I have Dermatillomania, or Chronic Skin-Picking. It is a form of self-injury and is also sometimes classified as a form of OCD, as it is brought on by stress, anxiety, and worry.
To make matters worse, I also have bad body acne and folliculitis (plugged hair follicles), so there's plenty of bumps on my skin to pick at
Though I still do it, I was put on Geodon, a mild anti-psychotic, to try to counteract it. Fortunately it helps a lot. However, I now have embarrassing scars all over my body, as i used to pick so bad I'd even get large infections and then pick at those...
(This is kinda gross but I feel I should explain my feelings, so only read if you want.) When I pick it's this OVERWHELMING feeling that I need to get the substance out from under my skin. Just knowing it's there will cause me to obsess over it and I'll just keep thinking about it until I get it out. I'll use my fingertips, nails, or even tweezers to pick at the substance until I get it out. Sometimes it will even cause quite a bit of pain but I bear it because at the same time it calms me and causes satisfaction.
The scarring makes me so self-conscious, especially in intimate situations. I always feel unattractive because of it. I get all nervous and often it leads to anxiety.
Has anyone else ever had any experience with CSP or know anyone who has? I have yet to find someone with a similar problem I can talk to about this. Any input appreciated!
