Anyone have an obsessing picking disorder? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

PikeyBoxer52 · 12-12-2007, 03:41 PM

I know it's probably related to OCD in some way, but does anyone have any tips or has over come compulsive picking? I particular pick at the zits/folliculitis on my arms. I really need to stop, but can't see a psychologist until Jan. It's no only relegated to my arms (which are now a little scarred/pock marked) but my ingrown hairs and black heads on my nose as well. Thanks guys!

rosequartz · 12-12-2007, 03:43 PM

sometimes I'll pick at zits, and the whole time I'm doing it I'm telling myself.....you're going to regret this, and I do.....
then I have to walk around with this red thing on my face for a week or so and it's much worse than if I left it alone.
I don't know how to stop, other than to tell yourself, that you're just gonna make it worse!

sobs · 12-12-2007, 07:16 PM

Hi Pikey!

My cousin did that her whole life. She is now in her late 50s, I think. Anyway, if maybe you could see her arms, you may be very moved to stop your picking. It is just horrible. Her whole arms are covered with these tiny little white dots..... looks like you could play connect the dots for days! I feel really bad for her. Especially that when she started this, OCD was mostly unknown, so she never got help. I'm sure she just got yelled at by her parents and teachers, which probably just made it worse.
Wish I could help more.
sobs

sobs · 12-12-2007, 07:22 PM

Sorry..... I forgot something. You may have tried this already.

I have found that if I am distracted, I usually do not think about "whatever". Have you tried calling someone, or going somewhere? You said that you try to tell yourself to stop, when you are picking, so you ARE aware of what you are doing. So, just maybe a little distraction. Read, write, surf the web, cook...anything that requires your hands.
Good luck!
sobs

tshont · 12-25-2007, 09:02 PM

Wow, the cuticles on my fingers look absolutely horrible! I pick and pick and pick at them, and I have since I was about 5 years old! If you figure out how to stop, let me know.