I just gave up giving a shit what people thought. I have thousands of scars across my body and if I spent time caring about hiding them all, I'd be in all day. I hide any fresh wounds, but scars, I don't bother anymore and now it's just normal in my life and no-one questions it. I can't really tell you where to do it to avoid it being seen - only you know that based on the clothes you wear. Alternatives? Depends. I personally loathe alternatives when they are suggested to me because they just don't work. But things like ice, red food colouring, elastic bands on wrists, ripping old magazines/phone directories etc.. it's kinda just what works for you.