[LucyD]

I think this may be ocd but not sure. I have been picking at my scalp and bringing blood to it. I also search my body for anything that feels like something I could pick and pick at those things till they bleed and when they scab I keep pulling scabs off. I know this is not a good thing to do to heal these things.
Anyone else heard of this or do this?

[Skeezyks]

I believe this is what is referred to as dermatillomania. Here's a link to a YouTube video by family therapist, Kati Morton, on the subject:

Also, here's a link to an "Ask the Therapist" column, from PsychCentral's archives, where a person wrote in asking about her struggle with skin picking:

https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-the...rmatillomania/

My best wishes to you...

[FreshAirisBetter]

You are not alone. I do the same and when I feel stressed or anxious, it gets much worse.
Lately I have been experimenting with putting towels over all the mirrors in my home. It has helped tremendously! But like you, I scan with my fingers without even thinking about it. Another trick I've tried is seeking skin care help. Since I am very low income, I found a nearby beauty school that offers facials for a fraction of the cost. I find that if I've spent money for something as luxurious as a facial, I tend to not touch my face for a couple days afterwards to prolong the nice fresh skin. It boosts my self esteem as well.
The youtube video above was sort of helpful, but nothing I don't already know honestly. I know I have picking OCD, I want to find ways to stop it or at least reduce it. I suppose putting towels over mirrors and seeking skin care treatments are ways to deal with triggers and stressors. Oh, and small band-aids on places I've picked repeatedly help too. If you find things that work for you let me know! Thank you for posting.

Originally Posted by LucyD

I think this may be ocd but not sure. I have been picking at my scalp and bringing blood to it. I also search my body for anything that feels like something I could pick and pick at those things till they bleed and when they scab I keep pulling scabs off. I know this is not a good thing to do to heal these things.
Anyone else heard of this or do this?

I frequently will do this with my legs

when they get sore, I have the perfect excuse

lots of little areas to make bleed easily if I wanted to

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

I believe this is what is referred to as dermatillomania. Here's a link to a YouTube video by family therapist, Kati Morton, on the subject:

Also, here's a link to an "Ask the Therapist" column, from PsychCentral's archives, where a person wrote in asking about her struggle with skin picking:

https://psychcentral.com/ask-the-the...rmatillomania/

My best wishes to you...

Thanks for your help.

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by FreshAirisBetter

You are not alone. I do the same and when I feel stressed or anxious, it gets much worse.
Lately I have been experimenting with putting towels over all the mirrors in my home. It has helped tremendously! But like you, I scan with my fingers without even thinking about it. Another trick I've tried is seeking skin care help. Since I am very low income, I found a nearby beauty school that offers facials for a fraction of the cost. I find that if I've spent money for something as luxurious as a facial, I tend to not touch my face for a couple days afterwards to prolong the nice fresh skin. It boosts my self esteem as well.
The youtube video above was sort of helpful, but nothing I don't already know honestly. I know I have picking OCD, I want to find ways to stop it or at least reduce it. I suppose putting towels over mirrors and seeking skin care treatments are ways to deal with triggers and stressors. Oh, and small band-aids on places I've picked repeatedly help too. If you find things that work for you let me know! Thank you for posting.

I appreciate all your ideas.

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by raging vortex

I frequently will do this with my legs

when they get sore, I have the perfect excuse

lots of little areas to make bleed easily if I wanted to

I know what you mean.

[osagirl]

Originally Posted by FreshAirisBetter

You are not alone. I do the same and when I feel stressed or anxious, it gets much worse.
Lately I have been experimenting with putting towels over all the mirrors in my home. It has helped tremendously! But like you, I scan with my fingers without even thinking about it. Another trick I've tried is seeking skin care help. Since I am very low income, I found a nearby beauty school that offers facials for a fraction of the cost. I find that if I've spent money for something as luxurious as a facial, I tend to not touch my face for a couple days afterwards to prolong the nice fresh skin. It boosts my self esteem as well.
The youtube video above was sort of helpful, but nothing I don't already know honestly. I know I have picking OCD, I want to find ways to stop it or at least reduce it. I suppose putting towels over mirrors and seeking skin care treatments are ways to deal with triggers and stressors. Oh, and small band-aids on places I've picked repeatedly help too. If you find things that work for you let me know! Thank you for posting.

Hi!
I have the same issue. Mirrors are the worst, I know. I took mine down because it was too much. Now dealing with finger scanning and rubbing. But it’s better then was before in terms of sores.

[osagirl]

Same thing here with picking. That’s ocd related issue. Just learning to use this forum. Thanks

[Greens5]

Originally Posted by LucyD

I think this may be ocd but not sure. I have been picking at my scalp and bringing blood to it. I also search my body for anything that feels like something I could pick and pick at those things till they bleed and when they scab I keep pulling scabs off. I know this is not a good thing to do to heal these things.
Anyone else heard of this or do this?

Yep. I have the same exact problem.

[Greens5]

have any of you confided in your dr. about it?

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by Greens5

have any of you confided in your dr. about it?

I just told my pdoc about it on Monday. She increased my risperdal and said it would help. I am still picking but didn't take my risperdal for a day. I am going to take it as prescribed starting now. She said something about SSRIs make picking worse. Not exactly sure if she said exactly that but I know I have had increased anxiety with some SSRIs. I'm not saying SSRIs cause picking but all the anxiety issues I have act up--like tics, too.

I have scabs all along my hairline by my face. It looks awful! I don't look in the mirror and do it. I scan and do it.

[Greens5]

I was on Prozac before and it made my picking stop. I was not on it for picking. Too embarrassed to say anything. My new Dr won't prescribe Prozac. But has me on lexapro. For some reason it has made my picking really bad. No one can see my bloody spots or scabs. Have a lot of hair . At least I hope they can't see them. One ssri (prozac) solved it. And another SSRI , (lexapro) has sent it through the roof. Weird isnt it.. I also just scan my scalp ans find spots and pick with my nails. Its such a bad habit.

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by Greens5

I was on Prozac before and it made my picking stop. I was not on it for picking. Too embarrassed to say anything. My new Dr won't prescribe Prozac. But has me on lexapro. For some reason it has made my picking really bad. No one can see my bloody spots or scabs. Have a lot of hair . At least I hope they can't see them. One ssri (prozac) solved it. And another SSRI , (lexapro) has sent it through the roof. Weird isnt it.. I also just scan my scalp ans find spots and pick with my nails. Its such a bad habit.

I am taking Lexapro, too, now. I try and hide the scabs with my hair almost in my face. I'm trying putting cold compresses on the scabs. It seems to help some. I also put neosporin on them hoping to heal them but then start picking again... I may have to go off this Lexapro if I can't stop this on my own.