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gorillamom , 19 Mar 2010

12 stepping the condition

Hi all. 2 days ago, after years of scratching and picking I came to a revelation - DUH. My skin picking is an addiction. It has all the features of addiction. It soothes me. I don't have the power to stop with enough consistency to allow my skin to heal. I can engage in skin picking sessions that make me late for work or keep me from doiing other constructive things. I've seen the brief questionaire that is sometimes used to help people see whether or not they are alcoholics and my answers if I substitute skin picking for drinking. I've even been late to work because I was engaged in picking. Right now, I got on this forum b/c I have an incredible urge to pick. I'm hoping that writing this and seeing what others have posted will get me through the next few minutes or hours or however long it takes for me to get through this current immediate desie to scratch and pick. I've gone 1 day with almost no picking. No bleeding at all - I did pick off 2 minor scabs before I realized I was doing it. But comparing my picking yesterday to the day before, it is a miracle. Problem right now is that my body is itching in many different spots. Thus my sitting down and journaling in the hopes that it breaks the urge. I'll search prior posts to see if there is anybody else who is 12 stepping as well. We admitted we were powerless over picking and our had become unmanageable. So thanks to all you compulsive skin pickers out there. I cannot do this alone. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Yours in recovery, Gorillamom
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wildflower
March 19, 2010
there is a lot of truth and wisdom in your post. a 12 step approach is a good one for anyone it appeals to. almost any approach is good though as long as it is adhered to. support helps make that happen. it is great that you are journalizing and that you are confronting the problem. perhaps a topical cream that addresses anti itching will help you. one that helped me is called tronolane. it also addresses inflammation. it is for hemmies, i know, but if it is safe for use there it can't be bad to use elsewhere. all the best to you!
gorillamom
March 22, 2010
gmom Hi Wildflower. Thanks for your input. I have tried topical creams and they don't work for me. I've had ones where the dermatologist had his own formula the druggest needed to make up - I've been to 4 dermatologists - 2 at Hopkins, an allergist, accupuncture. For me it's the 12 steps. If I don't have a commitment to total abstinence from picking, I'll allow myself to "just do one picking session." A psychiatrist friend we just had dinner with gave me melatonin to help me sleep. Maybe that will help the getting up in the night and being too unconscicious to keep myself from picking. I'll post again and let folks know how it's going. Judy
wildflower
March 22, 2010
hi judy. you're very welcome. i so understand what you've gone through as i have tried many prescription approaches, numerous dermatologists, and custom pharmacy concocted potions and the resultant frustrations, too. i also agree that a commitment to abstain is absolutely necessary as a major part of beating this compulsion. i just know, though, that my itchiness was really relieved by the tronolane whereas nothing helped before. i really hope that the melatonin helps you get the rest that is also needed in this process and look forward to hearing how it goes for you. wishing you much success.
gorillamom
March 22, 2010
gmom I will ask the doc about tronolane. Does it help with itchiness that you get just b/c a scab is healng? As far as I can tell, most of my itching now comes from the itchiness of scabs healing. Does tronolane help with that? Is it over the counter or do you need a prescription?
wildflower
March 22, 2010
it helps with itchiness because it is an anesthetic that will numb the area on contact. it is also a protectant that allows healing. it is an unscented, non-greasy and non-staining cream meant for the treatment of hemorrhoids but i figure if it can be used on such delicate tissue there it must be safe elsewhere and yes, it helped me with the itchiness associated with sores healing and i didn't experience any adverse reactions and my skin is very sensitive. it is over the counter at some pharmacies and if you ask for it and they don't have it, some will order it in. i really like the product and will keep it in my medicine cabinet always. i looked it up online and one website said "Tronolane also works to soothe pain and itching of rashes, insect bites, and minor skin irritation." so apparently it was tested elsewhere on a body. :) :) :)
wildflower
March 31, 2010
it's an old board thread on a 12 step approach and interesting to follow. there's a lot to pick up. ---> facepick.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Support&action=display&thread=1664&page=1 <.
cherrycolalola
April 03, 2010
Im just getting into "step work" as they call it. I find the daily literature especially helpful, its a good way to start the day. I keep it next to my bed and reading it is the first thing I do when I wake up. It can be a good way to start the day off in a positive way. I dont know if you've experienced this, but often if im not careful my first thoughts will be harsh/negative/sad the moment i wake up(in regard to picking), and then the rest of the day Im just in a funk/more likely to pick. Its my obsessive/addictive mind I think. The steps help with that. I hope they help you. Congrats on realizing its a real addiction. That was big for me too. I remember i got it when i read how people define addiction as something you do that you know is hurting you, yet you do it anyway. Picking definitely falls into that category.
wildflower
April 03, 2010
in my incessant researching i found this site http://www.stoppickingonme.com/bb and apparently it has an active OSPA - obsessive skin pickers anonymous program and many other topics too in its general forum

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