One of the things I struggle with as a compulsion is skin picking or dermatillomania, I've had it for so long me and my parents really just got used to it I guess. On top of that I have a skin condition which triggers my skin picking habits sometimes. I've had a bunch of infections because of it, most recently a staph infection (again). And my doctor looked at it and said it was self inflicted and I had to explain to her I recently figured out with my psychiatrist that I most likely have OCD. It was embarrassing? It took a lot of me to even make the doctors appointment because I knew it was my own doing that it got that bad. And just sharing it with my mom so that I could go to the doctor was a lot. It's frustrating it doesn't seem like there's much specific treatment for it and I've already had at least 3 serious infections as a result of it. Still can't stop as it's typical of compulsions. Frustrating and not quite sure how to change it. My doctor demanded I cut down my nails though she isn't involved in my mental health network and that in itself made me feel like even more of a child for not being able to stop it myself. At least I had a good conversation with my parents about how it's not like self harm. I don't do it to hurt myself, I do it because my brain tells me to. Wonder if anyone here has any advice to prevent skin picking or know of any specific treatment people do for it? I'm really tired of it

sarahanne12

Date posted: 4y

I’ve struggled with this for a long time as well! The only thing that helped me was changing the obsession from pickin, to obsessing over skincare. Obsessing over clear skin. Come up with a really good routine. I knows it’s not good to swap an obsession for another, but it’s been less physically harmful in the long run! Also, On Amazon you can get ‘pimple patches’ or hydrocolloid patches. I use these and put them over every spot I want to pick so that I don’t see them anymore. Out of sight, out of mind (: as for the nails, it does help to keep short nails. At least for me. Hope any of this is helpful for you!

theowlsbrain

Date posted: 4y

Thank you for the advice! Bandages have helped in the past so maybe the "pimple patches" can as well

theowlsbrain

Date posted: 4y

Obsessing over skincare might be hard for me though as I have a lot of sensory issues related to my autism rip

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4y

I didn’t have this exact issue but I did have the compulsion of touching everything in sight when I walked into a room. I had to ball up my fists and look at what I wanted to touch, but not allow myself. Maybe this could apply to you as well. Look at the skin you want to pick, but don’t allow yourself to. It will be hard but worth it

sarahanne12

Date posted: 4y

I kind of have to do this too, the OCD will say ‘you have to do it’ and then try to be a little devil and say ‘ok just one’ and then your skin is full of red bleeding patches bc it’s NEVER just one. Its always just the one that starts the cluster-f*ck 🙄

theowlsbrain

Date posted: 4y

Honestly thinking back om that doctors appointment I feel I was pretty belittled and talked down to by my doctor ://

sarahanne12

Date posted: 4y

What type of sensory issues? (If you don’t mind me asking)

theowlsbrain

Date posted: 4y

I have issues with stuff like creams feeling greasy and slippery, I dislike really soft things as well

sarahanne12

Date posted: 4y

@oakvpn I would do your research into oil-free fast absorbing products, also you can use rough wash cloths and towels too and maybe see if that’s better.

Choctawmimip

Date posted: 25w

I cant stop making & picking scabs on my head

I know that I have OCD and I was told that the medication I take for my ADHD would help but I don't believe that it does, I now find myself picking and making the scabs on my head and I'm worried that the hair will not grow back but I cannot stop doing it. I don't know what to do. I was told I need therapy.

Meryn

Date posted: 24w

Any tips for skin and nail biting

I’ve chewed my nails and skin around my nails since birth it feels like. My fingers look deformed, when they get water on them they get all white and puffy. almost like if you stay in a pool too long and get that weird water log on your hands. Only I put my hands in water for like 30 seconds and they puff up instantly. I believe I made it one of my OCD routines. I have to constantly check if there’s no loose skin or nails sticking out, and if there is I have to chew it off then I just don’t stop chewing until my finger is bleeding. It’s a very bad habit but it relieves my anxiety when I do it. I’m tired of my deformed, red, bloody fingers and nails it’s so embarrassing.

ICUashley

Date posted: 10w

Tips appreciated:)

Hi everyone. <3 was wondering if anyone with experience dealing with excoriation/skin-picking disorder has some tips or tricks that have particularly helped them. Came to NOCD this week for help - first timer that would really like to be able to wear a tank top again 😅🫠 I did join the BFRB support group but unfortunately will be on a night shift this week when it meets . Thank you in advance ❤️

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