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shelly , 15 May 2014

I need advice on my daughters skin picking.

My daughter is in her early teens and has been picking for a number of years. We have been to the doctors and have had CBT treatment. And counciling. Which helped abit. But I caught my daugther picking and she admitted she needs to do it. She is getting infects on her legs. Which we have creams to help. But I feel helpless seeing her do this to herself. I wonder if hypnosis would help.
6 Answers
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Annabelle88
May 15, 2014
I am so happy to see a Mom who is trying to help her daughter with this problem. So many parents just say "Stop picking!" Which doesn't help. It sounds like you are doing the right things, CBT and counseling. This is a problem that is just beginning to be understood. I don't know about hypnosis, though I have thought about it myself. I just would like to say that it sounds like you are a loving mother who is trying hard to understand a difficult problem, and help her daughter. Having a Mom like you will go a long way in helping your daughter deal with this. She truly can't do this on her own through willpower. She will need all your patience and love. Keep it up. You sound like an awesome Mom!
shelly
May 16, 2014
Thank you. . . I must admit we did used to tell my daughter to stop picking. . But soon realised after a number of visits to the doctors they didn't know of her condition. We did turned to the Internet with relief to know she wasn't on her know. Then went back to the doctors with the info and then we had support. . . My daughter wants to stop but the feeling to pick overwhelms her. I will let you know if hypnosis helps. Take care.
jkb1223
July 10, 2014
Hi, Please let me know what if anything has helped. My daughter is only 5 and even though my husband and I tell her to stop picking.....even offering her gifts etc. if she doesn't, she just can't help it. She feels horrible after she does it but while doing it she says she can't stop or help herself. She likes to see her own blood and it "makes her happy". I wish you the best with your child. Thank you. JKB
Annabelle88
May 15, 2014
I forgot to say - there are therapists who specialize in conditions like dermatillomania. It may mean looking around for someone new. I wish you all the luck in the world!
mace760
July 09, 2014
Is she picking due to the presence of seed like items in the sores that won't heal until removed? Or it will many times they stick to the bottom of the scab. If that is the case, she really won't be able to help it. Even if you try to not touch it, there is a deep biting sensation that only gets worse until you relieve the pressure. I can totally igonre scabs that are normal, bt when these pop up I have to get it out. Tea tree oil seems to help them come out, but I just found a derm doc that knows how to treat it. See if my post helps if any of it sounds like your daughter. http://www.skinpick.com/node/3783
jkb1223
July 10, 2014
Hi, My daughter is 5 1/2 years old and she is a compulsive picker. None of her doctors have paid much attention to it when I have brought it to their attention. I just picked her up from camp today because she picked herself bloody and they couldn't stop the bleeding. In the car I asked her why she wanted to and she said it made her happy and she couldn't help herself. I am looking up child psychologists to take her to but I don't want to bring on any additional problems.....she is starting kindergarten this year and I am horrified that the changes and newness will send her over the edge. She is 5. Have any other mom's encountered this type of picking in their little ones? JKB

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