Online Test

Find out the severity of your symptoms with this free online test

Take the test
Elaine , 18 Aug 2011

SKIN PICKING FOR 20 LONG YEARS!!!

Hi! I'm new to this site. I think this site is great for people who have this terrible skin picking condition like me! I started skin picking, (started with my right thumb picking my cuticles), 20 years ago in 1991. Then it got worst and worst and now I'm picking both thumbs and on my other fingers.....and now I'm starting to pick on the palms of my hands too! Anyone have any ideas on how to stop this this picking or any remedies that would help?? I've been using A&D Ointment and alot of vasaline on my hands and wearing gloves when I go to bed, whereas before, I would pick for hours and hours and wouldn't sleep until 5 a.m. because I couldn't stop picking until my fingers were "smooth." I use A&D Ointment and vasaline during the day too, but I land up picking sometimes still. I know I should wear gloves during the day too, but the urge to pick is soooo intense that I don't take the time to even put them on! Then I land up picking! A never ending thing!!! I pick my skin when ever the urge to pick get to me or I feel the roughness or skin sticking out....then I gotta pick! Ugh!!!!! I pick when I'm shopping, at the movies, watching tv, on the computer, driving the car....anytime! Thanks for listening! Anyone with a comment....please feel free to comment! Thanks!
4 Answers
Add Comment
BransE
August 19, 2011
My main form of picking also manifests itself as finger picking. I pick the skin on either side of my fingernails compulsively. It started out with just two of my fingers, the right ring and left middle, but now I'm picking all of my fingers. I've been denying myself the pleasure of picking as often but I still do it quite a bit without thinking about it. The worst for me is when I'm watching TV or when I'm in bed. I have tried to massage the affected areas with hand cream or cuticle oil and file the callused skin regularly but I'm not seeing results as far as healing. Since I'm not seeing any results, it just starts the picking cycle all over again. Perhaps this site will give both of us the assurance than stopping is an option and perhaps one day we can have pretty hands again.
KarliZee
October 26, 2012
I do the exact same thing... I have been formally diagnosed with OCD when I was 7 years old (i'm 19 now) and have been biting my nails for as long as I can remember. It started it out with the just the fingernails then moved on to the sides of the nail... and then to the cuticle... then to any dry skin around it. I've had so many infections I've lost count and the times that mainly effect me are when I sit at home and watch tv or i'm streseed. In the past 5 years or so its progressed to my feet, where I will pick my toes until they bleed, then be sad and swear I will never do it again because it will hurt then, 2 months later the whole thing starts again... I always keep bandaids with me, because I never know when i'm going to chew... >.< I'm medicated for the Ocd... I just wish I could stop...
FenrirUlf
August 27, 2011
Elaine, I totally understand, and that's why I am here, too. I have been picking/chewing at my fingers since I can remember, and I'm 39 now. I bought something called "New Skin" yesterday. It's a type of liquid bandage for the skin. I found it in the first aid aisle. It was mentioned here on the site. I put two layers on last night. Though they wore off, I didn't have the urge to chew at my finger skin. I did pick a bit today, but not as much. I can also relate to what you say about things having to be "smooth." I have been that way my whole life!! And, although the more I chew/pick, the more things will not smooth out. Yet, I still do it. I hope that, by sharing, we feel we have an outlet where we know others understand and we can help one another, even if it means "just" relating or moving on to what has helped us stop or try to stop!
hunny
March 24, 2013
Hi, and I am 37 years old. I started picking when I was 3 years old. I have done it all my life. I want to stop but it's really hard. I need some help. I need some ideas.

Start your journey with SkinPick

Take control of your life and find freedom from skin picking through professional therapy and evidence-based behavioral techniques.

Start Now