5 common misconceptions about the round scar on the upper arm

Misconception 1: “It’s a skin disease or a childhood injury”
One of the most widespread assumptions is that the scar is due to a skin disease, an infection, or a childhood injury. Some even suspect it’s from a burn or an untreated wound.

The Truth:

In most cases, round scars are not due to an illness or an accident. It results from the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB). The vaccine is usually administered in infancy or early childhood, which is why most people don’t remember receiving it.

The scar forms as part of the body’s natural immune response, not because anything went wrong.

Myth 2: “Only people from poor or rural backgrounds are affected by this.”

This misconception carries a strong social stigma. Some people believe the scar is a sign of poverty, poor hygiene, or lack of access to modern healthcare.

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