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fantome
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Default Nov 09, 2020 at 04:25 PM
  #1
I have a skin picking problem. It's being going on for a few years on and off, but since I started having serious mental health issues in September 2019 it's been pretty bad. I've had several infections, and I'm extremely self-conscious about how it looks. I don't want to keep doing it, but it feels impossible to stop, like there's something making me. Whenever I feel the bump of a scab or an imperfection in my skin, I have to pick at it or I feel uneasy.

My mom hasn't been very patient with me, and she wants me to get fake nails. I tried them once and I hated them. It helped with the picking, but I hated how they got in the way and I couldn't control how long they were (I have to have my nails short or it bothers me). I also know that it wouldn't be a long term fix unless I wore them forever, because every time I get an area (like my face) looking better, in a few weeks I've made new spots and it gets bad all over again. I'm tired of living like this. How can I stop??
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Default Nov 10, 2020 at 07:44 PM
  #2
Dear fantome,

Oh, that sounds so heartbreaking. I wish I knew what to say to help. It is awful that you are victimized by this affliction!

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen
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Default Nov 11, 2020 at 07:07 PM
  #3
I have the same problem. I get a zit or scab and I pick. I have done this for as long as I can remember. I will go months without picking, then I will start and can’t stop. I currently have one on my face I put neomycin on it so I won’t pick. Sorry I don’t have an answer for you.

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Default Nov 11, 2020 at 08:02 PM
  #4
The only thing I can think of is to reward your self for not picking

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Default Nov 14, 2020 at 05:21 PM
  #5
You could try something else to keep your hands busy, such as knitting or crocheting or using a stress ball or fidget toy. Also perhaps there is an object you could pick at instead of your skin. I like to get loofahs from the dollar store and pull them apart.

Edit- Also try wearing gloves perhaps, makes it harder to pick.
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Lightbulb Nov 19, 2020 at 01:13 AM
  #6
I used to suck my thumb and pick at a scab on my ear lobe until it was raw and super embarrassing. I would try to hide it with earrings but it was super obvious. I did that for 20 years, I'm only 22 now but I got past it. What helped me was purchasing a worry stone. I bought a rose quartz worry stone from a "whole-earth" store and kept it in my pocket. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my thoughts or just whenever I wanted to pacify myself I would take it out and just rub my thumb over it. 10/10 would recommend.
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Default Aug 18, 2021 at 05:46 AM
  #7
I have kind of a different problem, pulling hair, but it started with picking and scratching at my scalp. I don't know if this helps but I usually just cover up the spot so I can't mess with it.
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Default Apr 12, 2022 at 08:02 AM
  #8
Did you ask your dermatologist if they can prescribe or recommend something that can help?

Hopefully, your skin condition has improved since you posted.

Last edited by Sohappy; Apr 12, 2022 at 08:25 AM..
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