feeling out of control

I understand your problem completely. I have been picking since I was 16, which incidentally was also 2002. I used to pick my back, arms, shoulders, and face, but now I only pick my shoulders. I am much better than I once was, but it has been a rollercoaster. I've tried just about everything, but here is what has worked best for me: 1. Figuring out what fuels my habit. For me, I pick because I want to be perfect. The kicker is I am actually making myself uglier, not prettier. I have to say this to myself on a daily basis. 2. Finding something else to do. Sometimes I just need to be "busy" to relieve stress, and for some reason, I also have a strong urge to "be clean." If I really have the urge to pick, I will first try cleaning my house. If I can't concentrate on that, I will take a bath and scrub my skin hard with a loofa. I realize this isn't the best practice from a dermatology standpoint, but it is better than making scars. 3. Talking to someone. I have recently become very open with my problem to my sister. She has given me a lot of support and helps me to realize when I am picking unconsciously. 4. Use a clay mask. I buy a clay mask by Queen Helene that I put over the areas I am most likely to pick. It dries, and I sometimes even leave it on under my clothes throughout the day. This way, I would have to go wash the mask off before I could pick anything, which I can't really do if I am not home. Best of luck to you. Mandy of www.livingwithcsp.com

I'm new to this site too, actually my boyfriend found it when he was looking up lip picking, he's been trying to get me to get help. I pick at the dead skin on my lips non-stop, literally non stop, they feel chapped all the time and it drives me crazy, so I feel like I have to get rid of the dead skin. I have acne too, it's gotten better over the years but every time I see a pimple or bump I get the urge to get rid of it, I feel like I can't be pretty unless they're all gone, which is ironic because by the time I get done "picking" I feel horribly ugly, my face gets all swollen and red, I actually hide my face from my boyfriend until the redness and swelling goes away. I haven't been to the doctor yet, but am planning on going this week. I know its tough when you don't have insurance I wish I could help you with that, but about all I can do is tell you that you're not alone, and if you want to talk let me know. -D

I understand what you are going through. When I get out of control, I tend to cut my fingernails as punishment. I have also started putting on lotion. Doing little things like lotion help me distract myself. I also tend to just pat the area I'm obsessing over. It's kinda like getting a mosquito bite and deciding not to scratch. Anyway, I'm 27 AND JUST put two and two together. I keep telling people that I'm "giving myself" acne and no one believes me! I also go into trances and lose track of time. I've never understood it, but have been doing it since junior high. I know. And I really can't explain where it comes from either or how I even got started. This is such a great group. I'm so happy we're all here...