How to Stop Skin Picking – Simple, Powerful Steps That Help
Skin picking disorder, or dermatillomania or excoriation disorder, is characterised by an overwhelming impulse to pick at one’s own skin. This skin condition is also associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and depression. This compulsive disorder affects impulse control, causing individuals to feel an overwhelming need to pick at perceived imperfections like acne or eczema. The main symptom of dermatillomania is repetitive picking the skin, which can lead to infections, scarring, and, in severe cases, the need for surgery and skin treatments. The image of the scabs again causes emotions of guilt, apprehension, and seclusion. Individuals who suffer from this illness could feel stuck in a vicious loop where they have an overpowering want to pick and are unable to quit doing so.
There are many simple yet powerful steps that assist people afflicted with skin picking disorder. Learn about the self-care and behavioral techniques to help skin excoriation contained and find an effective treatment.
The Basics Of Skin Picking Disorder
The medical term for skin-picking disorder is dermatillomania it is also known as excoriation disorder. Mental health problems such as OCD result in obsessive picking at skin and sometimes involve scalp picking as well. Some people also engage in hair pulling while going through an episode. In clinical setups, people also come up with problems, including picking scabs and eating them afterwards. While most people pick at their skin with their own hands some resort to using tweezers as well. There are specific ways to stop picking skin so the sores, lesions, and infections can heal. Many people may occasionally pick at their skin, but those who suffer from dermatillomania are driven to continue doing so, even if it hurts them. This cycle can lead to secondary behaviors like scalp picking or picking scabs, and eating them can also develop, further complicating the anxiety disorder.
Is It Bad to Pick Scabs?
Yes, picking scabs can be harmful. People with dermatillomania pick their skin to try and cover the imperfections. While it may feel like a way to speed up healing, the opposite is true. Picking scabs interferes with the body’s natural healing process, which can delay recovery and lead to complications like infections or permanent scarring. The act of picking scabs also exposes the underlying skin to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and causing further damage. Repeated picking, especially in sensitive areas like the face or scalp, can result in long-term skin issues and more pronounced scars.
How to Stop Skin Picking
Skin picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania, is an impulse control disorder where people compulsively pick at their skin, causing harm over time. This focused picking can lead to significant damage to your skin, creating wounds, scars, and other marks. If your skin picking has led to significant damage or infections, or you can't stop picking your skin despite multiple efforts, it may be time to explore some innovative methods to resist picking. Here are some ways to break the habit and find the right treatment for skin picking.
1. Behavioral Techniques
One of the most effective ways to stop skin picking at your skin is a technique called habit reversal training (HRT). This technique to stop picking at your skin helps replace compulsive and repetitive behavior with healthier action. People with the disorder may experience emotional distress and feel ashamed, as dermatillomania often causes them to hide or cover their skin damage. For example, instead of picking, habit reversal therapy teaches you to:
- Use fidget toys to keep your hands busy
- Wear gloves
- Trim your nails often
- Regular moisturization
- Work on the social triggers that lead to skin picking.
There are multiple levels of skin picking disorder; here is how to tackle them all with behavior therapy:
How to Stop Picking Your Face
Facial picking is particularly distressing because of the visible scars it can leave behind. To prevent picking at your face, consider strategies like covering mirrors, especially if looking closely at your skin triggers the compulsion. Managing skin picking involves identifying situations that promote picking and using strategies to avoid picking. Therapies designed to treat skin picking, such as behavioral interventions, help reduce picking by addressing the root causes of skin picking disorder. Developing a structured skincare routine can help soothe irritated skin and make it less tempting to pick. Some individuals also benefit from using facial masks or spot treatments that act as a barrier, protecting sensitive areas.
How to Stop Picking Scabs
People with dermatillomania are more likely to suffer from co-occurring issues like repetitive hair pulling disorder and scab picking, further complicating their efforts to achieve and maintain healthy skin. Picking scabs, while enticing, slows healing and raises the risk of infection. To reduce the impulse, keep the skin hydrated with healing ointments or lotions to prevent dryness. Using protective bandages can also serve as a physical barrier, making it more difficult to access the scabs and preventing further harm.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
While behavior therapy tries to lessen the problematic behavior, some self care tips go a long way as well. Here are some steps you can take at home to reduce the temptation of skin picking and promote healing.
- Maintain skin care routine
- Use products that promote skin recovery
- Practice daily affirmations
There are many products on the market that promote skin healing and recovery. Look for those with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or collagen, as they are known to make a noticeable difference. For example, you can use products like the Zanova Collagen Treatment Hand Mask, which helps restore damaged skin, or the Zanova Collagen Treatment Foot Mask, which can heal cracked heels or dry areas, preventing the urge to pick.
Prevent Scalp Picking and Scratching
Skin picking may be triggered by anxiety or stress, leaving people with dermatillomania feeling trapped in a cycle of harm. For those struggling with scalp picking, using barrier products like scalp treatments or specialized headgear can help break the cycle. Some people find relief by wearing gloves to prevent scratching or picking while sleeping, when the behavior may occur unconsciously. You can also opt for face masks to help you stop picking your face and heal your facial skin.
3. Medication and Professional Treatment
According to the International OCD Foundation, people with dermatillomania may also experience emotional distress, making it important to identify triggers for skin picking and seek help for skin picking. People with skin picking disorder often benefit from seeing a mental health professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if your picking behavior is interfering with your daily life. Usually, a dual plan is carried out where the best medicine for skin picking is prescribed along with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). So far, the best known medication for skin picking comes from a class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
FAQs
Q. What are the health risks of picking scabs and eating them?
Picking scabs and eating them can lead to infections, delayed healing, and scarring. This behavior can also introduce harmful bacteria into the body, which can increase the risk of further health complications.
Q. How to Stop Picking Your Face?
People with dermatillomania often feel ashamed, and this emotional burden only intensifies their behavior. To stop picking your face, try methods like covering mirrors, using skincare products that soothe and heal, or using bandages to cover sensitive areas. Also, practicing habit reversal techniques and avoiding potential triggers like stress or anxiety can significantly help in managing this behavior.
Q. What is the best medication to treat excoriation disorder or dermatillomania?
Understanding dermatillomania causes and addressing underlying triggers can help you stop picking and manage the disorder effectively. But medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also used to treat people affected by skin picking disorder.