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412d
I think I may have excoriation disorder and it's ruining how I look at myself. I only learned about the whole "skin picking disorder" thing very recently and I've realized that I have had symptoms of excoriation disorder since I was a young child. It started on my legs (bug bites, scrapes, cuts, etc) and as I've grown into my teen years, it has spread to my face, mainly because of acne. Now, have scars all over my face and legs from the picking. This has drastically changed the way that my family and I look at myself. My parents have always said "You'd be so much prettier if you didn't have all those spots on your face" or "You must like being the ugly duckling" and now I agree with them. They've also scolded me and told me to "just stop picking" but I feel like I physically can't. It's gotten to the point where I've started to hide them with beanies while going to school and also wearing a head wrap around the house so that I don't have to look at it. I've tried doing skincare routines but I just can't stick to them no matter how hard I try. My doctor recommended that I go to a dermatologist for the spots but it's been months since then and nothing has been scheduled. I feel a little discouraged about just telling my parents outright that I might have this disorder because the first and last time I considered the fact that I might have it, they told me "So what? Are you trying to say that you're mentally ill" and laughed. The words "mentally ill" have such a negative connotation and it makes it sound like I'm out of my mind or committing self-harm, when in reality it's a bad habit that I do when I'm bored, stressed out, or unconsciously rubbing my face. At this point, I've given up because I don't know what to do anymore. It’s just getting worse and worse by the day.
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333d
I've had a near exact trajectory to your experience, and I received treatment for it. Habit reversal training really helps! I still pick sometimes, but hardly as much as before. And now I know people who know I'm pretty anyway, which makes it a little easier to look in the mirror.
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411d
We are in the same boat there, as far as the illness and having symptoms since childhood. My partner tries to help me but it doesn't always work. I have been meaning to look into finding a therapist near me who specializes in BFRBs, like skin picking. I hope you find some relief.
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision
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It's important to remember that you're not alone in struggling with excoriation disorder, also known as dermatillomania. Many people experience this condition and face similar challenges. It might be helpful to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance on coping strategies and addressing the root causes of your skin picking. Additionally, discussing your concerns with a dermatologist could provide treatment options for healing your skin and reducing scarring. Don't give up; seeking support and understanding from professionals can make a significant difference in managing this condition.
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