PICKING AND PICKING

[stacy124]

I really don't know what to do anymore.  I was such a beautiful girl and due to my picking, I have become ugly.  It is horrifying to look at myself as I change.  My constant picking have created dark scars.  Both my arms and both my legs are not visibly appealing.  My skin easily gets cut from touching anything and then I end up picking at it until the scab gets bigger and bigger, and finally until it leaves a scar.  My mom tells me to stop, and I want to but I can't.  I'm afraid I will never meet anyone this way...too afraid to show myself.

What can I do?


This discussion is related to RE:RE: Compulsive scab picking.

[NanaTanya]

I can feel your pain people!  I'm 48 years old, divorced and have remained single because I'm too ashamed of all the scars and scabs that I have all over my face and body.  Most of the places on my body where I pick are easily covered by clothes and I can't go anywhere without makeup on my face because I have so many scars from years and years of picking at every little imperfection I find. Growing up in the midwest where the winters dry your skin and you get eaten alive by mosquitos in the summer, it seems like I've been scratching to releave itchy skin since I was in kindergarten!  That scratching yields lots of sores/scabs that I would pick open again and again causing lots of scars.  I'm comfortable being single, but at the same time l don't want to spend the rest of my life alone.  I don't know what to do, so I avoid men or even just tell them that I'm flattered that they are interested in me, then explain that we'd never work out because "I'm just not good relationship material right now.", blaming it on being too set in my ways and enjoying my independence, when the reality is that my body is so full of scars and scabs, it's rediculous!   I have scabs on my stomach, my butt, even on my breasts!  How sexy is that?!  Yuk!!!!!  So, recently I've tried cutting my fingernails down as far as possible and until I can clear up my skin considerably,  I'm doomed to a life of celibacy!!!  I might as well become a nun!  At least then, I wouldn't have to make excuses to avoid intimacy or stick out like a sore thurmb because I'm wearing long sleeves and long pants in 100 degree weather! Maybe I can meet a nice blind guy who is looking for someone to settle down with?!

[jdtm]

I agree with the above poster - I suspect strongly this behaviour is caused from anxiety (not sure whether you are dealing with OCD).  When the anxiety is lessened, so will the urge to "pick" your skin.  Please see your family physician for advice and treatment, if necessary  Anxiety is a disorder which is highly treatable.  I wish you the best ...

[Raine9]

Have you spoken with your doctor about this?  You might be suffering from OCD.  OCD is an anxiety disorder.  It's totally treatable but you need to seek help.  Have you tried posting your question in the OCD forum?

Best to you

[desperadoinks]

your skin will naturally regenerate itself after time. The most important thing to do is stop immediately. You can always begin to make it healthier by doing a mild exfoliator and make sure to follw up with a lotion, I think the cocoa butter lotions are the best. Good luck to you.