Well, hi...

Hi Unique (great user id btw!!) I too couldnt get any acknowledgement that I did this to myself. Indeed only a few weeks ago when I told my parents exactly what this picking thing was, and explained what I feel when I do this, My mother said the stock answer she used to when I was a child: that it was an allergic reaction to animal hair!!............Talk about denial!!!!..................but, I realised that it was never up to my mother, my father, my sister, my cousin or anyone else on this planet to sort out................it all belongs to me! :)......By accepting 'ownership' of this mania, I personally feel that I have more of a choice in whether I pick. I still hate myself when I do, but I can forgive myself more. .......I guess what Im suggesting (and Im sorry if this seems brutal) is have you thought about looking for help yourself?......I know it can be difficult, but honestly....you seem to have started doing this anyway..........youve registered and posted on here, so that in itself is a really positive, self affirmation!!

kmj I'm 39. I started skin picking at 14. I realize now it began as a minor teenage thing but quickly turned into something more serious. My parents are in denial of so many things to this day. There is no way they will ever understand (unless they face their own issues). It is great that you realize this and you have taken the first, most understandable step a 17 yo would take, your parents. I'm grateful you have found this site so young. Read all the information. Re-read it. So many have gone before you. It is my hope that you will learn the best strategies for you early because there are many triggers in life to come. Not necessarily bad ones but triggers. Birth control, babies (I assume you are female, if you are not, being a dad has joys and stresses of its own), jobs, raising kids, deaths, financial stress, getting married in the first place, etc. Don't stop seeking. Seek first professionals that specialize in OCD. I was fortunate to find someone who did (at first, he moved across the country). Now, I am not so lucky but I learned about OCD early. Although csp did not have a name then. I wish you the best. Don't give up. A good acne treatment is helpful. It's not and end all but it will help. Some birth control can really flare acne. Before trying one, let doc know you have trouble with acne and want to avoid it at all costs. Others may clear your skin. It can be trial and error. Your young, I have hope for you. Borrow it if you need to!

kmj I'm 39. I started skin picking at 14. I realize now it began as a minor teenage thing but quickly turned into something more serious. My parents are in denial of so many things to this day. There is no way they will ever understand (unless they face their own issues). It is great that you realize this and you have taken the first, most understandable step a 17 yo would take, your parents. I'm grateful you have found this site so young. Read all the information. Re-read it. So many have gone before you. It is my hope that you will learn the best strategies for you early because there are many triggers in life to come. Not necessarily bad ones but triggers. Birth control, babies (I assume you are female, if you are not, being a dad has joys and stresses of its own), jobs, raising kids, deaths, financial stress, getting married in the first place, etc. Don't stop seeking. Seek first professionals that specialize in OCD. I was fortunate to find someone who did (at first, then he moved across the country). Now, I am not so lucky but I learned about OCD early. Although csp did not have a name then. I wish you the best. Don't give up. A good acne treatment is helpful. It's not and end all but it will help. Some birth control can really flare acne. Before trying one, let doc know you have trouble with acne and want to avoid it at all costs. Others may clear your skin. Your young, I have hope for you. Borrow it if you need to!