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RebeccaCatherine , 17 Nov 2010

Help

I'm 16 years old, and I've been picking the skin off of my fingers since I was in elementary school. It's more than a bad habit to me now, It's something i do without even knowing. I do it in class the most often, and sometimes I completely zone out and I can't focus on anything no matter what it is except picking my skin. My fingers are disgusting and I'm ashamed of them. A couple weeks ago my boyfriend kept asking to look at my thumb, which was raw-looking and gross. I was so ashamed. I'm sure my friends see my doing it but they never point it out. My parents usually yell at me when they notice it. I do think it's somehow related to emotions/depression and all that stuff. I just don't know how to make it stop. This is my first time on here so i don't know who will read this or respond but i'm really hoping somebody has some advice or can relate. Thank you.
11 Answers
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sugarcoatedonion
November 17, 2010
Try wearing cotton gloves? They help me stop picking unconsciously, but I have to remember PUTTING THEM ON so I can prevent the awful uncontrollable picking! It might be embarrassing to wear gloves at school, but may be less embarrassing than finding yourself picking at your skin? all the best <3
Clu
November 18, 2010
If anybody asks about the gloves you can say all the disney characters wear gloves, lol. This was one of my favorite lines in a disney movie, in the Extremely Goofy movie where Goofy's son Max is in college, one of his friends asks why they're all always wearing gloves. I chew at my fingers sometimes, thankfully it doesn't happen much, unfortunately most of my concentration is on my face. Good news is thanks to improving my diet more I hardly break out, I just have a nice collection of scars that like any take forever to fade away. Anyways you should be thankful your picking is on your fingers because at least you can cover them up more easily than your face. Reading other stories here will make you feel better after you see how worse other people have it, but it still sucks for all of us despite the severity.
imapicker
November 17, 2010
hi hon. i cant give a lot of advice, bcuz i have a problem with picking myself. mine is my face, and i am so ashamed as well. i dont even look anyone in the eyes anymore. but i tell u what...u are not alone, and everyone on this forum supports you and understands! keep browsing thru the different posts and u may find some helpful info. if i find anything, i will post , ok?
bloodyfingers
November 18, 2010
I pick my fingers to a bloody gorey mess. I haven't found a solution yet, but just because something didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you. I've tried gloves (latex because the cotton type get caught on dry skin and drive me crazy. Bandaids or even scotch tape wrapped around your fingers. Moisturizer. Obnoxious acrylic nails, therapy, and anti-axiety medications. The therapy seems to be the most helpful thing. If you don't want to broach the topic with your parents maybe see your school councelor?
RebeccaCatherine
November 18, 2010
I've tried a lot of that stuff too, but i don't think i have the self control to keep myself from picking again. I've thought about seeing somebody but i don't know if i'm comfortable with it. Especially since i read on other sites they can put you on meds for this type of thing, I don't want to have to take pills, you know?
Clu
November 18, 2010
Self control can be easy, you just need to practice it and it'll get easier. Like when someone offers you candy or something naturally you're like okay and take it, or when there's a plate of some food or candy for everyone, you'll probably take more than you should. You should just practice controlling yourself with little things like this, saying no to someone offering you candy that you shouldn't be eating or when you're at a store and see the shelves stocked with gum and candy at the checkout lane, say no to those things too. I think controlling these impulses is important to quit picking, it'll help keep your mind focused and less zombie like when you get the urge to pick.
bloodyfingers
November 19, 2010
Medication may be suggested but nobody can force you to take them if it's not something you're comfortable with. A therapist could just talk to you and help you figure out your triggers (stress, depression.etc) and help you deal with thoes things without meds.
ldill
November 18, 2010
Hi there, Trust that you are not alone. I am now 33 and have felt these same feelings. I have found over the years a few things that can help. Buy those large erasers and rub them or keep them in you hands while sitting still for hours in a dull class room. Rubber bands around your wrist can help to pop your wrist or twist around your fingers. Lotions can help too. Please keep in mind you are not alone. I have blood spots on my fingers right now from where I went too deep. They are healing for now but sure I will chew them up by the end of the night. Good luck my friend. ~ FrUstRateD~

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