I am a cutter, but I was wondering if my habit of picking at my cuticles(often until they bleed) is unhealthy?

Question

When I say "unhealthy" I mean mentally.

Answer 1

Well, it is a form of self-mutilation, like trichotylomania (pulling at hairs). It may cause infection, or be a source of self-consciousness, or a reminder that one is having trouble controllign an obsessive habit.

Answer 2

I do that too! I actually was doing it while I was scrolling all the questions. I can't stop. If I have something sticking up on my skin, like a scab or something, it gets my full attention until it's gone. I used to bite my nails but stopped, so I guess this new addiction replaced that. It's really inconveniencing and ugly though. I want to stop but I do it when I am not paying attention. I am sure it's unhealthy, it provides an open place for an infection and think of all the places we touch with our hands.

Answer 3

Amy lou you can give yourself an infection doing this also. That can be very painful, and you need your hands in all you do. If you try to cut in a sterile way with a special controlled kit and then dress accordingly you are safer. Obviously i hope you are looking towards ways of slowing down your self harming behaviour with a view to stopping in the future. Good luck do seek councelling but i am sure you already are? Be careful of what people who do not know you can see then they cant judge you unjustly. x

Answer 4

I'm not sure about this but, I believe if you mess with your cuticles to that kind of extreme you will have deformed fingernail growth. Go to a psychologist.

Answer 5

Get help....this web site is not help. Doctors are. The ones that treat mental problems that is.

Answer 6

you cut yourself and you're worried about your health?