I cannot stop..I try so hard..but before I know it I will be picking at little bumps like on my arms chest and thighs. sometimes I do not even realize I am doing it. my husband gets so mad at me and I really try to stop. I can even get it cleared up for a little while and then I start all over again....this cannot be normal...but I do not know why I do this and it looks so gross! Help please!!
2007-07-22 14:50:12 · 7 answers · asked by rhott22 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
The condition is a variant of OCD known as Dermatillomania. There are a variety of treatments that some have found to work for them - hypnosis, therapists, and I remember reading somewhere one of the B vitamins was often helpful. It can be worsened during periods of stress. This is a medical condition and you are far from alone.
There are several forums where sufferers share ideas, information, and know from experience having others tell you to "Stop that!" doesn't work.
2007-07-23 11:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by itscribe 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing's wrong with you; you just have a less-than-glamourous habit. It happens to the best of us. There are a few different approaches you can take when dealing with this. One thing you can do is wear long pants and sleeves all the time to get completely get rid of the temptation (whether or not you can do this will depend on your clothing preferences and the climate where you live). Another thing that may help is replacing it with a different habit- in your situation, try making applying lotion your new habit. Besides that the lotion will make your skin slippery and gunk up your nails if you pick at the bumps, it may make your skin nicer and get rid of many of the bumps. If you're not too embarrassed, let people you're with a lot know about this habit and that you want them to tell you if they catch you doing it (that can get so annoying that you'll just gradually stop after having enough of it).
2007-07-22 15:03:22 · answer #2 · answered by Lycanthrope777 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do this too! I used to pick at all of my fingers (cuticles). Then I got down to just my thumb. I have finally given that up, but it's hard.... Although I still pick at bumps on my arms and legs. My husband gets upset with me too. I'm not sure what I can say to help, but the way I stopped with my finger was I would give myself little deadlines and reward myself for accomplishing them. It's an everyday challenge though. Good luck.
2007-07-22 15:00:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did the same thing for years and had sores that would never go away because of my picking. I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. People think of OCD usually like you see on TV with the people that insist on washing their hands all the time or something but it can take many forms. My adivice is to try to keep band aids on them at all times. Try to find another hobby that occupies your hands. If you find yourself picking, put your hands on your head or in your lap and count to 10.
2007-07-22 15:03:28 · answer #4 · answered by scubadvr 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
An anxiety disorder, such as ocd, can be help with antidepressants. Does your mind race? That is common with anxiety/ocd. Antidepressants also stop that maddening symptom.
2007-07-22 15:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by Alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you have a form of obsessive/compulsive disorder (OCD)? Picking the skin is one type of OCD.
2007-07-22 14:59:10 · answer #6 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need help of some kind. Are you on meth? Sounds like you need a tranquilizer or something for your nerves. I hope you get better soon because you are going to give yourself bad scars.
2007-07-22 14:59:41 · answer #7 · answered by KEOE 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋