Aa
hmmmm
this is a weird question, but I wanted to know if it's obsessive compulsive to check your face n body for pimples before getting into the shower each morning. I love getting zits so I can pop em. Its like a high for me. I saw one last night, and was like YEah. But it didnt pop that good so I was kinda upset. Would you consider this OCD or would you just call it an addiction?
Well I'm 17 years old and I have the same compulsion of looking in the mirror and standing there for hours looking at every pore on my face then picking. Then it over turned to my whole body, its gotten way worst since I begun doing this since 1 1/2 years ago. Its been putting me down a lot because I can't wear short sleeves or shorts in public without someone noticing i have multiple scabs, bumps, blemishes going everywhere and questioning me about it. I hate this because I thought it was nothing at first, but when I started noticing marks that were left after picking or messing with, its become embarrassing. I miss having a clear body and face, but its like a urge to me. Its like an itch that has to be scratched, if you don't itch it, the urge will grow until so. So after I became aware of my problem, I took my time to see if other people had the same symptoms as me, and I actually found a bunch of people. Well I also found something called Compulsive Skin Picking. Which it is but if you search it up on Google, its more of a mental thing, not a hormone imbalance that a drug would take care of it. I recommend not to take any prescribed drugs for this problem, because I can already tell you NONE will work. Probably just a medication that would mess with your mind or make you depressed. Try these helpful hints that I'm going to be trying out also...
When tempted to pick, care for your skin by applying a moisturizing lotion instead.
Cover or remove mirrors if they act as a trigger and get rid of all implements such as tweezers and pins used for picking.
Consider the use of artificial nails to make picking more difficult, it may work for some.
Wear rubber fingertips or cotton gloves whenever possible if you feel the urge to pick.
Try replacing some of the sensory aspects of skin-picking with a more desirable alternative. For example, keep an object by you that you can manipulate (squeeze or pull) such as a soft rubber ball.
( I play with a rubber band around my wrist to occupy my hands when the urge comes.)
Keep your hands busy with something else such as a puzzle or knitting.
If you bite the inside of your cheeks try eating crunchy snacks when you feel the urge to bite.
Reward yourself for making progress with some kind of treat.
As you gain more confidence gradually begin to expose your hands, arms, face or legs to others starting with family and friends. You will no doubt benefit from their support but at the same time the negative consequences of engaging in your habit will be increased.
If all fails, get advice on skin care. If you have a skin complaint see a dermatologist.
(I went to a bunch of doctors and all they give you is acne cream or something along that lines. Most of the doctors won't understand until you explain every little detail of you problem that your having so they can get an idea of whats happening.)
When tempted to pick, care for your skin by applying a moisturizing lotion instead.
Cover or remove mirrors if they act as a trigger and get rid of all implements such as tweezers and pins used for picking.
Consider the use of artificial nails to make picking more difficult, it may work for some.
Wear rubber fingertips or cotton gloves whenever possible if you feel the urge to pick.
Try replacing some of the sensory aspects of skin-picking with a more desirable alternative. For example, keep an object by you that you can manipulate (squeeze or pull) such as a soft rubber ball.
( I play with a rubber band around my wrist to occupy my hands when the urge comes.)
Keep your hands busy with something else such as a puzzle or knitting.
If you bite the inside of your cheeks try eating crunchy snacks when you feel the urge to bite.
Reward yourself for making progress with some kind of treat.
As you gain more confidence gradually begin to expose your hands, arms, face or legs to others starting with family and friends. You will no doubt benefit from their support but at the same time the negative consequences of engaging in your habit will be increased.
If all fails, get advice on skin care. If you have a skin complaint see a dermatologist.
(I went to a bunch of doctors and all they give you is acne cream or something along that lines. Most of the doctors won't understand until you explain every little detail of you problem that your having so they can get an idea of whats happening.)
i have the same problem i cant pass a mirror without checking and can spend ages at the mirror picking pimples nobody else can see i just kind of go into a wee zone and do it for like 20 mins a few times a day, my skin ends up blotchy and dry but the self relief i feel is worth it..
My husband looks for pimples on me so he can pop them! it drives me crazy.I just put my foot down and keep him away from them. Not that I'm covered in zits or anything. My hubby does the same thing. I'd call it a compulsion but not actually OCD..
My opinion is that it is not OCD, it is normal to want to rid your body of poison. If that makes you feel good, don't look for a problem where their may nto be one. Good luck
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