Are You Suffering From Skin Picking Disorder?

 Excoriation disorder, also known as skin picking disorder or dermatillomania, is characterized by the repetitive picking of one’s own skin. Individuals who struggle with this disorder touch, rub, scratch, pick at, or dig into their skin in an attempt to improve perceived imperfections, often resulting in tissue damage, discoloration, or scarring. Excoriation disorder is conceptualized to belong to a collection of behaviors known as body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), self-grooming behaviors in which individuals pull, pick, scrape, or bite their own hair, skin, or nails, resulting in damage to the body.

 
Individuals who struggle with skin picking may experience shame and embarrassment, and as a result, may avoid certain social situations or activities (e.g., pools, gyms, beaches, physical intimacy), and medical care. The emotional impact of the disorder can lead to painful isolation and emotional distress, placing them at risk for co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders.
 
Behavioral therapies, HRT and ComB both involve psychoeducation, awareness training, behavior analysis, and behavioral intervention strategies. In HRT, interventions are primarily based upon modifying antecedents and consequences, including stimulus control (modifying the environment to decrease the likelihood of picking urges and behaviors) and competing response training (responding to picking urges with substitution behaviors that are incompatible with picking). Family involvement in treatment may also be included to assist loved ones in learning how to best support their family members.
 
People suffering from skin picking disorder are commonly unaware of treatment options. Their problems continue for years and may cause emotional, physical, and social problems. The picking may fuel depression and can create mild to severe pain after an episode. When severe, it can lead to disfigurement, repeated infections, or, in the most extreme cases, require surgery.

There is evidence to support that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help with skin picking disorder. Research also suggests that SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) may also help.

If you or someone you know is suffering with skin picking problems near Philadelphia, Montgomery County or the Main Line, please contact me for an evaluation.

Several websites are available below for you to do more research if you like.

  • Online Support Groups
  • Trich
  • Stop Picking

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