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thisresllyisntme , 03 Jun 2012

I know I will stop, if I can get these to heal. Help?

Hey, I'm a 16 year old girl. I have a perfectly clear complexion, except I pick minuscule whiteheads, and they turn into weepy open sores. In the past I've somehow healed these open sores with neosporin, lemon juice for scars, etc. But lately I think I've been stressed more than usual. I leave for camp in 6 days ; I'm a CIT. No girls wear makeup because it's hot, we're sweating and these just no need. Right now I have an open sore on my forehead (not bleeding, but it's sort of indented), four open sores on my cheek (two are almost healed, just bright red) and then two under my lip, sort of on my chin. Usually I only have one picked sore at a time, and it is easy to heal and then I feel thousands times better about myself, but right now I am freaking out. I never thought I was a compulsive picker, until now. I need to heal these by Saturday, and reduce the redness. I know that my skin can do it, because last week I had two open sores and they are completely healed and barely noticeable. The problem is, I keep picking. I'm telling myself right now that I will stop. Completely. And I know once these are healed, I will NEVER pick again. I know I am capable of stopping, can someone give me suggestions on how to heal these sores and reduce the redness? I know, I know, I've read all about honey, tea tree oil, lavender, polysporin, olive oil, etc. But I've never had someone personally tell me what will help. I really could use some support. I'm at a family gathering all weekend, and literally as soon as I wake up, I layer on pounds of makeup because I look TERRIBLE. I use visine to reduce the redness of the sores temporarily, but I just want to heal these sores so that they just have pink skin underneath. I know lemon juice will help from there. I really appreciate any support you have, all of my friends have clear skin so they don't understand. Thanks!
26 Answers
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celienrussel
January 02, 2013
It is not a big deal to have skin problem at this age. Proper care would ensure to get you even more flawless skin in future. Still if you are concern you can have some products to treat you.
Chewbacca
June 13, 2013
You could use some emotional intelligence building @celienrussel. To tell someone here "it is no big deal to have skin problems..." And then offer NO REMEDY even if you care they are concerned. *tsk, tsk* To OP, I feel for you. I used to be the "weird chick" who would wear makeup in the summer, sweating like a melting idiot *I felt*. I'd wear long pants and sleeves and makeup while everyone else wore shorts and tanks . Now I am 35 and have done well to stop most of my picking problems but still do some things. I have a lot of scars and never wear makeup anymore. I'll wear short sleeves but rarely shorts (my legs are worse). I will say that most people enjoy that I do not wear makeup and tell me "Good, you don't need it". So, maybe that is helpful. I can't offer much help other than what you have already heard. I use neosporin (named Polysporin here in Canada) and that works perfect for me. I get my sons to use it too on acne and whatever else. I see the problem being you will use it and then pick again so it never gets to heal? I can only encourage you to keep applying what works for healing and keep being positive to yourself, no matter how many times you "fail", as long as you are alive, you have a chance to succeed. And suggest to not wear makeup. Wear the neosporin (or what works) instead and then you are healing while feeling a little down on yourself, instead of possibly adding humiliation and clogging pores with ugly makeup. It really is ugly - you really are beautiful - so, why makeup? *hugs* (Edit, just realized this is a very old thread. Sorry!)
thebeautifulugly
June 11, 2013
your posts were really inspiring! how are you doing currently with your picking progress?! i'm on a new day 1 since i relapsed yesterday and picked my face :( but my goal is to go the whole next month w/out picking!
csk47
June 22, 2013
I am much older than you and have within the past few years started skin picking. My MD put me on a mild anti-anxiety medication, Traxodone, and that seems to be helping with the stress. This week I even tried hypnosis for the problem but I haven't noticed any improvement. I am even considering talk therapy with a psychologist. I have been squeezing a rubber ball to keep my hands busy when watching TV as well as wearing jersey work gloves while sitting around. Because I pick on spots on my arms I try to wear a long sleeved shirt more often (although I live in Florida). Like you, I pick at anything that feels rough or raised..so even small spots never heal. I really wish you all the best because this is a difficult habit/obsession to cure. I think that I am making progress. Does anyone know if any of the scar removal products actually work? I have seen so many advertised...Scar Zone, Mederma, etc. Any advice is appreciated.
Finallyhavemyanswer
June 25, 2013
Papular Contact dermatitis. Mine was in reaction to using neosporin. Please look this up and see if this is your issue. Mine cleared up in days by stopping neosporin and trading with tea tree oil.

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