Can’t stop picking at skin, need urgent help

[Anonymous]

I’m so addicted to picking at spots on my scalp to the point I’m doing it for over an hour. I can’t stop trying to pick at the callous or the lump until I feel skin ready to be flaked off. It’s definitely damaging and now it’s along my hairline in very visible spots but I still can’t stop. It’s like a stress relieving thing to do but gives me anxiety at the same time?

What kind of therapist do I need to see for this and what Can I do to make myself stop?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

You need to see a psychiatrist, since you'll need meds to control the underlying OCD and anxiety.

[Anonymous]

omg. I thought I was the only one who does this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to see a psychiatrist, since you'll need meds to control the underlying OCD and anxiety.

This is the correct answer! I am the same OP. I have general anxiety disorder and OCD. Meds plus cognitive behavioral therapy here. Best wishes - it does get better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:omg. I thought I was the only one who does this?

Not OP but no, neither of you are alone, this is an actual disorder. Excoriation disorder or dermatillomania.

[Anonymous]

Omg me too! It’s so relaxing for me. I’m on meds but still doing it.

[Anonymous]

Behavior Therapy Center in Silver Spring, if you are in MD. This falls under body focused repetitive behaviors.

https://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Omg me too! It’s so relaxing for me. I’m on meds but still doing it.

Can you tell me which meds?

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone- I’m on a waiting list for a therapist right now but I think I need to find someone sooner. It’s gotten SO much worse over the past few years and I’m worried I’m going to have permanent scars from it. If you’ve been able to stop, please let me know how!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to see a psychiatrist, since you'll need meds to control the underlying OCD and anxiety.

This is the correct answer! I am the same OP. I have general anxiety disorder and OCD. Meds plus cognitive behavioral therapy here. Best wishes - it does get better.

Thank you so much!!

[Anonymous]

I get it, OP. I’m in recovery from trichiotillomania. For me, tight fitting hats were very helpful. I needed a barrier every time I reached up, and it also soothed the itchiness of needing to pull.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Omg me too! It’s so relaxing for me. I’m on meds but still doing it.

Can you tell me which meds?

Zoloft. Which helps with my anxiety but isn’t a panacea. I’m still picking.

[Anonymous]

Is there something else you can pick or peel when you get the urge. My kid has this. Peeling stickers, tape, velcro, even garlic has been somewhat helpful.

Meds will be needed too, but which one is for the doctor to decide in consultation with you.

[Anonymous]

I pluck leg hairs with tweezers. Same relief, no damage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I pluck leg hairs with tweezers. Same relief, no damage.

This is a good idea. I suggested my dd floss when she gets the urge, too. She said it helped a little.