Gross, I know, but does anyone else have this problem?

Britt55 · Post by **Britt55** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:46 am

I feel like a freak talking about this, it's kinda gross and weird, I know, but whenever I feel sad or anxious or mad or bored (which is almost always) - I pick at my face. I mean to a point where I will sit in front of the mirror for an hour and pull my sking tight and try and squeeze things that aren't even there. The weird part about it is I actually enjoy this and it make me feel better...until I'm done and my face is red and swollen and looks like I've been attacked by a swarm of bees! I also pick at my scalp constantly! I'm like a monkey! Please tell me someone else has this problem so I don't feel like such a loon!

Coco2 · Post by **Coco2** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:13 am

Britt55

No, I don't have this problem. Sorry I can't offer any solutions. Sounds like a distraction technique. Maybe doing the breathing exercises and also doing another activity would help?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:20 am

Obsessive skin picking is also referred to as dermatillomania. "Sufferers of dermatillomania find skin picking to be stress relieving or gratifying," It's classified as an impulse control disorder under the obsessive compulsive distorder spectrum.

Treatments often include cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, and hypnosis. Sometimes medications can be prescribed, such as those prescribed for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (SSRIs).

I too obsessively pick at my skin. I always tell myself I will stop but I always wind up doing it more and more. I have scars on my chin and jaw line from doing it for so long. I wish there was a way to get rid of that. I also pluck my hair a lot too, and that is called trichotillimania. I don't pull out hair on my head, but I obsessively pluck my eyebrows. At least 5 times a day. I even pluck out leg hair when visable. Weird I know

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:28 am

Stephyannette,
You sound like you are a compulsive "researcher", I sure am! I spend HOURS everyday looking up various diseases and such and then I fixate on them and convince myself that I have them! I am CONSTANTLY going to the doctor to be checked for one thing or another. If I could only tell you all the tests/screenings I've had done in the past few years (and all the medical bills I have because of it)! Thank you for sharing, it's good to know I'm not the only one out there with this strange problem!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:59 am

Britt, I think Stephy is right on. I think it is a OCD issue. I also "dig" my ingrown toenails out- gross too.
I hate when I pick at my face before I go somewhere or have to see someone. I never really thought about it until I saw your post, but I do it all the time. I also love to peel sunburned skin after it starts peeling.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:25 pm

Yes I like to research

I learned about most disorders when I took Psychology/abnormal behavior in college though. I never thought my hair plucking was actually considered a disorder until I took that class. I thought I was just weird.

I like peeling sunburned skin too bevhembree! lol.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:27 pm

Bevhembree,
I LOVE peeling sunburned skin, especially when you get those really big pieces! That's really exciting! Remember how on one of those Austin Powers movies (I think it was "Gold Member") how Dr. Evil would peel off dead skin and put it in that box and save it!

I'm not that bad yet, hope it doesn't come to that!

Thank you all so much for making me feel better!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:38 pm

LOL- the big pieces are the best, Britt55! At least we can laugh about it....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:48 am

I pick at the little bumps on the back of my arms & legs. Its gross but it really does relax me !!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 1:34 pm

I am a chronic picker...have been since I was little. I pick at my scalp and I also squeeze the crap outta my face. So dont feel alone, Britt. It does relax me. I am trying to stop this behavior though because I am starting to get little scars on my face and I dont really like the way it looks.
Sometimes I even pick at my toenails to the point where I will rip them off. I know, gross.