on most shapes although if you have a very big bust you might look better with layers of co-ordinating colour rather than a block colour across your chest.Good underwear
Underwear can really help your outfit. I am having to wear a really good strapless bra, as I can't do straps. However, I have figured out I can have a strap on one side from the front, over the shoulder and attached to the opposite side at the back. This gives a bit more support. I am going to be wearing a lace bodysuit under quite a lot of my clothes. These are fashionable and cover up a world of issues! I washed mine first to help soften them. Search for bodysuits to find a selection.
Jewellery
Jewellery can be used as a focal point, to misdirect the gaze. I burnt my ear badly, so earrings are out for a couple of years. My right forearm is badly scorched but I can't always wear sleeves to the wrist! Instead I have been wearing a big bracelet and statement ring on my left arm. I have noticed that the person's gaze is drawn to my non-injured arm because of the bling! It's difficult but I'm practising gesticulating with my left arm too (I'm right-handed) to further minimise people noticing. Misdirection! It sounds silly but it works for Derren Brown!
Armery - Thanks Mary Portas!
Armery has been designed as a bingo-wing-holder-inner for ladies who want to wear sleeveless fashions.
Indirectly, they are also a brilliant cover-up for anyone who has an injury on their arm! Lots of outfits I've found have high necks but are sleeveless and this will be just the thing to sort out that problem. You could also wear them under t-shirts, as they are quite discreet. http://www.mytights.com/gb/findit/mary-portas.html?limit=30&gclid=CMOM5eKLmKwCFYEZ4QodiggFPQHair
If you can, get a good hair style. My hair burnt off quite badly at the front and I had to have the sides and some of the back shaved. I am aware I'm very lucky that I've got thick hair but I'm even luckier I have a good hairdresser. She came round to do my hair at home and she went through my injuries with me, to make sure she didn't catch me in the wrong places. I felt more comfortable this way. She cut me in a thick fringe to cover up all the lost, stumpy and spiky bits. She evened out the charcoaled ends. Already, it looked so much better. Next, I had a few packets of bleach to cover up my roots as I had to wear my hair up all the time.
Roll on 2 months and the fringe is long enough to brush to one side, reminiscent of my original side-sweep. I went to the salon for a full head of highlights and went bright, bright blonde! Doing this made me feel like I have more control over my appearance.
The only thing to be cautious of is colouring...if you have had a burn on or near your head you might want to avoid putting all over colour on these areas. Packets are much more controlled.
Make-up
If, like me, you are able to use camouflage make-up then work out what you want to highlight and what you want to disguise. I make my face a blank colour and then join up where the red patches are (under the make-up) with very pink blusher. This works because if the make-up comes off at all, the blusher helps blend the red patches together. I just look very flushed!
Another trick I am using is dark, smoky eyes. Lots of mascara, eyeliner etc. Then I cover my lips in the Dermablend concealer and white them out. This means you can't really see my blurred loss of lipline. I try to draw people to my big blonde hair and smoky eyes. Misdirection!
Lastly....
SMILE
No one wants to talk to angry looking, unsmiley people...well-dressed or not! You could look fabulous but if you aren't smiling, what's the point? You will find your own style again, it might take a while if you're on a budget like me or if you have a lot to heal up but you will look and feel fabulous again in time. It takes practise, perseverance and a positive attitude. Sometimes I look in the mirror and all I can see is graft, rash, red, red, RED! But then I remember it's early days and I get to work.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Skin irritations; how annoying!
A skin injury knocks your cells into a whirl. They are going crazy trying to repair you as best they can. The protective barrier has been breached! Man the trenches! Stop the bacteria!
Unfortunately this means you could be subject to skin infections, spots, boils, rashes (don't I know it!) itching, peeling, sensitivity, redness...basically the last thing you need after a stressful accident.
Rashes
Currently I am still suffering from 'the rash' and awaiting my acupuncture. In the meantime, I have been using Dermol to wash the area, followed by a delicate cleaning with Tesco antiseptic wipes and then a thin film of Savlon. I have to do something, as it has got increasingly worse since wearing my compression vest and I've been dislodging skin when pulling it on and off. This regime seems to have made it slightly less red in the 3 days I've been doing it...PLEASE let it work!
It's possible that you might contract rashes such as Impetigo because your skin has been knocked out of balance and bacteria can easily get into damaged skin. If you show any signs of rashes or weeping, do check with your doctor straight away and don't leave it.
Spots and boils
I was told by the Nurses that little blisters or spots sometimes come up on the damaged areas because of the constant massaging and creams clogging the skin. You also might find that the camouflage make-up gives you spots. I'm not sure if this is because it clogs your skin or because you rub it in and rub it to take it off. The Nurses told me not to pick them...if you can bear to leave them! Put some antiseptic on the area, especially if they do burst, you don't want the infection to spread.
The issue with picking things is that the skin is so delicate, it will simply break or go bright red and look worse. I had this problem under my chin. I decided not to touch it at all and to leave it as make-up free as possible for a week. I used this facewash twice a day. It's really gentle and doesn't dry your skin out. After several days (patience, patience, patience!) my skin has gone back down to semi-red instead of bright red.
Biotherm Magnesium Hydra-Mineral Cleanser Softening Mousse 150ml
Itching
A big issue with burn injuries is the itching that comes with them. My arm hasn't been too itchy actually, I think because the nerves aren't back yet. However, my chest is a different matter! The things I have to avoid are: any soap; any water; and try not to itch at all. If I itch even once, then I am going to be itchy for a while! One of the things you need to get prescribed is Diprobase cream. It leaves a layer of oil on the skin and stops the water evaporating. It must be applied regularly to work effectively, not just as a one-off when the itching starts. When you apply it be really gentle or it will aggravate you.
Peeling
The difficult thing about burns is that you must be really gentle with your skin, no vigorous rubbing, no direct water, lukewarm water only and so on. Despite this delicate touch, you can't leave dead or peeling skin. I made this mistake with my donor site. As it was so sore, I didn't like to scrub it in case it made it worse. Unfortunately, leaving it meant that scabs began to appear. Under the scabs, you can get infection. So I had to start massaging the area with Dermol and dislodging the dead skin. Gross but very important to note! Make sure that dead skin doesn't build up, as in the long term you will take longer to heal. Gentle, regular removal is the best way; don't make it sore. If you're not sure, speak to your GP or Nurse to make sure you are doing the best thing.
Unfortunately this means you could be subject to skin infections, spots, boils, rashes (don't I know it!) itching, peeling, sensitivity, redness...basically the last thing you need after a stressful accident.
Rashes
Currently I am still suffering from 'the rash' and awaiting my acupuncture. In the meantime, I have been using Dermol to wash the area, followed by a delicate cleaning with Tesco antiseptic wipes and then a thin film of Savlon. I have to do something, as it has got increasingly worse since wearing my compression vest and I've been dislodging skin when pulling it on and off. This regime seems to have made it slightly less red in the 3 days I've been doing it...PLEASE let it work!
It's possible that you might contract rashes such as Impetigo because your skin has been knocked out of balance and bacteria can easily get into damaged skin. If you show any signs of rashes or weeping, do check with your doctor straight away and don't leave it.
Spots and boils
I was told by the Nurses that little blisters or spots sometimes come up on the damaged areas because of the constant massaging and creams clogging the skin. You also might find that the camouflage make-up gives you spots. I'm not sure if this is because it clogs your skin or because you rub it in and rub it to take it off. The Nurses told me not to pick them...if you can bear to leave them! Put some antiseptic on the area, especially if they do burst, you don't want the infection to spread.
The issue with picking things is that the skin is so delicate, it will simply break or go bright red and look worse. I had this problem under my chin. I decided not to touch it at all and to leave it as make-up free as possible for a week. I used this facewash twice a day. It's really gentle and doesn't dry your skin out. After several days (patience, patience, patience!) my skin has gone back down to semi-red instead of bright red.
Biotherm Magnesium Hydra-Mineral Cleanser Softening Mousse 150ml
Itching
A big issue with burn injuries is the itching that comes with them. My arm hasn't been too itchy actually, I think because the nerves aren't back yet. However, my chest is a different matter! The things I have to avoid are: any soap; any water; and try not to itch at all. If I itch even once, then I am going to be itchy for a while! One of the things you need to get prescribed is Diprobase cream. It leaves a layer of oil on the skin and stops the water evaporating. It must be applied regularly to work effectively, not just as a one-off when the itching starts. When you apply it be really gentle or it will aggravate you.
Peeling
The difficult thing about burns is that you must be really gentle with your skin, no vigorous rubbing, no direct water, lukewarm water only and so on. Despite this delicate touch, you can't leave dead or peeling skin. I made this mistake with my donor site. As it was so sore, I didn't like to scrub it in case it made it worse. Unfortunately, leaving it meant that scabs began to appear. Under the scabs, you can get infection. So I had to start massaging the area with Dermol and dislodging the dead skin. Gross but very important to note! Make sure that dead skin doesn't build up, as in the long term you will take longer to heal. Gentle, regular removal is the best way; don't make it sore. If you're not sure, speak to your GP or Nurse to make sure you are doing the best thing.
Monday, 24 October 2011
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