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hannahlp_1993 , 26 Jul 2013

I'm new to this - please help! I could really use some advise and support

Hi guys, I'm Hannah and I'm 19 from England. I think I've been suffering with this disorder for about 5 years, but only realised what it was I had about a month ago. I pick anything on my body that resembles a spot and as a result of the disorder, my upper arms are covered in flat, pigmented scars. I started off by picking my chest, which has cleared up a lot with time and a course of microdermabrasion, but the problem on my arms is much worse. It is literally taking over my life. I am young and soon to be starting my second year of university, but these scars are holding me back in a time I should be happiest and feel the most free. They control every decision I make and are are always at the forefront of my mind. I actually only told my mother about the problem with my arms a month ago (which wasn't easy to explain) as we were going on holiday, so obviously she would find out. Soon I am going on holiday with my father and sisters, which I should be looking forward to but instead I am dreading because I will have to tell them about this. I love fashion and would do anything to be able to wear anything I want. I felt I was restricted by the problem on my chest, but that was nothing compared to what it is now. I went to see the doctor and he said I could have CBT but with me being at university, it would be difficult for me to have the treatment. I am using bio oil to try to reduce the scarring and I am at the beginning of having a course of microdermabrasion on my arms, and as much as I am trying to stop myself from picking, I often have relapses. I really wanted to know how people are managing the disorder without the option of CBT, and if you have any tips on how to reduce my scarring and stop myself from picking. I am so sick of it now and I would greatly appreciate any help/advise you have. Thanks Hannah
3 Answers
Cheer
August 02, 2013
Hi Hannah, I respect your honesty and understand how you feel as a skin picker too. It would be really good if you can see a therapist to help you with problem. See someone you feel comfortable with and preferably someone who has knowledge of dermatillomania. But most of all see someone that you can open up to and talk to. CBT is meant to work for this problem and it has been helpful to me but before I was able to really face the problem with CBT I had a lot of psychodynamic therapy. So try out different kinds of treatment and see what works for you. It's worth making time in your study schedule to have therapy because you will feel better in the long run and hopefully have a better experience while study. Good luck and all the best.
hannahlp_1993
August 10, 2013

In reply to by Cheer

Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I have been trying to stop myself picking through sheer will power but it is not working very well, so I think I will have to consider CBT. Would you be able to tell me what this usually involves? My only worry, as I stated, is being able to fit it around my university course. Also, how long did you undergo this therapy for, and how much do you believe it has helped? Thanks again, Hannah
pick-2
September 25, 2013
I thought I was the only person whod had a problem with chin hair and picking at them. I have so many scares . I feel ashamed sometimes because of how it looks. I have to put my shame to the side because I have a nine year old who wants to be out in public. I pick so much that at one time I had open sores on my face.I have found something that works a lot its called shave screat. First you put a hot towel over the infected area then you put the shave screat then antibiotic (triple antibiotic) and hydrocortison 3x aday. It has worked mircles on my skin. At this time I have only one sore that has a hair that I can not get out.. My next step is to work on the tone of my skin. Good luck and if you have anything else I can try,Please let me Know.

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