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!!

Put your hands and fingers to work on something else. Take up rug hooking or crocheting or knitting. That way, not only will your hands be busy, but you will end up with beautiful Christmas gifts. I'm hereby placing an order for a cute winter hat, in hmmmmmm light and cadet blue. And get good at making hats or shawls or scarves and start a cottage industry.

Your public library is full of knitting and crocheting pattern and idea books. Look at this web site to see a cottage industry started by one creative woman who sews with fabric and fleece --

Stocking Caps and Jester Hats for Women, Men and Big Kids by GottaHavaHat (http://www.gottahavahat.com/stockingjester/index.html)

I have this problem... I have callouses all over my hand due to lifting weights and just overall being a man (yeah right).

I use a pumice stone to get rid of the rough edges of the callous so that I CAN'T pick it even if I could.

I used to carry a nail clipper with me just in case a small piece of skin stuck out. Instead of picking at it, I can just snip it. Possibility?

Put your hands and fingers to work on something else. Take up rug hooking or crocheting or knitting. That way, not only will your hands be busy, but you will end up with beautiful Christmas gifts. I'm hereby placing an order for a cute winter hat, in hmmmmmm light and cadet blue. And get good at making hats or shawls or scarves and start a cottage industry.

Your public library is full of knitting and crocheting pattern and idea books. Look at this web site to see a cottage industry started by one creative woman who sews with fabric and fleece --

Stocking Caps and Jester Hats for Women, Men and Big Kids by GottaHavaHat (http://www.gottahavahat.com/stockingjester/index.html)

I already do knit and crochet. I don't think it is just something to do with my hands.

I have this problem...I have callouses all over my hand due to lifting weights and just overall being a man (yeah right).

I use a pumice stone to get rid of the rough edges of the callous so that I CAN'T pick it even if I could.

I used to carry a nail clipper with me just in case a small piece of skin stuck out. instead of picking at it, I can just snip it. possibility?


What?

With me, it's just a small case of ocd. I don't like things that stick out... and I have to get rid of it

I already do knit and crochet. I don't think it is just something to do with my hands.

How do you pick when you're knitting and crocheting?

Another magical ability granted by the AMHD gods.

with me, it's just a small case of ocd. I don't like things that stick out...and I have to get rid of it
I think that might be the same there.

How do you pick when you're knitting and crocheting?
I don't knit when I'm standing at work waiting for the doc to come out of a room, or sitting at a red light, or talking to someone...

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.)

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 want to 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.

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.

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.

Gross, huh.

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

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

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 :eek: while I was reading that.

I'm thinking of writing horror fiction.

Any ideas for her, Sneeze, ol' buddy?

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.

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?

Both... a small bump on my arm... a zit on my face...

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


Bingo!

Hello, Momma!

Do either of your parents pick at things on their skin like you do? Do these things that you are picking at cause you any discomfort or itching without you picking at them?

Hello, Momma!

Do either of your parents pick at things on their skin like you do? Do these things that you are picking at cause you any discomfort or itching without you picking at them?


No to both questions.

I don't think outing such an embarrassing thing would help me much.

And you would be the only person in the room with a problem if you go to, say, an OCD support group? And isn't the habit getting to be obvious--and that's not embarrassing?

Originally Posted by Clough
Hello, Momma!

Do either of your parents pick at things on their skin like you do? Do these things that you are picking at cause you any discomfort or itching without you picking at them?


Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMomma
No to both questions.

I haven't read everything on this thread. But, have you stated how long you have been doing this?

I haven't read everything on this thread. But, have you stated how long you have been doing this?
My whole life.

Well, it's nearly 1:30 here. In 12 hours I have to be at work. I hope more people (YO! CLOUGH!! ), especially ones who've been through this and conquered it, see this thread and give you some good advice. I'll check back after I get some sleep. 'Nighty night.

And you would be the only person in the room with a problem if you go to, say, an OCD support group? And isn't the habit getting to be obvious--and that's not embarrassing?


I'm very sensitive about my scars.. >I wear long sleeve shirts all the time.

And I refuse to go to a group.

And I refuse to go to a group.

Why? (I had to stay up a little longer... )

Why? (I had to stay up a little longer....)

1. I don't have time.

2. It's embarrassing.

3. I don't want to... :eek:

*cough*

Oh.

If you have been doing this your whole life and it is causing you so much unpleasantness, then why won't you go to a group, Momma?

I know that you've sort of answered that in your previous post. But, you do need help/support with this, if you can't control your urge to do it yourself.

If you have been doing this your whole life and it is causing you so much unpleasantness, then why won't you go to a group, Momma?

She answered that when I asked it:


1. I don't have time.

2. It's embarrassing.

3. I don't want to...

Hi Chihuahuamomma,

I picked when I was a teenager and into my early 20's.
I believe mine was habit of just picking and it was harder to stop than one might think.
It took some time but constantly reminding myself eventually led to me getting out of the habit all together.

First I would catch myself picking, then imminently stop doing it, and remind myself that I didn't want to pick anymore. That took the longest.

Eventually I would catch myself before I went to pick and was able to stop myself before it happened.
I would again remind myself that I wasn't going to pick.

One thing I noticed was that picking was much harder if I had my nails done professionally and shaped square (or flat at the tips).
Something about the acrylic nails and how thick they are made picking uneasy, unenjoyable and frustrating for me.

I know this may sound weird to some people, but the different feeling to the acrylic nail and to the area being picked is very noticeable to a person who picks,
Therefore making it easier to remind yourself to stop when wearing them.

I wish you the best because I know it's a frustrating, embarrassing,
Hard to talk about kind of habit to have.

Have you ever tried using a cleanser or medicine to make these tiny zits/bumps go away?
Also, I've read some of your other threads, particularly regarding weight loss. Your diet also has a lot to do with your skin. I see that you are working out and eating healthy, which is an awesome thing to do-not only for your overall health, but for your skin.
Try using a moisturizer or some kind of acne treatment (and there are lotions/medications for all types of skin-whether you have sensitive skin, etc... ). You must allow yourself time for these treatments to work and I guarantee you will see results. Now if it is that bad, and you cannot take control of your picking habits, then you need to consult with your physician and/or seek the wonderful advice already given to you in this thread.

If you really wanted to, you would make time, and any future possible embarrassment would be reduced significantly. If you really want to stop, you have to have some self control, there is no magic words anyone can say to you to make it go away.

Have you ever tried using a cleanser or medicine to make these tiny zits/bumps go away?
Also, I've read some of your other threads, particularly regarding weight loss. Your diet also has a lot to do with your skin. I see that you are working out and eating healthy, which is an awesome thing to do-not only for your overall health, but for your skin.
Try using a moisturizer or some kind of acne treatment (and there are lotions/medications for all types of skin-whether you have sensitive skin, etc...). You must allow yourself time for these treatments to work and I guarantee you will see results. Now if it is that bad, and you cannot take control of your picking habits, then you need to consult with your physician and/or seek the wonderful advice already given to you in this thread.

If you really wanted to, you would make time, and any future possible embarassment would be reduced significantly. If you really want to stop, you have to have some self control, there is no magic words anyone can say to you to make it go away.

If you had read one specific thread you would know that I have a rash on my upper arms, that has been there my whole life and frequently I had a couple of the spots on my lower arms, and that's what starts the picking. My diet hasn't affected my skin.

But thank you. I'm getting health insurance at the end of March, and fully intend on going to the doctor about this.

But thank you. I'm getting health insurance at the end of March, and fully intend on going to the doctor about this.

You are welcome. I don't typically read through every post everyone puts out there unless it pertains to something that concerns me. OR unless it is specifically mentioned about- within the current thread that I am reading. However, either which way, definitely see your physician. I have eczema in certain places on my body (elbows, ankle) which looks horrible and I know the frustration and embarrassment you must be feeling as I feel it is comparable to your situation when you describe how it looks and the urge to pick at it.

In the meantime, before you are able to obtain health insurance, there are creams and medicines to help the way that it looks until you are able to seek medical attention.

Good luck girl.

What medicines and creams? If you know something that I don't, please help! :P I've tried everything.

Well... if it's on your hand... pumice stone + vaseline + gloves when you sleep at night.

If it's on your arm... such as dry skin/flakes, suave has this "advanced therapy" cream that I use that works pretty well.

well...if it's on your hand...pumice stone + vaseline + gloves when you sleep at night.

if it's on your arm...such as dry skin/flakes, suave has this "advanced therapy" cream that I use that works pretty well.


I've tried suave, and every lotion known to man... NOTHING works. I need new arms :D

"I don't like things that stick out...and I have to get rid of it"

ISneezeFunny, being a male, you'd best be careful of what's sticking out!:p

Oof. Good call on THAT one.

Have you considered covering your fingers with something? If you use your index finger and thumb to pick, put band-aids over each of them so you can get a grip on anything.

Trim your nails really short.

Wear gloves (start a new fashion trend!).

Wear something or put something on your body you can fiddle with that won't harm you. Maybe stick a band-aid on your arm, you can pick it on and off. Get a bracelet with a moving part you can busy your fingers with, or a necklace. Get a ring you can "spin" on your finger. Wear things with zippers and play with the zipper tab, or zip up and down. Wear hoodies and fiddle with the strings.

Look for some sort of small item you can keep in your pocket that will keep your fingers busy. Maybe something that needs to be opened and closed. Even a pen with a top you can pop off with one and put back on with one hand might be enough to distract you.

But most importantly... when you notice yourself doing it - stop! :)

I got a stress ball to have in my pocket when I'm at work... I think it might help. But that's only at work, otherwise my pockets aren't big enough.

Originally Posted by jilleanleab
Have you considered covering your fingers with something? If you use your index finger and thumb to pick, put band-aids over each of them so you can get a grip on anything.

Trim your nails really short.

But most importantly... when you notice yourself doing it - stop! :)

I especially like the above ideas. I am assuming that you meant "can't" rather than the word "can."

Chi, the complulsion is what needs to essentially be addressed. Until, you can either get some self-help books on Obsessive Compulisive Disorder or get professional help, a trip to a dermatologist could help a bit. Bumps under the skin can be a sign of yeast. There is a book called "The Yeast Connection". I don't recall the author at present but will find out. We generally think of yeast infection as a female issue to be addressed with a three day cream but this is not what I am referring to. Too much sugar in one's diet can overload your system with yeast and cause tiny bumps that can be seen, sometimes only in bright sunlight but can be felt. Sugar in our diets do not just come from cookie's, soda, and such. Begin reading the sugar grams in all food you prepare or purchase. Reading the book could explain some of the issues going on with your skin.

The Obsessve Compulsive Disorder stems from many causes. Since I have this to a degree, I understand the internal anguish you must feel as well as just the skin issues. My family someitmes, teasingly calls me "Monk" from the TV series... don't know if you have seen it but when I catch myself getting into one of these times, it is generally during times of stress or nervousness. The bumps on your skin, you can control, by attempting to remove them. You might examine your life to see if there are lots of areas in your life over which you feel you have no control. Those may need to be addressed to lessen the need for control with the skin problems. I like smooth skin also and have taken clippers as directed by my dermatologist and clip little tags (using disinfectant on clipers before and after and cleansing the area with alcoho then apply a bit of antibiotic orintment such as Neosporin). But from what I read from you, it is not just little tags but rough skin or tiny bumps that make you bother them to remove them. People chew their nails, scratch their scalp, straighten papers, all kinds of things that make them feel more in control and of course, eating disorders come into play which are also issues of "control". I wish I had a quick fix for you but I believe if you get the book and read it, it would help you with the skin issues but chances are if you don't bother your skin, you will chew your nails, or do other things that give the same satisfaction of controllng one area in your life.

I realize you may read this and totally disagree that it is an issue of control and that is of course, why this site is so great. Many ideas and suggestions can be put out here in hopes of helping but if none of this applies to you, just disregard.

I feel that your question is a valid one and I think you called it right when you said "Compulsion" so hope you can get some help in that area as well as the skin issues. You are certainly not alone in either of these problems. My sister deals with skin issues and messes with the bumps and causes worse problems. She was on antibiotics and the doctor just kept giving her antibiotics to clear up her skin but it was killing out the good bacteria in her system and feeding the yeast in her system, thus making the problem worse. She read "The Yeast Connection" and made lots of changes in her diet and the skin issues are better but she as well as I, have our own little "compulsions" that we address every day as do a lot of people. Some people just aren't willing to share things openly as you have. I would imagine a lot of people will be viewing this thread in hopes of finding answers to some of the same types of issues you mention and will appreciate you posting the thread as well as appreciating people offering suggestions of help.

How about long sleeve shirts for awhile, and pen in a note on your arm "DON'T DO IT", in case you pull your sleeves up to pick?

How about long sleeve shirts for awhile, and pen in a note on your arm "DON'T DO IT", in case you pull your sleeves up to pick?
I always wear long sleeves. Except at work I can't.

Chi, Dr. William Crook is the author of "The Yeast Connection". I had said I would find out for you so wanted to let you know. Best to you! :)

Thank You

Just a small suggestion. I do the same thing, if I see a zit, I poke at it. Its just a force of habit.

I put makeup on my rashes and imperfections, that way I cannot see them. If I don't see them, "they are not there", so I don't pick at them. It actually does help. Its all in your mind, so you just have to re-train your mind.

Good luck! :)

Thanks Nauticalstar...

I do that with stuff on my face, that's not really the issue... it's my arms...

I can't really put makeup on my arms...

You're welcome :)

If you find the right shade, you really can put makeup on your arms. I use the TrueBlend makeup (I forget who makes it) and the color blends in with your skin tone.

I got a spiderbite on my arm months ago and used that to "hide" it so I wouldn't play with it.

Have you also considered putting bandages of some sort on your arm? I don't know how large it is on you, but ace bandages work well, and they don't look so "unsanitary" like regular band aids do.

For me, the key is to cover it up somehow. :)

I have the same problem cmomma! I have not met anyone else with the same problem. I knit too and I wish it was as simple as that. I was able to stop for a while just by trying to be more conscious of it and making myself stop. Another way to stop is to not have those little zits and bumps, I get them on my arms mostly, and I try to scrub it all away in the shower. Sometimes I get bad and pick again, but it helps when I do this.

Get some good body wash that has little scrubby beads in it and get a good loofa. It helps! Then just try to catch yourself when you are doing it.

If you think of/hear of any other ideas let me know!