Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP) OCD

abbieken888

Article http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/ocdaction/index.asp?id=348

Anyone had any experience of treatment?
Anyone come out the other side?

Trying to pluck up the courage to discuss it with the doctor.
Managed to tell OH the other day, but he didn't understand how big an effects its having on my life.

ka7e

Hi, abbieken. I'm not quite sure how to respond to this post, except to say please go and see your Dr if your problem is having such an effect on your life. And I'm sorry your OH isn't as sympathetic as he should be. Perhaps making a Dr's appointment might make him realise how serious your CSP is to you. I must admit I didn't know it was a recognised condition, although I have come across other types of self-harm I hadn't made the connection until I saw your post.
One of my sons has seriously damaged his fingers by skin-picking, it's been a problem since he was about 9. He refuses to recognise it as a problem and equates it with nail-biting. It is obviously stress-related, and always used to be worse during term-time and clear up during the summer holidays. Now he is at college it's pretty constant. However, he has recently taken up the guitar and so practising occupies his hands and also makes him more aware of the effect his "picking" has on them. He refuses to let me make a Dr's appointment as it's just a "thing" he does, not a medical problem in his eyes.

abbieken888

ka7e wrote:

Hi, abbieken. I'm not quite sure how to respond to this post, except to say please go and see your Dr if your problem is having such an effect on your life. And I'm sorry your OH isn't as sympathetic as he should be. Perhaps making a Dr's appointment might make him realise how serious your CSP is to you. I must admit I didn't know it was a recognised condition, although I have come across other types of self-harm I hadn't made the connection until I saw your post.
One of my sons has seriously damaged his fingers by skin-picking, it's been a problem since he was about 9. He refuses to recognise it as a problem and equates it with nail-biting. It is obviously stress-related, and always used to be worse during term-time and clear up during the summer holidays. Now he is at college it's pretty constant. However, he has recently taken up the guitar and so practising occupies his hands and also makes him more aware of the effect his "picking" has on them. He refuses to let me make a Dr's appointment as it's just a "thing" he does, not a medical problem in his eyes.

I've only just found out about it, I've been doing it for about 5 years - I thought it was just me being a freak. I feel better for knowing its not just me. I wonder if the doctor will be like OH and not think its a big deal?
How do I find the words? I can't just walk in the and tell him I pick and squeeze at myself? Arghh lol.
Thanks for the advice
Hope you son continues to play the guitar, and keep his hands occupied

cheekymole

Hi Abbieken,
I have picked my fingers for years so thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have recently realised that when I eat healthily I suddenly stop picing and my fingers heal.
I have a theory that biting my fingers is giving me the nutrients (although which ones I don't know) that my body needs when I don't eat properly.
Could be a load of rubbish but I'm sure I've read it somewhere too

black-saturn

Thats what I think. I know this is going to sound awful but when I was a vegetarian I picked my fingers and chewed on the skin a lot more than I do now. In fact now I've almost stopped but when I was a veggie they were always red raw and bleeding. So maybe your right and a healthy diet is the answer.

Ted_Hutchinson

It appears that higher doses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and longer treatment trials than those used for many other psychiatric disorders, including depression, are often needed to effectively treat BDD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also appears efficacious and is currently considered the psychotherapy of choice for BDD. Core techniques are cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, response (ritual) prevention, and exposure.

Face & skin picking support - All you ever want to know about dermatillomania, or compulsive skin picking (CSP). Along with some information about the related disorder of trichotillomania, or compulsive hair eating/pulling. Most of the action is on the message board and at the livejournal community.

Edit: For others who aren't already taking SSRI's anti-depressants a first step may be to try Zipvit
5 HTP 100mg Complex - new improved formula at a reduced price! Now contains 5HTP 100mg, Niacin 30mg, Vitamin B6 10mg, Folic acid 100mcg, Biotin 50mcg, Vitamin C 199mg and Zinc citrate 5mg. RDD 1 per Day - 60 (size M)
8.45
Which is a type of natural SSRI. But for this poster mixing SSRI's isn't a sensible option.

The Mental Health Foundation Feeding Minds Website have lots of Depression Diet Related information which is worth studying. But remember, that exercise is also an effective way to ensure you're physically and mentally fitter. 30mins daily will make a difference.

Drinking plenty of water is the best way of keeping skin hydrated.

Using Suntan lamps Suntan palour is the quickest way of improving Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol status and this improves mood. Otherwise Healthy Direct via Quidco are cheapest for vitamin d3 cholecalciferol. Anything up to 125 tablets will give you a quick boost thereafter 4000iu daily (10tabs) until this calculator shows you that you can sunbathe outside and get it for free with 20minutes skin exposure.

abbieken888

I've been reading a bit into this, and its worrying/reassuring at the same time to know others have what I had.

It seems some people class it as OCD and others as self harm?

I'm on SSRIs atm for depression/gad, so will see if that helps.

Don't know how to tell the doctor tho, guess just have to try.

cheekymole

Abbieken

I'm veggie but like I say, stop when eating healthy

tanith

I never even realised there was a name for it.... I have picked my cuticles all my life , I am 57 , I thought I was the only one in the world that did this..... I have managed to stop if I had an important event coming up such as my wedding day. but it soon started again... I drive my husband bonkers pick pick picking while I am sitting next to him ............. my hands usually look disgusting..........YUK

I wonder if I could ever stop totally

tanith :eek:

black-saturn

I've tried putting plasters round my fingers, painting that nasty tasting nail varnish on, rubbing moisturiser in and all sorts. Like I say, I've cut down on it a lot within about the last year and a half. I'm much happier in myself now than I have ever been so maybe your state of mind has something to do with it too.

tanith

I guess it is stress related but I never had me pegged for the 'nervy type' strange isn't it ?


tanith :eek: