mental health disorders
Skin Picking (Excoriation) Disorder
Symptoms of Skin Picking Disorder
The methods and areas people pick at vary from person to person. Some people have many sores or scarred areas. Other people have only a few scars or sores. The areas people pick at may change over time. Some people pick at their skin somewhat automatically, without thinking about it. Others are more conscious of the activity. People do not pick at their skin because they are concerned about their appearance (which may be a symptom of Body Dysmorphic Disorder ). However, they may feel tense or anxious just before they do it, and skin picking may relieve that feeling. Afterward, they often feel a sense of gratification. Many activities (rituals) may accompany skin picking. People may painstakingly search for a particular kind of scab to pick at. They may pull the scab off in a particular way—for example, using their fingers or an implement such as tweezers. They may bite or swallow the scab once it is pulled off. Many people with skin-picking disorder also repeatedly pull out their hair, bite their nails, chew their cheek, or do other Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder . Some people pick at the skin of others. People may feel embarrassed by or ashamed of the way they look or of their inability to control their behavior. Consequently, they may avoid situations in which others may see the skin damage. They typically do not pick in front of others, except for family members. Many people try to camouflage the skin damage with clothing or makeup. People may also be distressed by their loss of control and repeatedly try to stop or reduce picking at their skin, but they cannot. If done excessively, skin picking can cause scarring, infections, excessive bleeding, and even a serious infection of the bloodstream ( Sepsis and Septic Shock ). Many people with skin-picking disorder also have other mental health disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) , Symptoms typically vary in intensity but may continue throughout life. 