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

[mgirl900234]

i am so happy i found this. I am 15 and my arms look like the moon covered in scabs. i have one scab well more like crater on one of my arms,that is the size of the tip of my finger. and i still pick at it.its summer and my arms look so bad i need help too

[Fredria]

Being near sided has nothing to do with it, and it wont fix the obsession. I was also near sided and wore glasses until i got lasik 6 years ago, and I am still obsessed with poping pimples. I can be in a room filled with people staring at me and I will still obsess over bumps. Its so terrible that everyone knows, even people who dont see me on a day to day basis. I've being doing this since about 5th grade and I am now 26. Even when my face is clear, I start to feel for pimples on my back. If I cant reach the ones on my back, I make my husband pop them, and he usually tells me that there is nothing there, which causes an arguement because I think he's lying. So I make him pretend that bumps are there and squeeze my skin til i feel like they are all gone. I've even had near accidents from trying to pop pimples while driving.  My Husband, Family and friends all call me crazy. I just want to know if Im ever going grow out of this!

[fstbck65]

i have the same exact issue as you. i pick at the slightest bump on my face, the small bumps on my arms and anything that looks or feels like a small zit. its even gotten to the point where my husband and i fight a lot because he gets zits on his face and "they'll go away on their own" well they bug me so much i just dont care if he gets mad at me. they are as good as gone...so im with you and need help as well

[ggdmba]

omg... your post is great. cant say it has helped me yet cause i just read it but i feel like it is going to help and you are hilarious! I've never been around so many people and caught them taking glances at my arms... wake up call. at first i had a moment of insecurity but I feel what your saying in your post about flaunting your flaws... no joke this happened today when some chick kept peeking at my arms... oh she's looking at my arms, im so gross... really? are you gross? omg you are so gross your right! ha ha okay ya im not.. so what lady! look at my arms some more... yep when im stressed out i guess i pick at my arms.. guess what else.. i hate attention on me so you being distracted by my arms might make you not notice im a freak inside right now. keep looking lady... ima just smile and own it.

[theboonch]

THANK YOU.  You saved my life.  After putting into practice some of your suggestions, I got well.  I needed you to know this.  And although I've never met you or seen your face - I know you are beautiful on the inside where it counts.

I urge other people with our problem to follow java's advice.  She is wise.

[Kristimarie]

I have the same problem, and its really embarrassing /: i want to stop but i cant it eats me alive, and it drives me nuts to do it. i also have a problem with biting my nails, and they tend to hurt or bleed a lot right after. im causing myself pain, and i dont like it. Should i get a therapist for both of these actions? I also think i need to visit a hospital for this problem i have, does anyone know what its called? i get very irritated when someone chews really loud, either gum, a lollipop, food, or if they just smack their lips. i clench my fists, i plug my ears as much as they can. my knuckles turn out bloody red, and they hurt. so does my ear. please tell me what i can do to stop this?:(