[Artchic528]

I was doing well, not picking at my skin for a while, then recent events began upsetting me and I began to pick again. I would say where I was picking, but I forgot, thanks to my meds, and can't seem to find that spot again. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise.

EDIT: I remembered now, I was picking at my lower lip. It's pretty sore now, to the point of myself using lip balm to help alleviate the soreness.

[Skeezyks]

[Nike007]

Hello. I understand the whole picking thing. I pick my scalp when I am stressed because my dandruff levels spike because of stress sadly. Your body produces more of the fungus (I am pretty sure that's what it is) that creates dandruff when you are stressed.

Anyways, do you cut your fingernails short? If not, that's a good start. I find that when my nails are shorter, I don't pick as much. Maybe buy a stress ball that you can use when you had the urge so you are still using your fingers, but not to harm you. Hope this helps .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[Lost_in_the_woods]

So sorry to hear u r struggling Artchic. Skin picking when upset, yes... unfortunately know this vicious cycle all to well. I hate it, but it calms me down, but then I am disgusted by all the scabs, which makes me want to pick at them again, then start finding tiny skin flaws gotta pick those too, then the whole mess just gets bigger and I feel ugly and crappy and ashamed, start going on loop of all the things I hate about myself zone out and realize I'm f'in tearing at my skin again!! Aaahh!! It comes and goes in cycles tho... so first line of defense don't let my hands be idol esp if my brain in floating or spiraling, 2nd line long sleeves pants long socks keeping it covered even when it is uncomfortable for the weather helps me not pick and also hides my shame from the world's judgement. I guess covering up is my armor and the badge of shame I wear proudly like a cast there is healing going on under there Also picking at every piece of lint and spec of dirt on fabric serves as a non SI substitute until the compulsive Ness subsides. Lotion. I try to always have lotion near or on me so as the compulsion slowly subsides and the healing causes itching which threatens to re-up the cycle. I smother my hand in lotion and quickly and purposefully rub it into the affected areas ( I try to do this with out looking) don't allow myself to pause on any area quick deliberate movements, then immediately cover the area up again. Forgot a step....cutting all my nails very short... which makes me sad but nessacary for a time at least. Then once I see the scabs start to disappear I try to cherish how good my skin looks and lotion at least once a day...but unfortunately I have had become a slave to the long sleeves and pants... Even tho right now I have not been picking for a while... I can't bear to see my skin some of it is fear of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but also I feel naked without sleeves and pants and I am still disgusted and terrified to show skin cuz even tho I know no one else really sees it...I still see faint scars and feel gross. My arms I have been slowly working towards more exposure, some days I can wear short sleeves or a tank but always with a Hoodie or sweater but I am finding that I can roll up the sleeves when needed and occasionally for short periods remove it if I get hot.... the pants on the other hand....no one has seen my legs in yrs... and I am finding I get panic attacks when invited to the pool or beach...which I used to love. Sorry I went off there... I do that often... but One day at a time right? and remember to be kind to yourself artchic... if your picking is anything like mine...remind yourself you have beat this before and you can do it again!