Compulsive picking

ChihuahuaMomma · Feb 27, 2008, 09:04 PM

How does one stop the compulsion to picking at their skin? I have scars all over from picking at the tiniest zit or bump on me. It becomes huge and takes forever to go away.

Anything aside from attending meetings and such. I don't think outing such an embarrassing thing would help me much.

Thanks for any and all help!!!

Wondergirl · Feb 27, 2008, 09:48 PM

Then find a substitute for those times. (I have a cousin who knits and crochets while standing at work, sitting at a red light, or talking to someone.)

ChihuahuaMomma · Feb 27, 2008, 09:50 PM

I don't crochet while standing at work because I would get fired, I don't do it at a red light because I don't want to get into and accident. I could do it while talking to people though. Although they might think that I was not paying attention.

I just wanna throw this out there, this is in the addictions section for a reason. It's not just something that I do when I'm bored. I have a problem.

Wondergirl · Feb 27, 2008, 09:58 PM

Well, then, you're right. You have to conquer the OCD. Have you thought about how you can do that?

But there is something supremely satisfying about pulling off dead skin in as large a sheet as possible. There was even a sound to it, a dry rustling. I used to do that when I peeled after a sunburn.

ChihuahuaMomma · Feb 27, 2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Well, then, you're right. You have to conquer the OCD. Have you thought about how you can do that?

But there is something supremely satisfying about pulling off dead skin in as large a sheet as possible. There was even a sound to it, a dry rustling. I used to do that when I peeled after a sunburn.

OMG, how is that helpful....That makes it worse. Thanks.

Wondergirl · Feb 27, 2008, 10:06 PM

Gross, huh.

Have you tried anything that worked, at least for a while?

Wondergirl · Feb 27, 2008, 10:07 PM

How about putting a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it when you begin to pick?

ISneezeFunny · Feb 27, 2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Well, then, you're right. You have to conquer the OCD. Have you thought about how you can do that?

But there is something supremely satisfying about pulling off dead skin in as large a sheet as possible. There was even a sound to it, a dry rustling. I used to do that when I peeled after a sunburn.

I was definitely

while I was reading that.

Wondergirl · Feb 27, 2008, 10:10 PM

I'm thinking of writing horror fiction.

Any ideas for her, Sneeze, ol' buddy?

ChihuahuaMomma · Feb 27, 2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I'm thinking of writing horror fiction.

Any ideas for her, Sneeze, ol' buddy?

I don't think you are taking this as seriously as it really is.

ISneezeFunny · Feb 27, 2008, 10:16 PM

well, for me, it's mostly callouses that come up on my hand, so I just do everything I can to get rid of callouses so nothing instigates me to start picking.

I do notice, however, that I pick my skin when I'm stressed or bored.

I've tried the rubber band on the wrist method, and being me, I think about picking my skin, look at the rubber band, and think "Why hurt myself when I can just gratify my ocd?" and proceed to picking my skin.

What is it that you pick at mostly? Is it just dead skin or your cuticles?



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