Scarification by chemical means simply means applying a chemical reaction to wounds that have been generated by another method (such as cutting) or that have been produced directly by the reaction.

In this article, we would discuss what there is to know about Chemical Scarification and its methods. We have also given forth the methods that are used in this process as well as the chemicals that are used. However, you have to consult your doctor before leaping into something such as this process.

Method of Chemical Scarification

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The first method entails the scar’s design is cut with a scalpel into the flesh. Then, the cut is filled with a chemical irritant, which ensures heavy and raised scarring. Various substances, such as soap and formaldehyde, can irritate the skin. The second type of scar is obtained by using a chemical alone.

As a general rule, this is done in the following way:

1. After shaving, washing, and preparing the scarring area, it is ready to be scarred.
2. Patterns are blocked out in negative using water- and chemically-resistant materials on the skin. The best choice may be heavy-duty tape (although Saran Wrap, Vaseline, or Vaseline may also be used).
3. A chemical is injected into the negative space around the pattern, resulting in a positive image of the pattern on the skin.
4. A chemical does its work within a 2- to 10-minute time frame. When we are most hurt, this is the time when we feel the most pain.
5. Water is either used to rinse off the chemical, or chemically neutralized to remove it.

Chemicals Used In Chemical Scarification

It is extremely important to choose which chemical is used because many of them are sufficiently caustic to cause scarring. It may seem obvious, but acids – e.g. HCl(aq) (Hydrochloric acid), H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid) — and bases — NaOH (Sodium hydroxide, lye, caustic soda; the chemical used in the movie Fight Club), KOH (Potassium hydroxide) are not suitable for chemical scarification. For an acid or a base to do their work, they must be dissolved completely in water. It is nearly impossible to control how the chemical is placed and spread in such a liquid form.