What is Dermatillomania?

Dermatillomania (also referred to as excoriation or compulsive skin picking disorder) is a condition where someone will repetitively and compulsively pick at their skin.  Most commonly, this will take place on your face, fingers / finger nails, arms and / or legs, but can happen anywhere and sites picked at may change. Those with dermatillomania often are aware of the damage that picking causes, but feel unable to stop it.

There are many factors contributing to what drives this behaviour and this varies greatly from person to person and the circumstances in which it happens. A lot of the time, you may not be aware of its function at the time of picking, but these commonly include a means relieve stress or anxiety, remove perceived imperfections, to self soothe, or self-harm. Most agree that there is some temporary relief afterward.  However, the longer-term consequences can be quite distressing, many people with dermatillomania feel embarrassed and ashamed of the lesions and scabs this condition can cause and go to great lengths to avoid other people from finding out. It can also have a significant impact self-esteem and confidence levels.

There are many potential causes of dermatillomania, which might coincide with dermatological conditions or the onset of puberty when hormonal and chemical imbalances might be occurring.

Do I have dermatillomania?

You may have dermatillomania if several of the below resonate with you:

Symptoms of dermatillomania

• I feel unable to stop picking your skin.
• I have caused cuts, bleeding or bruising by picking your skin.
• I pick moles, freckles, spots or scars to try to “smooth” or “perfect” them.
• I do not always realise you’re picking your skin or do it when you’re asleep.
• I pick your skin when you feel anxious or stressed.
• I compulsively rubbing skin.
• I scratch at your skin.
• I repetitively touch or stroke your skin
• I dig into your skin.
• I squeeze your skin repetitively.

Online therapy and treatment for dermatillomania

There are many approaches that have been found to be helpful in helping people to manage dermatillomania, particularly CBT, and ACT. There is also emerging research for the effectiveness of EMDR.

At Counselling Psychology Online, our online therapists are trained in these approaches and have several years’ experience in helping people overcome dermatillomania. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to arrange an initial assessment session with one of our therapists.

You may also wish to look at our resources page for further ideas of getting help to managing your mood and anxiety, which contribute to skin picking.