Severe skin picking/self harm?

coinxoperated · 29 December 2012 at 1:40PM

Please go and see your GP. More people do this without realising that it's self-harm then you think. Your GP will understand.

TimBear · 7 February 2013 at 3:17PM

OP let us know how you get on. I have a mix of dermatophagia and dermatillomania - only on my fingers.

I think for me it started when I stopped biting my nails (I bit them so severely I literally had no nails on two fingers and the other nails were just a couple of mm long). I then started picking/biting the skin around my nails which extended down my fingers, and I also use nail clippers/tweezers on the skin.

I do find that if I'm stressed I do it so much more, but most of the time I don't even realise I'm doing it.

Would love to hear your experiences if you visit the doctor.

purple.sarah · 7 February 2013 at 3:32PM

Please see your GP, they should understand there are many different forms of self harm. If they don't take you seriously see another GP, some understand mental health problems better than others. It is good you are aware you need help, this is the first step to recovery.

rickey22 · 7 February 2013 at 3:34PM

nice post dear friend.

cleggy. · 7 February 2013 at 4:38PM

amyv1991 wrote: »

I use scissors, needles and tweezers to pick at and cut my skin.

Any advice??

Collect them up, give them to someone to get rid of.
Sounds simple. Solutions always are.

purple.sarah · 7 February 2013 at 4:43PM

miduck wrote: »

Edited for you - the OP needs proper help, not a quack!

amyv1991, don't be afraid to speak to your GP, self harm is very common and nothing to be ashamed of, people of all ages use it as a coping mechanism. The way to stop it is to find another coping mechanism, and also to address any underlying issues that might trigger an episode. Best of luck.

Actually, hypnotherapy can help break a cycle of compulsive behaviour, I saw an interesting programme recently where hyponotherapy helped a hoarder declutter and lots of people have had success with the Alan Carr method of quitting smoking, which includes hypnotherapy techniques. It isn't magic, it's simply the power of suggestion. The OP should see their GP first though.

purple.sarah · 7 February 2013 at 4:45PM

cleggy. wrote: »

Collect them up, give them to someone to get rid of.
Sounds simple. Solutions always are.

That doesn't solve the underlying problem though. It is a good idea to get rid of the tools they use for self harm but that is a step forward, not a solution. Until they've dealt with the urge to harm themselves they could find another way.