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Open wound with 'white dots'.

Hello all,
My wife has been battling with a skin picking disorder, and it's getting out of hand. She has been on many depression meds and still is, but one thing that's taking over her life is the picking. Here is her problem: She has a zitt or something on her arm for example, and proceeds  to pick it until it becomes an open wound. Then she tells me that there are 'white things in it' (looks like white dots underneath the skin that have been exposed). What are these things? she says they prevent healing, but I think they are probably meant to be there.
Sorry to be vague, I dont know how to explain it better.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE. This is not due to picking. She's right if you do not get these white "plugs" out the sore will not heal. This is not normal and as far as I've found widely undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I have these "plugs". It presents itself as acne, the top layer of skin will come of, and under are these little white grains. If I do not get them out the sore will not heal! I've tried leaving them be and they do not go away. I've done endless hours or research. My best guess is an autoimmune disease (Discoid Lupus?) Or skin cancer of a sort, possibly a wart. I don't know but this is plaguing me and many others. I hope this is seen I know the post is old.

Please someone look up Basal Cell Carcinoma and tell me if you can relate to any of the symptoms.
Or Squamous Cell Carcinoma/ Actinic Keratosis....


An open sore that does not heal, and may bleed, ooze or crust. The sore might persist for weeks, or appear to heal and then come back.
A reddish patch or irritated area, on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort.
A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or clear, pink, red or white. The bump can also be tan, black or brown, especially in dark-skinned people, and can be mistaken for a normal mole.
A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center that may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time.
A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. The skin appears shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This warning sign may indicate an invasive BCC.


https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/
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Avatar universal
Hi there,
I have an issue with picking any zitty thing that I come across on my body...I put it down to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) However, I have been able to stop myself with will power and training myself to focus on other things...most of the time. I find that I pick at my arms when I am bored, sitting on the toilet, etc...so maybe avoiding her triggers will help.

As far as the white dots, how big is the wound...it sounds like she has picked the top layers of skin off, to the point that you can see the pores/sweat glands.

I hope that helps a little.
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