Picking.

I am 17, and for as long as i can remember i have picked at my scabs, cuts anything i could. trust my i have the scars to prove it. for a while now its getting worse, if i cant use my finger nails ill use something sharp like tacks or knives. i feel like i cant control it, ill be sitting in class and ill pick because im bored, upset, angry, basically any mood ill pick. i think i do it because its not smooth it doesnt feel right to i rip it off. now ive started to notice that im picking at my nail cuticles too to the point that it starts to bleed. i just cant stop picking, ill even rip open old sores that have scarred over.

                       Please help me, what  should i do? and why do i do this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There is a possibility that you are having obsessive compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder most commonly characterized by obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions. According to the Expert Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioral therapy (BT), cognitive therapy (CT) and medications.

My sincere advice is to consult a psychiatrist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. Treatment can be started only when the diagnosis is confirmed. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.