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ashleychica , 05 May 2010

Do you think I have dermatillomania?

I'm new to this site,obviously,and it's such a relief to know that I'm not the only one out there that does some of these things!Anyway,I've been picking for a very long time.I started out chewing the inside of my mouth,which I still do,to the point where it bleeds and the skin gets completely pulled off.I also pick at my lips with my fingers,and make them bleed also.I have acne and I am literally always picking at something on my face and making it bleed,and I now have several scars b/c of that.I also pick at any scabs that I get on my body,and I have scars on my knees and back now,too.But porobably my worst problem is when I pick at my cuticles.I pick them pretty much all of the time.All of the fingers on my left hand are raw and bloody basically all of the time now,and my right hand is usually that way,too.It's gotten so bad that it hurts to put my hands in water sometimes,because they're always so raw.I pick all the time,whether i'm stressed,sad or even just bored,no matter what i'm doing. I even do it without realizing it,and it's like i'm in a trance where i don't know that i'm doing it.I even do it in my sleep sometimes.It doesn't hurt anymore,and it feels relaxing to me sometimes.It's a really good stress reliever,and I don't think I could go for an hour without doing atleast one of the habits I've mentioned.I've tried to stop many times,but nothing seems to help.Are there specific treatments for people with this problem?I'm going to see a dermatologist tomorrow for a routine checkup,should I mention it to him?Or is that something another type of doctor would know more about?Thanks!!
3 Answers
Bitterbrew
May 06, 2010
The trance part of picking is I believe what makes dermatillomania the disease itself. If you weren't in some kind of a trance or obsession to relieve that urge then you would have control and wouldn't have any issue with picking at all. I fall into a picking trance too. It's relaxing and the stress comes out with every little victory or satisfaction you get from whatever part of your skin you are focused on. I think it's good to talk to the dermatologist about it, that way maybe he can prescribe you something for scaring or so you don't break out. And maybe he can refer you to a therapist of some sort, because it is a psychological problem that needs a psychologist's help.
Bitterbrew
May 06, 2010

In reply to by Bitterbrew

One more thing that might help especially with your cuticles. I have heard that getting your nails done,or getting acryilics won't really allow you to pick at your cuticles, and you will feel pretty with your nails all done. And i heard it helps with other skin picking too. It's almost like wearing gloves because it's hard to pick with fake nails. Although it can be done, it doesn't cut your skin as bad as your real nails.
wildflower
May 06, 2010
it does sound like it. definitely read as much as you can all about it on this site and in the topics here and on other sites like stoppickingonme.com and the topics on that site which also has an online book about it. everyone should also read the topic here about denial. there's a lot of denial involved with compulsive behaviours.

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