skin picking?

Question

i pick my fingers since i was 10years old and i cant stop (i pick the skin near the finger nails i pick hang nails) i dont want to go into a mental hospital and stay there. i just want a program that i can go to and still have time to go to work oh i live in IL thanks

Answer 1

Some people might think that it is an OCD disorder, but I do the same exact thing and I suffer from self-injury (i.e. cutting). I think that it is a form of this.

How do you know if you self-injure? It may seem an odd question to some, but a few people aren't sure if what they do is "really" self-injury. Answer these questions:

1)Do you deliberately cause physical harm to yourself to the extent of causing tissue damage (breaking the skin, bruising, leaving marks that last for more than an hour)?

2)Do you cause this harm to yourself as a way of dealing with unpleasant or overwhelming emotions, thoughts, or situations (including dissociation)?

3)If your self-harm is not compulsive, do you often think about SI even when you're relatively calm and not doing it at the moment?

If you answer #1 and #2 yes, you are a self-injurer. If you answer #3 yes, you are most likely a repetitive self-injurer. The way you choose to hurt yourself could be cutting, hitting, burning, scratching, skin-picking, banging your head, breaking bones, not letting wounds heal, among others.

Answer 2

Girl, when I get nervous or frustrated or in deep thought I do it. I am perfectly normal. Many people do things like that. It is like nail biting. It doesn't mean that you need to go to a psych hospital or anything. The best way to stop is like any other habit. Figure out when you do it the most and when you catch yourself make a mental note to stop. It takes 21 days to break a habit. If you pick when you are nervous then think of something else to do instead like snap your fingers. Concentrate on that and I bet you wont pick and you probably wont be nervous either. Try rewarding yourself. Maybe a manicure if you don't pick for the week. You might want to talk to your Dr. He may have some great advice or help and I bet it will be far away from the mental hospital.

Answer 3

I've done this forever. Not just fingernails, but all the other stuff too. I pick at my skin, i have scars from it. I've accually gone so far as to CUT off moles. ew. the only thing that helped my with my nails was getting tips put on! it sounds nuts but it worked. the whole time I had acrylic nails I couldn't bite or pick (but you have to go back and get the fills atleast every 2 weeks because if they start to lift you WILL yank them off) I know it's only masking the symptom, but I accually felt calmer because i didnt spent half my day obsessed with chewing or clipping or filing or anything. you could use it in conjuntion with outpatient therapy. i have never heard of anyone being hospitalized for biting their nails.

Answer 4

I have that problem too! Only I don't pick my fingers (well I chew my nails) I'd pick scabs. Which sounds disgusting, but I don't know why I did it. Apparently it can get you skin cancer.
Anyway, it's just a habit. Your making mountains out moehills. True, I'm not loking at your pecked-at fongers right now, but still.
Just stop it. Say no to the addiction. It sounds hard, but it gets easier as you go along. Also, but band-aids at the end ofyour fingers.

Answer 5

I have the same kind of problem..mine is minor ODC ( I do not have problems leaving my house, ect..I simply pick at my skin and it only happens when I am under alot of stress ) ..
The doctor can give you medication, alot of the time they will prescribe paxil, prozac, or wellbutrin. I dont take them, but I have in the past...the paxil worked wonders controlling it..

( I stopped taking it due to other reasons, out of my controll, concerning a chronic disorder I have that is completly unrelated to OCD )

You do not need to be hospitalized or take any sedatives or heavy medications...

Answer 6

You are not losing it mentally, so relax girlfriend. This is a habit. Most habits are mind over matter. Start carrying a tennis ball or something that will preoccupy your mind. Or try cuticle lotion and painting your nails and telling yourself how nice they could look with smooth skin.

I hope one of these work for you. Good luck.

Answer 7

it is a form of OCD.. I also do it but not just to my fingers. I do it to any loose skin, scabs, bumps, etc..so far meds haven't helped me quit doing that..I even picked a mole! Now it is a scab and has been for like 4 months..For sure time to see a dr on that one..

Answer 8

Lestermount

Answer 9

See a doctor about starting cognitive behavioral therapy as an oupt. and meds that Rx OCD, such as hgh dose SSRIs. Mood stabilizer's can be tried as well

Answer 10

You wont go into a mental hospital for skin picking .thats just stupid.... all you need to do is take some classes in self discipline