Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support

I am wondering if it is possible to replace dermatillomania with another less destructive compulsion? I just recently found out that this horrible picking has a name. I wish I could make myself stop, but I can't.

Hi ohhmama, It is also good to have you in the group. I have never personally suffered with dermatillomania , but I did struggle with trichotillomania (hair puling) for many years, and they are closely related, however, I'm not sure you really want to replace one compulsion of any type with another, but I do have some self help information on dermatillomania I can send you if you are interested, and if so, please let me know, and I will be more than happy to send, and it just might be helpful to you, so it might be atleast worth taking a look.Let me know, and I will send, and I also look forward to hearing more from you, and please post or private message me anytime.

Peace

Robbie

Hello ohhmama I am Viv and it is nice to meet you. I don't have dermatillmania but like Robbie I did have trichotillomania and pulled my hair out for several years. With meds and finally letting it grown long and keeping it pulled back I was able to stop pulling but it was no easy task. I had bald places for years now my hair is so long I set on it. So there is help out there for your problem. Robbie always has a lot of good information on these disorders. It surely is worth looking into. Many blessings to you!

Hi Ohhmama, I am sorry to hear you are going through this. I am also going dealing with this too. I didn't know it had a name until I read your post. So thank you for teaching me something.

With regards to your question about trying to change it to a different ritual. I don't think that is a good idea. I'm not a doctor or anything, but I don't think it is ever a good idea to add more fuel to the fire.

I have a question to ask you. If you find it to be too personal, by all means feel free not to answer it. I don't want to make you uncomfortable at all. What I was wondering is what do you pick? My worst two areas are my scalp and my cuticles. My scalp has gotten really bad. I have recently started picking at the scalp on the front of my head.

So now you see a few big scabs at my hairline. Very embarrassing. Also the fact that it hurts to wash my hair, and my fingers are always bleeding.

Dermatillomania what a fun thing we have.

If you would ever like to talk, I would love to talk to you about this. I really have no one to talk to about this, cause I am too embarrassed.

Take care and stay strong.

I am so sorry, that I am just now responding. I have been going through a rough patch and couldn't be on here for a while.

I don't mind sharing about my picking.

I have always picked at scabs and stuff all through childhood, but in the past few years, it has really stepped up a notch.

I started with my scalp, and then my face. Every summer I get eaten up by mosquito's and I scratch the crap out of them, and they turn into scabs, which I can't seem to leave alone all summer. Usually, they begin to heal in the winter, when I can wear knee high socks under my pants. I have little scars all over my legs from this. I am so disgusted by it.

I also pick the skin right around my cuticles, at times. I actually did this all day today, they are pretty torn up. Something odd about that one, is that I like the feeling of the pressure around my cuticles, for example taking my other nails and pressing down on the skin right around my nails. It's like stress relieving to me. Kind of embarrassing, but is what it is.

I have tried different things with the scabs, like putting a million tiny band-aids all over me. I ALWAYS get weird looks when I do that. I have taken silly putty and play dough, in my purse to keep my hands busy through the day, etc...

Still a problem... I also am very frustrated about the scars, particularly on my face. I have never had any scars on my face until the past couple of years.

I am happy to discuss anything about it with you, it's hard to find people who understand.

Oh... I forgot, something that does actually help me some, is a supplement my psych. told me about called NAC. I order mine from Swanson's.com (good quality/prices) You need to take as close to 2000mg as possible. It has to build up in your system, but after a week or two, the desire lessens. I end up running out and within a week, I am back to normal

I feel for you and will try to get back on here more.

I also have this horrible problem. I pick at my scalp constantly, and the whole thing is a bleeding mess. I pick at my arms, legs, stomach, and back-I have created scabs and wounds in all of these places by scratching and picking. I have tried silly putty as a replacement, but it doesn't seem to work.

Hi Shoshanar.... I had/have .. that same problem: scab picking is my problem!!.. It hurts but you can't stop until you're done with it.. isn't it?... well I started by identifying which situations made me feel the urge to pick my scabs...and of course : anxiety is the one!!...try to identify that same thing... what causes you to pick on your skin?..and work on those problems. the second thing I did..was reward my self every time I didn't do it, whenever I felt the need... but stopped..i'd give my self a big hug and a cup of coffee!! ( or a chocolate..though be careful you might put on some weight haha )

It may sound silly... but it actually works ..I hope I could help

good luck!!