Excoriation Disorder (Skin-Picking Disorder)
Excoriation disorder could be a mental health condition where a person repeatedly picks at their skin, leading to noticeable damage (like sores, scars, or infections). It may fall under Obsessive-Compulsive.
Key Features:
- Recurrent skin picking resulting in lesions
- Repeated attempts to stop or reduce the behavior
- Significant distress or impairment (social, emotional, or functional)
- Not better explained by another medical or psychiatric condition: CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST
Common Triggers:
- Stress, anxiety, or boredom
- Feeling imperfections in the skin (real or perceived)
- Emotional tension followed by relief after picking
Areas Commonly Affected:
- Face
- Arms and hands
- Scalp
- Legs
Associated Behaviors:
- Using fingers, nails, or tools (tweezers)
- Spending long periods picking
- Hiding skin damage (makeup, clothing)
Treatment Options:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
- Medications: CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST
- Stimulus control (keeping nails short, covering mirrors)
- Stress management techniques
Important Note:
It may not just be a “bad habit” it could be a recognized condition that can be distressing and difficult to control without support.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 