Dermatillomania/ Skin Picking

[Elleann725]

Does anybody out there struggle with skin picking like I do? I just cannot seem to stop picking at blackheads, whiteheads, and any kind of blemish that barely even seems to be there. It gives me such anxiety to think there is something sitting in my skin, that I pick and squeeze until I have huge sores and scabs oh my face, arms and sometimes chest area. I also tend to do this compulsion when I’m overly stressed or anxious about something, almost as if it’s a coping mechanism. I am looking for ways to quit doing this, because nothing helps! I just don’t know what to do anymore, I’m 32 and have the skin of a 15 year old teenager! So unattractive! How todo you deal with this issue?

[DemureRose]

I have a bad problem with skin picking. However I tend to pick at my cuticles, nails and I bite my lips when they’re chapped. It’s a problem I’ve had since middle school and I’m about to start college. So I’ve had it a while. And it doesn’t stop at skin. I pick at peeling paint, clumped pieces of dirt on shoes, anything that can be picked at. I even had to stop buying fabric band aids because I would just slowly unravel it.

I haven’t had long nails in a very very long time. And I’m surprised I haven’t gotten infections from the damage I’ve done to my cuticles. They’re a mess. It’s a habit I’ve tried to break but the only way I can see to do it is to completely bandage every single one of my fingers 😂

[LeeFamilyEst1618 in reply to DemureRose]

Yes and its crazy, started out as pimple popping, I hate my looks, though I'm told I'm attractive. But I don't feel it. So every time I see a pimple, I'd pop it, tearing skin if i had to. Ended up just purposely looking for them

[Hidden]

Hi. Yes I have the same problem. I've made a mess of my arme, tops of my legs through picking. I do it when I'm in bed and I can't fall to sleep. My anxiety kicks in then starts the picking.