Dealing with a Lifelong Acne Picking Problem

Yes! I had this issue more severely when I first started taking bipolar meds, kinda came and went with anxiety and mood swings. It seems to have mostly stopped but I went to a dermatologist to help the acne problem. It never occured to me that the picking was a symptom in itself until now.

Yes, I went through a HUGE skin picking phase (which to be honest it really just passed with time but this doesn’t happen for everyone, it’s a good idea to address it now like you’re doing!) but I was and still am a huge hair puller

I have had trichotillomania (hair pulling) since I was 11. My GP when I was young disregarded it, but i have found that being on a high dose of Zoloft has helped immensely. Additionally I hear that many people find relief using the supplement NAC for BFRDs. Hope this helps.

Yes. I got through phases. I have been using clear pimple spot treatment. They are made of plastic I think and keeps them covered. I also find if the are dry and shabby I pic more. Triple antibiotic keeps the areas soft.

yes definitely. i am such a bad picker and have been for as long as i can remember. i was so scared to bring it up when i first started seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, but i finally worked up the courage and am so glad i did because it has helped lessen my picking so far

Yep, I pick at acne, scabs, dead skin, my nails, my lips sometimes, my scalp etc. I find slimes, putties, playdoh, and even picking toys are very helpful along with self care. Say you pick some acne, make sure to clean it up after with some triple antibiotic creams or facial cleanser. Always follow picking episodes of any kind with some aftercare to practice self compassion and to stay safe. Alot of people just say stop or resist but even with the right tools it still happens so I'd rather give advice of when it happens qnd some helpful things to busy with.