Chriss2001

Date posted: 22h

Hi everyone! New here!

I've been googling a lot lately, and realize I might have OCD. I've never been diagnosed with it, but I really think I have it. I was informed from here, that picking my skin can be a form of OCD. I often pick my lips, my fingers, my acne, and my scabs whenever I'm anxious or nervous. I know it's a mental problem, but it's getting to a point that I just can't take it anymore. I'm even picking at my scalp now, and always get nasty sores on it. My fingers and lips I still pick. But it isn't as bad as picking my acne, and scalp now. Does any one have any advice on what I can do to prevent it, or stop all together? It's so annoying at times. Medication doesn't work, and I can't afford to see a therapist right now. Thank you in advance.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 22h

P.S. I've also been picking my fingers, and lips since I was at least 7 years old, and now I'm 43 years old. 🥺

Amara

Date posted: 19h

Since you’ve been dealing with this for so long, it might help to focus on small, manageable steps: try redirecting your hands when you feel the urge, using one-time-fee programs for guided exercises, keeping your nails short, and applying soothing scalp treatments or anti-itch solutions. Even tiny changes consistently can make a difference over time.

hanysm@gmail...

Date posted: 22h

One day mental health will be free for everyone... Welcome aboard

Chriss2001

Date posted: 21h

Gosh I hope so, and thank you.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 20h

I think it's also due to my age, I'm going through peri menopause so my scalp (It's so itchy all the time) and my acne has gotten worse. So yeah it's definitely a new habit lol.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 20h

@Chriss2001 As I write this, I'm picking my lips lmao.

hanysm@gmail...

Date posted: 16h

@Chriss2001 Maybe it's just that, deep down, you're thinking about your age. But remember, age is only a number—something humans made up for identification. In truth, each person is unique: our metabolism, hormones, health, and especially our spirit all make us different. Think about how many older people are lively and full of joy, while some young ones already act old and grumpy. So don’t worry—you look great, and you’ll stay that way for many years to come.

Anonymous

Date posted: 22h

some cuticle oil or lotion could help to make it a little harder for you to pick off things. (keep your fingers slippery lol) I paint my nails so i don’t bite them, after a while I don’t even try. Sometimes the habit comes back, but I know I can redirect with that tool :)

Anonymous

Date posted: 22h

@Anonymous ps I’d be careful about what kind of chapstick you might use for this. Some brands totally make my lips drier and it makes a cycle where I have to use it more and more often. If you can find some all natural hippie stuff I would say that’s worth it :) Badger Cuticle Oil I like Oatmeal baby lotion

Chriss2001

Date posted: 21h

That's what I've been doing painting my nails. It helps. I've been really good at not picking them lately. It's more or less scabs and my acne I have problems picking lol.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 21h

@Anonymous I usually use vaseline. The lip stuff in a tin. I still pick my lips, but not as bad as how I used too when I was a kid. I try to take care of them better. It's the picking scabs, my scalp, and my acne I have problems with mostly now.

Anonymous

Date posted: 21h

@Chriss2001 i’m not sure if this is just replacing a habit with a new one- but lotion helps so i still touch my face and have the satisfaction of something. And I crochet a headband for a friend to keep her from being able to reach her scalp! Maybe that can help to break the habit?

ezrider

Date posted: 21h

Welcome to the community! You'll find a lot of support here. We're all going through this stuff together, in various ways.

Anonymous

Date posted: 20h

This is called dermatillomania/trichotillomania and its def related to OCD! I suggest finding virtual or real support groups for either ocd or BFRB (body focused repetitive behaviors) in general

Anonymous

Date posted: 20h

Also read books or podcasts on it. Feeling alone makes every mental issue worse :)

Chriss2001

Date posted: 20h

Yeah I read that too. I'll definitely look into other support groups for this. Thank you.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 20h

@Anonymous I read alot, and it does help. 💗

Amara

Date posted: 20h

Hey! I understand how frustrating this can be. Some strategies that might help: Awareness & Tracking – Notice your triggers and patterns; keeping a simple log can help. Substitute Actions – Use stress balls, fidget toys, or other hands-on activities instead of picking. Barrier Methods – Bandages, gloves, or even nail polish can reduce picking. Routine & Structure – Keeping a consistent daily schedule can lower anxiety-driven behaviors. Mindfulness & Grounding – Brief breathing exercises or grounding techniques can interrupt urges.

Chriss2001

Date posted: 20h

Thank you! Any suggestions on the scalp picking? I can't find a good product to help the itching. I know that's why I pick my scalp alot now.

Amara

Date posted: 19h

Anytime. Try a gentle anti‑itch scalp serum or spray (look for things like aloe, tea tree, or zinc). Even inexpensive drugstore ones can calm the itching a lot. Cooling products help too anything with menthol can reduce the urge to scratch. Keeping the scalp moisturized (like using a mild leave‑in conditioner) can reduce dryness that triggers picking. And if the itching feels intense, sometimes switching to a gentle, fragrance‑free shampoo makes a big difference. Nothing cures it overnight, but reducing the itch usually lowers the picking urge a lot.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 19h

Welcome to NOCD! I found this app in a similar way you did. Searching so much about my struggles that it eventually brought me here. Do you have intrusive thoughts? Any unwanted thoughts that bother you to no end? Do you feel like you have to respond to them physically to make them go away? Do you feel short term relief whenever you pick at your nails or your skin? Does the anxiety come back long after? Just a couple things to consider when it comes to what may be causing this in the first place. I'm not entirely sure on how to try and stop engaging in it, but substitutions can help! I like the idea that Amara had left and you can definitely try them out. I completely relate to picking the skin off your lips. I do that a lot and I notice my lips are usually dry most of the day. I apply Vaseline so I don't do it or drink water. Another thing that helps is being compassionate with yourself with all of this. Don't beat yourself up whenever it does happen. You're trying to change it and that matters a lot! A routine that counteracts any skin picking can be great for you, and it also shows that you're caring for yourself :) I hope this helps.

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