Skin Picking - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

purplegirl1 · 02-16-2007, 08:52 PM

OK, so does anyone pick their skin? I have this obsession/compulsion to pick my cuticles and the skin on my feet... I just have to do it... anyone else have this issue??

tred816 · 02-16-2007, 08:57 PM

yeah, only mine is on my face

Usually my chin which often becomes inflamed and noticeable. I try really hard not to do it, but the more anxiety I'm under, the more I do it subconsciously.

I also pull my eyelashes and eyebrows out. I've had a rough time of it with these two problems and meds haven't helped. Vanity has been my only deterrant lol. I don't want to have bald patches in my eyelashes or brows so I really get bummed out when I realize I've gone too far. If you learn of any suggestions that may help, please let me know.

Thanks

thyme2b · 02-16-2007, 09:15 PM

I've bit my lips ever since I can remember as a young child, often till they bleed and I'm nearing retirement age. I've tried to stop numerous times. My brother picks his cuticles. We also have Tourette's in other members of family and I think that this is something like a manifestion related to behavioral tics. Just my personal theory. If I wear a bite splint I don't do it, though I've lost my splint and so have been doing it much more. Perhaps wearing gloves as much as possible would help.

seriousperson · 02-16-2007, 11:52 PM

Yep, been there, done that, though not as much anymore, although I just had to put a bandaid on my finger.

I think it's great that on this board we can talk about this. Before the Internet I think most skinpickers just suffered in total silence about it. I know I did -- except for my conscience screaming in my head.

jgirl234 · 02-17-2007, 12:31 AM

i do. i have a really bad habit of biting my nails and the skin around it. i just go get my nails done that way i can't bite them!