Obsessive Picking?

Question

OK, My friend has this habit of picking at her arms mostly and it results in a bunch of little scabs and scars. Most of the time, I dont think she even realizes when she does it. It does bother her that her arms look pretty gross sometimes but she doesnt know how to stop picking. She says she itches alot so she'll start scratching and then it just goes from there. She literally finds things to pick, weather it be a pimple, dry skin, in grown hair, whatever, she MUST pick it. She's done this for as long as she can remember but it seems like she's doing it more often. Could this be a result of stress in her life or maybe a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? and how does she go about stopping this habit? Any help you can can offer is appericated and I'll be sure to let her know any suggestions. She does want to stop this so she is really just looking for any answers ( nice ones please) from anyone who may do this same thing or from someone who knows anyone like this?. Thanks all.

Answer 1

COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING
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The primary characteristic of Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP) is the repetitive picking at one's own skin to the extent of causing damage. Usually, but not always, the face is the primary location for skin picking. However CSP, also known as dermatillomania or neurotic excoriation, may involve any part of the body. Individuals with CSP may pick at normal skin variations such as freckles and moles, at actual pre-existing scabs, sores or acne blemishes, or at imagined skin defects that nobody else can observe. Individuals with CSP may use their fingernails, as well as their teeth, tweezers, pins or other mechanical devices. As a result, CSP may cause bleeding, bruises, infections, and/or permanent disfigurement of the skin.

Sometimes skin-picking is preceded by a high level of tension and a strong "itch" or "urge". Likewise, skin-picking may be followed by a feeling of relief or pleasure. A CSP episode may be a conscious response to anxiety or depression, but is frequently done as an unconscious habit. Individuals with CSP often attempt to camouflage the damage caused to their skin by using make-up or wearing clothes to cover the subsequent marks and scars. In extreme cases, individuals with CSP may avoid social situations in an effort to prevent others from seeing the scars, scabs, and bruises that result from skin picking.

As demonstrated above, CSP has obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to OCD, BDD and Trichotillomania. It is sometimes found in individuals with these disorders, as well as in patents with certain medical conditions. In fact, a recent study found that 23% of those with OCD, and 27% of those with BDD, also had CSP. Though not currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association, some researchers believe it merits distinction as a separate diagnostic entity.

The primary treatment modality for CSP depends on the level of awareness the individual has regarding the problem. If the CSP is generally an unconscious habit, the primary treatment is a form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy called Habit Reversal Training (HRT). HRT is based on the principle that skin-picking is a conditioned response to specific situations and events, and that the individual with CSP is frequently unaware of these triggers. HRT challenges the problem in a two-fold process. First, the individual with CSP learns how to become more consciously aware of situations and events that trigger skin-picking episodes. Second, the individual learns to utilize alternative behaviors in response to these situations and events.

There are a number of other therapeutic techniques that can be used as adjuncts to HRT. Among these are Stimulus Control techniques and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Stimulus Control techniques involve utilizing specific physical items as "habit blockers" to restrict an individual's ability to pick at his or her skin. ERP, which is the primary treatment for OCD and many OC Spectrum disorders, is most valuable if the individual with CSP is already aware of the specific situations and events that trigger skin picking episodes, and has already made significant recovery using HRT. To learn more about ERP, click here. Also, medications that are frequently used to treat OCD may be valuable adjuncts to CBT in the treatment of Compulsive Skin Picking.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, and would like to discuss individual therapy for Compulsive Skin Picking at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at [phone], or click here to email us. In addition to individual therapy, we also offer a weekly therapy/support group for adults with Compulsive Skin Picking. For more information on our weekly therapy/support groups, click here. If you live outside Southern California, we recommend that you contact a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist in your local area.

Answer 2

Sounds like allergies or eczematic skin coupled with OCD. First thing is to get some allergy testing done, if you remove the cause of the itch (if there is one) she won't scratch herself raw any more. IF none of that works, or even if it does since she cannot keep herself from doing this, talk therapy is very effective for finding out the why, and perhaps medications or alternative behaviors are in order. She needs to see a therapist.
Good luck HTH, and no she isn't crazy OCD is not insanity. LOL

Answer 3

It's possible that she either has Eczema, or more likely, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I too have a problem with picking pimples on my face/forehead, but luckily most of them are on my hairline, and no matter how short my hair will, be, no one will ever see them. The only thing she can do for help is to see a specialist and get some medication.

Answer 4

The clinical name for this is dermatillomania. It's a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The most effective treatments come from cognitive-behavioral therapy (available through licensed pcyhologists and psychiatrists) or some ant-depressant / anti-anxiety medications (available by prescription). See a physician for assistance with this condition. Good luck!

Answer 5

Sounds like she has OCD.

I've heard it stems from post-traumatic stress disorder.

If she goes to a doctor they'll probably put her on Zoloft, she'll stop itchig and her skin will clear up. But the side effects are horrible.

Answer 6

It's referred to as "trepidation"

It is a nervous/anxiety behavior. Some people pick at their hangnails, etc. She should consider getting on an anti-anxiety medication such as Lexapro, which works wonders for anxiety.

Best of everything!

Answer 7

get away from her, she probably has a severe psychosis problem.