Maybe flaking a chocolate coating off of a cookie, or a candy coating from a sweet would be helpful? Anything that isn't damaging to you that you can pick at? |
I ordered this bracelet:
https://habitaware.com/ Backordered, though. |
I have OCD and am constantly picking at the skin on my chin. Meds help a lot. I have callouses on my fingers from the repetitive picking. I hate it. |
okay, THIS is it. My DD does skin-picking in the form of face-picking. Skin-picking is a special category and has its own name (and not sure it's OCD related). The good news is it's actually not related to self-harm--it's not self-harming behavior, it's self-soothing behavior. This company has videos on this topic. The other thing I want to mention is to take NAC (N-A-C) which is OTC. It helps with skin picking (and hair twisting etc). It takes a month to work. 2400 mg. (two 600mg pills 2x day) plus supplement with Vit. B12. (This was advice by both my skin-picking DD's pediatrician, and my other DC's fantastic psychiatrist, when I was on a tangent and asked him about my DD's face-picking) Good luck, OP! |
^^forgot to say, N-A-C also takes about a month to work (it has to get into your system) |
what is nac? i searched amazon for it and got a bunch of unclear options. Is it zinc? Please post link. |
Also, treat your scalp for seborrheic dermatitis with Nozoral (may need a scrip). The less spots you have the less likely you'll pick.
I have this problem too. |
Nizoral... |
I’ve done this as well, it’s horrible and wonderful...
Get rid of good lighting that allows you to see the areas you’re picking and any magnifying mirrors. Good luck. I know your pain. I pull hair as well, putting it in a ponytail helps. |
Research about taking NAC for skin picking https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27007062/ |
You can buy NAC at the Vitamin Shoppe next to the DC Costco. https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search?search=NAC%20600%20mg |
Good explanation of the research https://stopskinpickingcoach.com/n-acetylcysteine-nac-an-over-the-counter-supplement-that-reduces-hair-pulling-and-skin-picking/ |
Walmart sells NAC |
Former feet/callus, hand/cuticle picker and scalp/scan excoriator here. Lexapro helps but practically speaking, “dip powder” with fake nail overlay professional manicure has been life changing -
I can’t get scrape or peel my cuticles with the thick overlay. Same with scalp scabs and pimples - the nails are blunt and I can’t get a good pick going... I sought help from a dermatologist, too. I was so ashamed and cried when she did my head to toe exam and noticed my scalp and messed up toes and feet. I was prescribed a shampoo that used every other day and left the lather on for a few minutes. The scabs healed right away. My hairdresser suggested biotin supplements to support hair growth - I had some thin and even a few tiny bald patches. It’s ok, OP. There are so many of us out there. I’m the last person you’d suspect with these issues - I’m very well-dressed and am otherwise personally very fastidious and organized. Always look put together. |