[AmberPhoebs]

So I'm looking over the titles of these threads and realize that the most common form of SI seems to definitely be cutting, am I correct? I have never cut myself (and have never felt the urge) but have been a skin picker for over 20 years. You know, zits,. zits that aren't even there, scabs, scalp, ingrown hair etc) Are there any others like me around here on PC? Would love to know who you are so I can look up your threads and questions as I feel our "habit" is a good bit different than that of those who cut. Thanks!

AP

[tealBumblebee]

Originally Posted by AmberPhoebs

So I'm looking over the titles of these threads and realize that the most common form of SI seems to definitely be cutting, am I correct? I have never cut myself (and have never felt the urge) but have been a skin picker for over 20 years. You know, zits,. zits that aren't even there, scabs, scalp, ingrown hair etc) Are there any others like me around here on PC? Would love to know who you are so I can look up your threads and questions as I feel our "habit" is a good bit different than that of those who cut. Thanks!

AP

While i've been a cutter for a few years (which really only consistently one), I've been a picker all my life. I pick scabs, bites, cuticles, etc. I use my fingers, tweezers, razor blades, pins - whatever tool is necessary for the job. The only thing I don't pick is "unafflicted" skin. I don't know if I consider it self harm (for myself) as I don't really do it for that reason, but I can see why it could be considered it. Not sure that totally helps, but it's just my story.

[manxcatwoman]

Even though I have a borderline personality disorder, I've never been a cutter but I do pick at my scalp with a toothpick under stress. I'm a little disappointed when I don't find any dead skin to pick at. But it helps to relieve my stress when I find some and remove it.

[notz]

I did an Advanced Search, "Skin Picking", and found these :Forums at Psych Central - Search Results

I hope that helps.

I do both. But I've always just seen skin picking as a habit I've done subconsciously for as long as I can remember...not self harm. Whereas cutting started when I was 14 and I was very aware of what I was doing.

[bronzeowl]

I do various forms of self harm. Which one I use all depends on the moment. When I cut, it's more thought out. Even planned sometimes. So, less of a compulsion/impulse thing. However, I'm a picker and a hitter, too. When I pick, it's mindless. More compulsive. When I hit, it seems to be more explosive/impulsive. Even though I do cut, I'm a picker, as well.

Usually scabs. Although I've been known to pick at hair on my arms and legs or invisible 'zits', as well.

[TheTurtleLives]

I was a cutter but I havent been able to get hold of a blade so from intence impatience i began scratching i scratch pinch bite pick etc....

[AmberPhoebs]

Notz, I clicked the link and got a dead end but I'll do an advance search myself and see what I'll find, thank you!

[ace333]

I have never been a cutter although I have had the thoughts. But I have always picked the skin on the sides of my fingers ever since I was a kid whenever I was stressed.i do it less now but when I do I cant stop until at least one finger bleeds I hate it the sides on my thumbs and index fingers look like giant scars that are bruised all the time. Because I have done it for so long both the tips of my index fingers curve slightly to the side. Everytime I think i have stopped for good something always happens and i pick at them again. And wont even realize it. Or i will and tell myself to stop but it wont work. I wish I could though

[manxcatwoman]

Originally Posted by TheTurtleLives

I was a cutter but I havent been able to get hold of a blade so from intence impatience i began scratching i scratch pinch bite pick etc....

Speaking of biting, I bite the fleshy part of my hand in private. I do it when I'm extremely angry, such as "biting back my anger."

[TheTurtleLives]

Originally Posted by manxcatwoman

Speaking of biting, I bite the fleshy part of my hand in private. I do it when I'm extremely angry, such as "biting back my anger."

Yeah I just bite at my knuckles, when you look at them you can tell because there is chunks of skin missing and thy scab....

[inanimateobjects]

i do both but i always thought of picking as more of an ocd thing. i pick at my face and if i don't have a mirror i'll scratch at blemishes or i will pick at scabs and ingrown hairs. it's been more difficult to stop picking than cutting. it starts with just one spot and then it will be some time later and my face is all scratched up. i really think my skin would finally clear up if i could just leave it alone for a while.

Yes, I'm more of a picker than a cutter.

I will also interfere with the healing of wounds I've created ... However, it used to be I'd pick at the wounds my abusers inflicted upon me and that's where it all got started for me.

I can remember doing it as young as 5 years of age and not understanding why. All I know is I'd numb out and dissociate when doing it and that was easier to cope with than the abuse even though I didn't know that's what it was doing for me at the time.

12 - 18 years of age were especially intense for me and I became aware that I'd "lose time" when doing it, but being out there and unaware was somehow better than the awareness of all the abuse I was living in.

Oh!, and oddly enough, after I "escaped" my abusive environment at 33.5 years of age it was really bad for a couple of years all over again but eventually settled back down.

It's not as bad now as it used to be, as years of therapy have helped ... But!, it's still easy to fall back into old patterns (and habits) when I'm too emotionally stressed out or triggered so I really have to work diligently to stay on top of it and find better ways to cope!

Patient, Gentle & Kind, Pfrog ... Patient, Gentle & Kind ...

[KaceFace]

Originally Posted by AmberPhoebs

So I'm looking over the titles of these threads and realize that the most common form of SI seems to definitely be cutting, am I correct? I have never cut myself (and have never felt the urge) but have been a skin picker for over 20 years. You know, zits,. zits that aren't even there, scabs, scalp, ingrown hair etc) Are there any others like me around here on PC? Would love to know who you are so I can look up your threads and questions as I feel our "habit" is a good bit different than that of those who cut. Thanks!

AP

I was thinking the same thing! I've never cut myself before either. I have felt the urge but was always to scared to but I'm a picker as well. I pick at pimple, scabs, ingrown hair and I bite my nails excessively. I bite the skin around my nails and the cuticles. My fingers are constantly bleeding and are super short. I also bite the inside of my cheeks. My boyfriend hates it that I bite my nails because to him its just another way of to hurt yourself and that's how I thought of it too. I thought I was the only one who thought that lol.

[Kiya]

well... aside from cutting and hair pulling, i bite the inside of my mouth until it bleeds. Over and over.

Originally Posted by Kiya

well... aside from cutting and hair pulling, i bite the inside of my mouth until it bleeds. Over and over.

yup, me too!

[Kiya]

i'm not alone!

Originally Posted by secretwhisper

yup, me too!

[Numbed]

Idk, does pull out facial hair, and eyebrow etc count?
Not really read into Trichotillomania and self harm yet.

Thankfully I don't do it that much, maybe it's because starting to recede and bald in my early 20s reminds me to stop xD

[TheHiddenAngel]

Originally Posted by Numbed

Idk, does pull out facial hair, and eyebrow etc count?
Not really read into Trichotillomania and self harm yet.

Thankfully I don't do it that much, maybe it's because starting to recede and bald in my early 20s reminds me to stop xD

I pull hair out of my arms and everywhere else (besides the hair on my head). I've done it for years.

[birdpumpkin]

I pick at my cuticles and pull them off or pull at hangnails. Always digging at any bump on my face, back, or arms. My mom is the same way as is my son. I don't pick at scabs, but he does.

[hep69]

Originally Posted by AmberPhoebs

So I'm looking over the titles of these threads and realize that the most common form of SI seems to definitely be cutting, am I correct? I have never cut myself (and have never felt the urge) but have been a skin picker for over 20 years. You know, zits,. zits that aren't even there, scabs, scalp, ingrown hair etc) Are there any others like me around here on PC? Would love to know who you are so I can look up your threads and questions as I feel our "habit" is a good bit different than that of those who cut. Thanks!

AP

I've always been bit of a picker myself but I prefer burning or cutting.

[insearchofme]

Originally Posted by AmberPhoebs

So I'm looking over the titles of these threads and realize that the most common form of SI seems to definitely be cutting, am I correct? I have never cut myself (and have never felt the urge) but have been a skin picker for over 20 years. You know, zits,. zits that aren't even there, scabs, scalp, ingrown hair etc) Are there any others like me around here on PC? Would love to know who you are so I can look up your threads and questions as I feel our "habit" is a good bit different than that of those who cut. Thanks!

AP

Hi AP,
I found you! I'd describe myself as you did. Not super OC, but will pick incessantly at a bug bite etc. Got the scars to prove it. If you'd care to chat and such, let me know. d

[seesaw]

I know exactly what you mean. I started out as a picker. I had surgery a while back and as soon as the stitches healed up and it was just a scab, I started picking at the scab often, seeing if I could pull it all off an get a good line of blood. It should be completely healed by now, the small procedure was back in February, but it's still not completely healed.

Yeah, I pick at invisible zits. I scratch at moles and try and remove them by digging them out.

I recently graduated to hitting myself and using a corkscrew to scratch myself and cause abrasions on my skin. Contemplating the use of cheese grater next.

So, yes, I understand the picking and I still do it. I'm not sure I'm the best person to talk to about it because I'm definitely not in a good place with it. I'm having bad episodes right now. I am in treatment though. My self harm is apparently in line with my psychiatric diagnoses of PTSD, MDD, and Panic Disorder. I guess that's supposed to make me feel better.

Anyhow. Yes. To answer your question. Some of us are pickers. And I think it's very similar motivation to self harm. It just requires fewer tools and is more easily justified.

[ChildlikeEmpress]

I am a picker too! As far as SI goes that has mainly been scratching rather than cutting -- but most frequently I pick, pick, pick. I also chew the inside of my mouth, some times so bad it's totally swollen and bloody. Having a bad night with that right now as a matter of fact. The picking is more of a comfort thing, I lose time and zone out like someone else said. When I chew it can be both ocd-like relief and SI, I suppose. I can get really mean to myself with it.

[TheTurtleLives]

I am addicted to bitting my lips and gums till it bleeds...