poking and pinching with earrings ???

Yes. I've done this a few times and have been tempted to many, many more. I've also used paperclips. Try keeping these things out of reach. One thing about stopping picking that is so hard is our own body is our weapon--we can't escape it. But we can try to keep other things out of reach. Sometimes when I've been tempted to use things I've been able to take the time it takes to find something to use and calm down enough to stop myself. Good luck! It is amazing how I can identify with so many of you. If I didn't know better, I would read your posts and think I'd written them myself.

Paper clips? Ouch! Those aren't even sharp... I have used thumbtacks before, but they're thin and sharp and can fit in the pore.