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What works for me
Haven't seen any suggestions from anyone on what has actually helped them, and I think it's badly needed. Isn't that why we're all on this site: to get help? Anyway, here's my contribution (and I'm not in any way affiliated with this company or product).
I use (Lots of) Nexcare Gentle Paper Tape in TAN color. It matches my skin extremely well so I can cover the scabs I keep picking, and can disguise these scabs and open wounds and yes, scars from picking, and still go out in public, feeling a little more confident.
If I keep the scabs covered, it allows them to get a chance to heal. Just feeling the tape reminds me not to pick, because I often do it unconsiously. The tape stays on for days (provided I don't pick them off!) even through showers and swimming, but also pulls off easily and painlessly when I need it to, w/o leaving any sticky residue. I can also adjust the size of the tape used if I want to cover a larger area (of several picked scabs close together): it comes on a tape dispenser.
I first found it in my drugstore, but then they stopped carrying the tan color. I've ordered it twice from 3M directly, which is easiest for me, buying 6-8 rolls at a time. (I keep one roll in my purse, and one in the bathroom, and one near me in the house at all times so I can slap on a bit of tape as soon as I'm tempted to pick.) Each roll is 8 yds. long, so they really do last a long time. (@ $4.99 each?)
I tried the website but didn't see it listed although 3M rep. had emailed me that it was. So I called them and that rep. couldn't find it either. They may have corrected this lapse so check out www.shop3M.com yourself, or call 800-537-2191. The UPC (for the white version tape anyway) is 51131 66992. Again, it's 3M Nexcare gentle paper tape, in tan. Hope it helps you too.
November 09, 2011
i cut my nails really short yesterday and that seems to be helping, everytime i go to touch a spot on my face or pick at it, it doesnt work because my nails are too short. The fact that it doesnt work also makes me conscious that I'm doing it. also, when Im in my room alone (prime time for picking and such) I have been taping my finger tips, this makes it literally impossible to pick or pop. I have even gone out with my fingers taped a few times and if anyone asks I just say I'm trying to stop biting my nails (a little more understandable and less embarassing than picking at skin). Another thing I've been doing is trying to avoid mirrors unless I'm getting ready (makeup, hair etc) or absolutely need to. Avoiding examining skin in bright lighting has been helping me to not touch my skin also. If there is someone you can talk to about your disorder, it really helps. My boyfriend knows about it and I have told him to remind me throughout the day not to pick. This helps because I can tell myself all day long not to pick, but until he says it, it doesnt totally sink in that it is important to other people than myself that I shake this disorder. Lastly, I posted a bunch of encouraging notes on my mirror saying things such as "You are beautiful", "one day at a time", "don't sweat the small stuff" etc as well as a bunch that have stop signs on them to remind me to snap out of it when I get into a picking/popping frenzy. This is day 3 of none to limited picking and these methods have helped tremendously.
November 15, 2011
I have found 3M NexCare's Tegaderm very helpful. It is clear, waterproof and you can cut it down to sizes that you need. Application takes a little getting used to, it's like really sticky saran wrap. I wasted a lot at first. And if you want to you, you can even apply foundation over it. As an added bonus, it is impossible to pick at anything with the Tegaderm on.