[Fighting for life]

I pick and tear at the skin around my fingernails and on the sides of my thumbs, tearing off skin until it bleeds. I like it when it's healed and dry and I can pick it again. I use my hands a lot in my work and I am worried that people see the wounds. I do it more when I am anxious.

[eskielover]

I have a friend that does the same thing & it's worse when she is anxious also. People of all ages & in all parts of the world struggle with this. I am sorry that you are struggling with this.

[Fighting for life]

Thank you. I try distracting myself when I can. e.g the computer.

[Gus1234U]

cuticle picking and hair pulling are believed to be closely related, in that they are natural grooming behaviors gone out of control. there are a couple of meds that help some people some of the time, but they are both severe forms of OCD. i got some help from acupuncture, when i used it to stop smoking. i can't explain it, but i share the info, just in case you can afford to try it,, Calif. medicaid will pay for acupuncture. good luck, and best wishes,, Gus

[kindachaotic]

I have done this cuticle picking since I was a kid, I'm 54 & still do. So you are not alone there & it is worse when stressed. Still drives my mom crazy & she's 78 & just won't let it go. When I go for a visit & we're watching tv it annoys me cause she doesn't understand that I HAVE to do it! My husband does though, bless him.
Never thought I'd be ever be discussing this with any one, it's kinda personal... Also didn't know it was an OCD thing, just learned something new!
Hope you enjoy your time here, I'm new too & it's really been helpful for me.
Take care & look forward to your posts.

[_embrace]

I've also been doing this for a long time, and didn't know it was an OCD thing...learn something new every day, they say

I've tried also tried distractions such with no lasting success...maybe I'll look into acupuncture!

Good luck with your journey...sorry to hear you're struggling with it, too.