Skin-picking habit
What should I do?
See your GP if you're compulsively picking your skin or if younotice your child doing so.
Your GP can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a form of talking therapy.
You may need to be referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist)first, if the skin is badly damaged.
Talking therapy for dermatillomania
Little medical research has been conducted into treatments for dermatillomania.
The most effective treatment is therapy to change your skin-picking behaviour, combined with a network of emotional support.
Psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy that can be used to treat emotional problems and mental health conditions. It involves discussing emotional issues with a trained therapist.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that may be recommended. It helps you to manage your problems by changing how you think and act.
CBToften involves behavioural therapy,also known ashabit-reversal therapy,which aims to changeyour behaviour in this case,reducing yourskin picking.
First, you learn how to become more consciously aware of situations and events that may trigger your skin picking. Then, you'll learn to use alternative behaviours as a response. You may be asked to keep a record of when, where and under what circumstances you normally pick.
The aim is to replace the harmful skin-picking habit with a habit that is harmless.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Dermatillomania is a condition where a person feels compelled to pick at their skin, to the point where it causes visible wounds.
DoI have it?
A person withdermatillomania will habitually and excessively pick, scratch, gouge or squeeze at otherwise healthy skin. Theyusually pick at the skin on their face and lips, but it can be any area of
Who develops dermatillomania?
Impulse-control disorders in general are more common among teenagers and young adults. Dermatillomania tends todevelop in theteenage years or early 20s, and affects more girls than boys. It might sta
Why does dermatillomania happen?
It's not known what causes dermatillomania, but there are several theories. Some experts thinkit is a type of addiction . The more you pick your skin, the more you want to keep doing it. Dermatillom
What should I do?
See your GP if you're compulsively picking your skin or if younotice your child doing so. Your GP can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a form of talking therapy. You may need to be re
Tips for quitting
Occupy your hands with something else until the urge passes , or put on gloves. When tempted to pick, care for your skin instead for example, apply moisturiser. Aim to hold off the urge for l
Support
If you havedermatillomania,it's important that you receive emotional help and support. This can be from family, friends or self-help groups. Organisations such as OCD UK are good places to start if
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