Obsessive Picking of Ingrown Hair and Scabs

I too have dermotillamania and it’s affected my complexion 😥

yes it’s one of my ocd behaviors. I constantly pick unconsciously and uncontrollably.

It’s been so bad for me lately. I’m wondering if it has to do with my medication- Vyvanse. I’ve had a picking fixation since I was very young. I would (and still do) pick all of the skin off of my lips and nails. Is it just an anxious thing? ADHD? How can you be sure it’s dermatillamania instead of something related to that?

I pick my skin when my anxiety is really bad

Yep. I have a hard time not picking at scabs or pulling at hair, especially where it’s driest.

Yeah I do those kinds of things I try to knit and crochet to keep my nads busy and stuff

I’m scarred like crazy everywhere. I’ve spent 10 days in the hospital from cellulitis and infections from picking too. I have to wear acrylic nails!!! Absolute miracle!! They are dull because of their thickness and it stops the compulsion for me to pick within 3 days. My SON picks like crazy, and I’ve considered having a layer of acrylic applied to his short natural nails, no polish or length- just a layer of acrylic that will make his nails dull too. He’s 9.

I have so many scars from obsessively picking at wounds and doing things like pulling out my hair. I’ve been able to combat it by redirecting my compulsions at things like stim toys and my work.

however i do recommend seeking help from a therapist with it, to uncover the root of the issue

i have that too! as sieg said, its dermatillomania. i cope with mine by using stim toys or tearing paper into small shreds. i also draw or occupy my hands in any other way possible, as long as it's distracting enough to get my mind off picking

It doesn't cause anxiety for me but it eases mine when it's bad