Compulsive Toenail Picking

[topaz63]

I am looking for information on compulsive toenail picking, I am not finding much information anywhere on this disorder. I remember it starting when I was in my early teens, which is when my parents got divorced, my mom got sick and I started doing drugs and drinking alcohol.

I am 44 now and it is worse than ever. I have had some major trauma in the past few years, but can't stop and I feel helpless and out of control and like there is something really wrong with me. I can't wear sandals or anything that shows my toenails. I am so depressed after I do this.

HELP!

[Gewelznz]

having just completed pulled off two toenails this afternoon and one last week   I think we are on to something... I know  I have OCD issues  but never realized it covered this too.  I also pull skin off my fingers and feet.   I know I should stop   and I put things in place (plasters) but the moment they are off   I am at it again.
Gewelznz

[krawks]

Understand

[Petunia724]

Me too my left big toenail, or lack thereof, is scary. I cannot stop.

[Rydernanny]

Im so glad to know that I'm not alone in this, my toes hurt and bleed but I continually do this. I'm so ashamed to wear sandals or go bare foot.  I sit down and bam I'm doing it.. they are so bad now that when I walk they hurt.  I also am on anti depressant meds. I pick the skin around my fingernails also.  Use to bite my nails, stopped that now just pick them to death.  GRRRRR!! it's so frustrating.

[MN_Autonomic_Gal]

My 11 year old daughter is constantly either biting or cutting her nails. Toe nails and finger nails. The other day there was nothing left of her nails so she chopped off all of her hair. She is in counseling and has been since her father passed in January 2015. The finger/toe nail thing started just before she turned 6 when we got divorced. I'm so scared and don't know what else to do for her. I have been praying to God and crying myself to sleep every night. After this, she will probably have to go back to twice weekly at counseling..  I'm so afraid she will start cutting herself...???

[TaraLKelly]

OMG.. I read all the comments and I am in the same boat..I am peeling my nails off as I type. I pick scabs, peel nails and literally rip off my baby toe nails...and I can't stop it..  I have been doing this since I was a little girl..  and this winter has been the worst in a long time..  I wake up in the night and immediately go to pick at something...  I wish it would stop.... but,.. it feels good to pick.. a relief...  help me.

[RobinRaiteri]

I am looking for answers on this subject too... it is quite embarrassing to even acknowledge this

[Petunia724]

I tear out my big toe nails. I even have a "kit". I ordered a set of tools used to extract blackheads and it came with a tool that has a fine point, like a needle with a slight curve at the very tip. It acts like a tiny hook and i use it to get deep into the nail beds and tear out any skin or nail that is growing with the help of my cuticle clippers and several different types of tweezers and peroxide. I have been doing this for so long, my nail bed has changed to the point of ingrowns are inevitable if I'd ever let them grow. The irony is, thats how this all started. I cant stop. I dont want to, but i really do... I have no nail on my left big toe other than a  horrid looking thing in the middle because I've pulled everything else around the sides and under the  cuticle. What is wrong WITH ME?!

[Claire_MHModerator]

Hi, folks,

Since this thread is old and the original participants are no longer taking part, we'll close it now.  If you'd like to ask a question or start a new thread about depression, please click the "Post a Question" button near the top of this page.

If you want to discuss compulsive nail/skin picking, hair-pulling, or other compulsions, please feel free to start a discussion in our OCD community here:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder-OCD-/show/231

Thanks!

Claire
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[onis789]

i love it i though i was the only one but thank the Lord im not so toe picking is not just me i dont have any toes nails atm..lol and im about to go on a cruise wont i look good with no toe nails...well ill try the socks..b4 i go to the dr. he is just gonna give me a pill that i dont want so socks it is..