Pimple popping..

[Dani2theL]

Hi - I am new to the forum.

I decided to join because I think I need support.  I seek therapy for anxiety issues - and one of them is ocd.  I have just recently been diagnosed with it, but I believe I have had it for many years without realizing what it was.  When people think OCD - they think of sorting through carpet fringes, compulsively showering/washing hands, etc.

I have a lot of pure O symptoms -where I have internal obsessions.  I think things, and focus on something for so long where I start becoming unsure whether or not it's true.

I also have SOME compulsions.  Here is ONE of them...

I pop pimples.  Not to the point where it's normal (even though it's not highly suggested to do so - dermatologically speaking) if I see a pimple, I NEEEEEEEDDDDDD to pop it.  My arms are COVERED with tiny pimples.. and needless to say - I have a field day.

Well this is effecting my life.  It's effecting it to the point where I will spend time in my work bathroom popping some pimples.  If there is a mirror, I pop pimples, if I need to take a mini break at work while at my desk, I look at my arms and find the tiniest pimple.. and pop it.

My arms look like hell right now.  Usually during the winter time, it's much better because of long sleeve shirts. Out of sight, out of mind - except I still pop my face.  I also see pimples on my boyfriends face/back/anywhere and I'll have a SEVERE urge to pop it.


I have other compulsions, but this is a major one - and I REALLY REALLY want to stop.  The problem is, not even the suggestions my therapist are recommending are enough for me to actually do it.  I feel like I need to be hypnotized or something.  I need help. Is there anyone out here who knows what I'm going through?? Or any suggestions?! I'm dying here!

thanks,
Dani

[Lollipopgirl8849]

My friend and I have a 'pimple popping issue'. We were sitting in class and we both addicted to having a issue with pimple popping. Whenever we see a pimple full of yellow puss we just want to squeeze the **** out of it. What do we do?

[sykorka3]

Thank you, seriously ... I´ve been looking for some advice for long time and this is the first time i see it positive. I have an obssetion of squeezing the pimples everywhere, expecially on my legs, all over :/ Now, it´s summer and I´m dealing with the thing, that it looks horrible and I am shy to wear a skirt/dress and also I know that if I wear a trousers it´s make my pimples much worst, because of the heat and sweat (disgusting, I know :( ) .... So, I´ll try all the things you have posted and again, thaks so much and I belive it will make a difference ... At least, sorry for my english I am from Czech Republic

[Imahotmess]

I am gross I guess....I actually have face scabs and cover them up, still looking like a methhead. But then, when I still feel like there's something under the scab, I even pop that. To the point where blood or puss pops on the mirror and I'm almost in a trance until I get one to do it. I'm so sick I guess. But it's gotten really bad and I guess I need a new shrink bc the derma tells me there's nothing they can do bc I wont stop picking. I guess I have ocd and can't stop. I have an extremely addictive personality. It sux!!

[KittieKal]

I'm super relieved that I'm not the only one who struggles with an OCD tendency to pop pimples. I'm 16 and junior prom is coming up and I decided on a strapless dress, however, my back, chest, and shoulders are all covered in scabs and zits that I can't get out all the way. Sometimes I'll pop one and the next day I'll try to pop it again, if it is still inflamed. I have an overwhelming urge to pick at my face whenever I see a mirror, even if i don't have any visible bumps. Tonight I tried to convince mysellf to walk past the mirror in my bathroom and just sit on the toilet to pee and I almost had an anxiety attack from not stopping to pop any pimples first. My mom thinks I'm exaggerating but I think I need to see a therapist or something. I'm in AP Psychology so I know all about OCDs and this is definitely one. I neeeeeed help. I definitely intend on using some of JavaPug's advice but I don't know I it'll help for long.

[crazywrpchic]

Omg it's the same exact way for me!!! My bf has the best ones! Its like I have too! I get so aggravated when he doesn't let me too! He used to but it's been a couple years now and he hates it! He's always like NO I hate it go do it to yourself and I can't help it but I'll find some and pop them. I had no idea it was a thing... i just thought It was me but I literally can not help it. Luckily I found an awesome exfoliating peel that's worked wonders for getting rid of the redness and scars from me popping my zits. It's the ONLY thing that actually works.  By the next day you can't even tell I picked at them it's amazing!

[JeaSWE]

You might have a food allergy. I used to have these bumps all over my legs and arms, and when I changed my diet (I'm gluten allergic), the bumps went away.