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Junior Member
Member Since Nov 2020
Location: Ohio
Posts: 23
3 9 hugs
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#1
I have a skin picking problem. It's being going on for a few years on and off, but since I started having serious mental health issues in September 2019 it's been pretty bad. I've had several infections, and I'm extremely self-conscious about how it looks. I don't want to keep doing it, but it feels impossible to stop, like there's something making me. Whenever I feel the bump of a scab or an imperfection in my skin, I have to pick at it or I feel uneasy.
My mom hasn't been very patient with me, and she wants me to get fake nails. I tried them once and I hated them. It helped with the picking, but I hated how they got in the way and I couldn't control how long they were (I have to have my nails short or it bothers me). I also know that it wouldn't be a long term fix unless I wore them forever, because every time I get an area (like my face) looking better, in a few weeks I've made new spots and it gets bad all over again. I'm tired of living like this. How can I stop?? |
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*Beth*, 88Butterfly88, KayInHiatus, Yaowen
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Jan 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 3,618
(SuperPoster!)
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#2
Dear fantome,
Oh, that sounds so heartbreaking. I wish I knew what to say to help. It is awful that you are victimized by this affliction! Sincerely yours, Yao Wen |
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fantome
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Member
Member Since Mar 2015
Location: Mass
Posts: 252
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#3
I have the same problem. I get a zit or scab and I pick. I have done this for as long as I can remember. I will go months without picking, then I will start and can’t stop. I currently have one on my face I put neomycin on it so I won’t pick. Sorry I don’t have an answer for you.
__________________ Sue Dx: Depression, ADHD |
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fantome
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Poohbah
Member Since Nov 2015
Location: Dresser Wisconsin
Posts: 1,230
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#4
The only thing I can think of is to reward your self for not picking
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fantome
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Moderator
Community Support Team Member Since Dec 2015
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 54,191
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#5
You could try something else to keep your hands busy, such as knitting or crocheting or using a stress ball or fidget toy. Also perhaps there is an object you could pick at instead of your skin. I like to get loofahs from the dollar store and pull them apart.
Edit- Also try wearing gloves perhaps, makes it harder to pick. |
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fantome, KayInHiatus
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New Member
Member Since Nov 2020
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2
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#6
I used to suck my thumb and pick at a scab on my ear lobe until it was raw and super embarrassing. I would try to hide it with earrings but it was super obvious. I did that for 20 years, I'm only 22 now but I got past it. What helped me was purchasing a worry stone. I bought a rose quartz worry stone from a "whole-earth" store and kept it in my pocket. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my thoughts or just whenever I wanted to pacify myself I would take it out and just rub my thumb over it. 10/10 would recommend.
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Grand Member
Member Since Jan 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 771
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#7
I have kind of a different problem, pulling hair, but it started with picking and scratching at my scalp. I don't know if this helps but I usually just cover up the spot so I can't mess with it.
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Member
Member Since Dec 2018
Location: Canada
Posts: 131
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#8
Did you ask your dermatologist if they can prescribe or recommend something that can help?
Hopefully, your skin condition has improved since you posted. Last edited by Sohappy; Apr 12, 2022 at 08:25 AM.. |
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