My wish for you:

If you’ve come to realize that you pick your skin (wherever and however) compulsively and obsessively to the point you know you are self harming and you would like to stop it, my wish for you, is to seriously take into consideration that: you are or have been in denial about your responsibility regarding the process and about the rationale behind it. Please research the topic titled “denial”. It explains a lot pretty clearly. .......... If, and only if, you truly WANT to stop the self harming, you WILL be able to do it but you must address your denial about it, along with the plan you choose to overcome it. ....... It won’t be easy, but it is possible to break bad habits, much like it is possible to overcome an addiction because essentially, it has likely become an addiction. Researching the 12 step programs might help with its infinite wisdom of dealing with recovery from addictions. Research everything about it. ...... Open up to others about it and find a good support system in the process. Discuss it with your professional health care team. Medications might be prescribed to assist you and address a condition that might be requiring medical attention.. Accept any and all sound advice from these individuals who have been through years of training. ......... Examine your current practices regarding cleanliness, diet, exercise, and sleep and do research to learn about the healthiest ways you can be respectful of your skin and your body and your general health. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to do the right things for your body and to your body. There is no magic bullet that will change that. No outside help can do it for you. You are harming yourself. ...... You must CHOOSE to stop it. And in order to be successful at stopping it, you have to seriously WANT to stop it and work hard and diligently to not allow yourself to do it. If you have tried to previously and have been unsuccessful, then it likely is because of one type of denial or another. Picking is never ever recommended as the way to treat your skin. No matter what the approach or tool is, unless a health care professional is performing the procedure, it is likely dangerous and self harming and should not be attempted. ........ It is your responsibility to take proper, healthy care of yourself, not anyone else’s. Your body and skin deserves to be treated respectfully, healthily, and lovingly and if it is, benefits will be reaped. In order to do so, seek information, support, and be determined. Commitment to that process will be successful. Denial will lead to continued failure. It is possible, though, to rise above past denial........ Believe it. Make it happen. Want it. Address it one day at a time, or one hour at a time if necessary, with determination and commitment and a plan. You can do it! ....... I am typing all this out because I truly have empathy for anyone that has dermatillomania because I have suffered for decades with it myself and I believe I have beaten it by following all the advice and wishes I've provided. I wish the same success to be experienced by each of you and believe it is within you. I was in complete denial for many years and admit to being in denial of denial even. I woke up though, very scared and got serious. Many years too late though and I'm hoping to encourage everyone to make the necessary changes in attitude and behaviour now, rather than later. Please. You and your health are the most important thing to yourself and your loved ones. Strength to you all !! ... and ♥♥♥ ... with apologies for the repetition and repetition and repetition ☺☺☺