Compulsice Skin Picking?

Question

does anyone know how to treat Compulsive Skin Picking or think of any suggestions?? I never really realize it was a problem just something i did from time to time. but doing it for almost 5 years. i dont pick at my face but places that are easily covered by clothes and when it comes to the summer and swim suits i wear as much clothing without looking stupid.. i think it's about time i TRY to stop

Answer 1

I've had the same problem! I never before used to pick at my skin, but for a few years now, wherever I see a bump, a zit, an ingrown hair, anything at all...I'll obssessively pick at it. I used to think it was no big deal, but then I started doing it more and more and got a lot of scabs, etc. The physical stuff aside, I realized that it's psychological. It's not quite like people who cut themselves, but kind of a mild form of it. I think we're trying to obssess on something minor on our skin to occupy our minds and not have to deal with reality for a little while. It might sound far-fetched, but think about that the next time you find yourself picking. Maybe this is not the case with you, but it's worth a thought. See if you're doing it for long periods of time, if you enjoy the sensation of getting "stuff" out of your skin (like pus or blood, etc.), if you feel good while doing it but guilty or mad at yourself afterwards, and if you tend to do it more when your anxioux, angry or depressed; and if you tell yourself you'll stop picking and realize you can't. See if any of that rings a bell. If so, then your picking is a lot more psychological than physical. It's not just a bad habit. You're trying to get out your anger, agression, anxiety, etc. out on yourself. Sort of attack something you can (your skin) when you can't attack what you really want to (another person, a problem in your life, a feeling inside yourself). For me, I'd love to see pus or something come out of a pimple, for example...it was almost like some feeling inside me was exploding out. So anyway...maybe your problem isn't as dramatic as all that and all you need is some self control and some concealer lol! But if any of the stuff I said sounds familiar, start thinking about your picking differently. Next time you want to pick, remind yourself that there's a reason you're doing it and try to find out what that reason is. Are you nervous about something? Do you feel helpless about something? Are you angry? And a ton more questions like that!! I'm not saying you'll have an "aha" moment and come to some sort of pyschological resolution in your life, but at least you'll realize that you're about to "pick" for a reason. Tell yourself that, remind yourself that there will always be a "reason" to pick and you're just damaging your skin instead of trying to deal with your emotions. Just the realization alone may shed some light on it and make you understand that what your doing isn't all that harmless and maybe you'll stop. From one picker to another, I wish you the best of luck and smooth skin!

Answer 2

This is probably a bigger problem than you think it is (and will probably stay with you for the rest of your life) just like smoking and gambling, it is an addictive, self hating habit that is very hard to stop. after all, you can stop buying cigarettes and not go to places that you can gamble , but your skin goes with you everywhere!!!

The best thing I can suggest is, If it is bad go to a therapist to try and find out the underlying cause, which will help..
and trying to change to another habit, playing with paper clips, tearing paper up into tiny pieces( messy but does help with the desire to destroy something)
Take up trying to clean your house instead of your skin (when you clean the tiles off the the bathroom floor, then you Know you have to stop)
Even just chewing your hair (an obsessive compulsive destructive habit in itself) is a better option because IT Will grow back.
What ever you decide Good Luck!!

Answer 3

woman, when I get demanding or annoyed or in deep theory I do it. i'm completely conventional. many human beings do issues like that. that's like nail biting. It would not recommend which you would be able to desire to bypass to a psych medical institution or something. the perfect thank you to quit is like all different habit. decide once you do it the main and once you capture your self make a psychological notice to quit. It takes 21 days to interrupt a habit. in case you %. once you're demanding then think of of a few thing else to do instead like snap your hands. talk that and that i wager you wont %. and you in all probability wont be demanding the two. attempt rewarding your self. maybe a nail clipping in case you do no longer %. for the week. that's quite helpful to talk on your Dr. He could have some large suggestion or help and that i wager that's going to be a procedures far off from the psychological medical institution.

Answer 4

I know it sounds ridiculously simple, but the best advice I've heard from other skin pickers is to wear acrylic nails. They're thicker than your natural nails so you really can't get at the skin or feel around for bumps to pick at as easily. Sufferers have sworn by it.

Answer 5

Lestermount

Answer 6

Its probably worth a try at hypnosis

Answer 7

i have the same problem, and the other answers made a lot of sense. i might try that nail thing... thanks for asking this question!