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i need help
I'm 14 and I skin pick almost everyday. If I'm not biting the inside of my lip, then I'm probably skin picking. I finally got curious enough to try to find answers of why I do this. Sometimes I'm able to go for a few weeks without picking, but then I get an extremely strong urge to finger pick. Then I end up picking all of my fingers until they bleed. I've picked my fingers so much, I can't feel the same through my fingers. I hate coming out of the shower, pool, or just walking around with my hands looking like the way how they do. My brother was telling me about my habit, the way how he described it made it seem like its a crazy persons habit. Also since I rarely sleep it makes it even worst. When I try to sleep, I just end up playing with my fingers and then it turns into finger picking. Some reason I have a problem of not being able to fall asleep. Sometimes for a few days. My siblings try to get me to stop but I always find time to finger pick. The only things that had helped me get a grip on my bad habits are no longer available for me to do. When I'm with girls I stop finger picking but I'm so conscious of the way how my hands look. Hopefully someone can help me out.
February 24, 2013
Hi,
This is an impulse control issue (same as hair-pulling, compulsive binge eating etc). It's estimated that 10% of all Americans have some kind of impulse control issue. You are not crazy. It's not your fault, but you can change it. The best thing to do is to talk to a therapist who specializes in skin-picking. There is no shame in this. These doctors are there for a reason (you are not the only one with this issue). I saw a therapist, and it helped ALOT! Check out: http://www.trich.org/treatment/treatment-provider.html
Take care and good luck!
June 11, 2013
hi :) i started picking around age 14, and i'm now in my early 20's, and i definitely want to stress that you're not crazy! try wearing gloves to bed- it definitely helps a lot!! and thank your siblings for helping you out- you should utilize their support and let them know if you're having an urge to pick so that they can suggest something else for you to do, like maybe watch a movie together or go outside and play basketball or something, anything!! good luck :)