Skin picking

I’ve seen it! You can do this.

I found it’s possible. I still do it, but it’s much less obsessive now then it was (however I just randomly started scalp picking and now I can’t stop🙄). One thing that helped me out majorly before I knew it was OCD was not using any fluorescent lights in my bathroom. It sounds simple, but it really helped. I wasn’t constantly seeing things to pick and in general they made me feel more calm which decreased my obsession. Also keep your nails extra short if you can. AND! I just learned about these cool “pain stimming” fidget toys on TikTok. I don’t have one so I can’t vouch for them, but I thought it was such a good idea. A big part of picking for me is the physical sensation of being completely in my body and I love to find ways to achieve that without harming my skin or self.

That’s encouraging to hear. For the physical sensation of being completely in the body, some things that come to mind are exercise and massage, and I can see how those could replace the stimulation from picking or at least bring the stress level down.

Busy_mango AISVSIBSOANSKAN I HAVE DERMATILLOMANIA TWINN ✨ Yk I used to wonder the same thing — whether it would ever get more manageable or less damaging, even after YEARS of trying and suffering. (depresso and shame) ❤️‍🩹 I’ve been there, and I promise you, you’re absolutely not alone. 🥺 I’m still working on it every day through ERP (NOCD), and it’s been about two months of real progress after struggling with severe dermatillomania for nine years. I went through so many doctors, 👩‍⚕️ but none had specific experience with OCD — I was mostly treated for ADHD (I do have it but clearly that wasn’t the true culprit lol 🎯) and skin picking, and OCD was never even mentioned. Ever since being diagnosed , it’s become clearer! These days, I still slip — whether it’s intense picking sessions (when I can’t stop the compulsion) or smaller injuries but it’s become way more manageable and less damaging. 🤗 Before these two months, I picked every single day for 1-6 hours and constantly had severe wounds. Now, I can delay picking for 2-3 days (30 minutes-2 hours a day), and when it happens, it’s usually not that serious. 🤩 The only times I still pick for hours are when I’m pushing ERP into new levels of discomfort.❗️It can be really stressful and sometimes leads to episodes, but each time I practice, I’m able to go a little longer without giving in. 😮‍💨 That’s ERP for you lol. 😅 And this is coming from someone who used to have severe scarring. 🤕Now, it’s barely noticeable unless you look super close (my skin is still a bit weak but that will heal in time ❤️). After years of trial and error, I finally have a go-to wound care routine that helps prevent infection and scarring!!! 💅 So yes — healing is possible, physically and mentally. Don’t give up!!! Side note 📝 : Every second, minute, hour, or day that you’re able to delay a compulsion is a huge step forward! 💪 ERP is all about gradually retraining the brain 🧠 after years of it following the same compulsive patterns. It’s not just about stopping a behavior, it’s about rewiring how your brain responds to distress and discomfort. 🤧 And honestly, one of the most important parts of ERP is learning to give yourself grace. 😊 You’re taking on something incredibly difficult, facing your fears on purpose, without giving in to the relief OCD demands. 😤 That’s one of the most emotionally and mentally exhausting things a person can do, so please be gentle with yourself. Progress isn’t linear, but every effort counts. 💛 Thanks for listening to my TED talk LMAO 🙇‍♀️✨