Other Self Mutilation - skin picking

[Lionheart]

I tend to compulsively pick the scabs of any sore I might have and was told that I have excoriation disorder, to keep my fingernails short, and to keep Band-Aids and Neosporin ointment around.

Here is a link to what Wikipedia has to say about excoriation disorder...its causes, diagnosis and treatment... Excoriation disorder - Wikipedia I hope this is helpful!

 

[Fadeaway]

I never thought of this as self harm butva nervous habit. I do it more when at therapy nowadays. Or when tired.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

Here is a link to what Wikipedia has to say about excoriation disorder...its causes, diagnosis and treatment... Excoriation disorder - Wikipedia I hope this is helpful!

THANK YOU for posting this! It was really helpful and I appreciate gaining more knowledge as well as finding out that I am not alone with this problem.?

 

[Changing4Best]

I tend to compulsively pick the scabs of any sore I might have and was told that I have excoriation disorder, to keep my fingernails short, and to keep Band-Aids and Neosporin ointment around.

Here is a link to what Wikipedia has to say about excoriation disorder...its causes, diagnosis and treatment... Excoriation disorder - Wikipedia I hope this is helpful!

I also found it interesting that it now has a designation officially. Thanks for the link, Lion.

 

[Sideways]

I know that for some people, these behaviours begin creating serious injury and dysfunction.

But for me? I chew my lip because I’m human and that’s what a lot of us tend to do when we’re nervous. Sometimes I go too far and it bleeds a little. Totally normal. Doesn’t need pathologising.

 

[Lionheart]

THANK YOU for posting this!

Thanks for the link, Lion.

You are both most welcome, I am happy to help whenever I can.

 

[Abstract]

Exactly as Lion said. Also look up Dermatillomania and Trichotillomania. They are fundamentally thought of as being OCD related conditions rather than self harm. An attempt to calm not harm. But it can of course spill into other mindsets.

 

[Ronin]

They are fundamentally thought of as being OCD

(And back to what @Sideways said with this one).... And keep in mind not every compulsive behavior rises to the level of OCD. Some self soothing is simply that. Self soothing.

(Besides, I am not that sure it would be that dangerous to pool goers.)

 

[Sideways]

I am not that sure it would be that dangerous to pool goers.

Wouldn’t be. That’s why pools are filled with chlorine or salt to the point where they stink! Kills just about everything.

 

[Ronin]

Wouldn’t be.

Yep, that was my logic on it as well, meant the: Not that sure, mostly as an euphemism for the same thing: not that dangerous.

 

[Nessa7]

I went through the screening process for a program meant for people with excoriation disorder. I decided to put it off and do EMDR first for just practical reasons, but I did learn a lot going through the screening process. I could have and probably should have talked to someone a lot sooner than I did. One thing that surprised me was that if you have scars from it or have had to recieve medical treatment from a professional for it that automatically makes the picking a concern. If you are measuring the amount of time you spend picking in hours, that is also something that may indicate that treatment might be needed.

 

[blackemerald1]

Besides, I am not that sure it would be that dangerous to pool goers.)

Wouldn’t be. That’s why pools are filled with chlorine or salt to the point where they stink! Kills just about everything.

^ Absolutely correct. Pools are dosed up a lot so your nails are unlikely to become infected or cause infection from pool water. I think you could just start going to pool and the extra exercise may help wear off some of the anxiety etc.,

I also like the suggestion about doing a manicure on yourself or getting it done. That's self care and you can really never have enough of that.

The other thing that may be of value and would be permissible with and around elderly people etc., is a using a hand grip to increase overall hand strength (which is really good for anyone) and grip strength. You can use it sitting when reading, standing, talking, have competitions etc., It's healthy and uses energy and is quite socially acceptable. But importantly it is something to do with your hands when they are not otherwise gainfully busy. :)