How can I prevent infections?

Posted December 19th, 2011 by shirtyberty
Hi, I'm 13 and I've been picking my skin for as long as I can remember. Recently, my mum's friend got an infection in her arm from a cut she got in the garden. She was in hospital for a week and her arm was all swollen. The main places I pick are my lips and fingers, so it would be awful if I got an infection there! Anyone know how I can stop myself getting an infection, because stopping picking altogether seems a bit ambitious at the moment.
‹ Like an Addiction New, scared, alone. ›
On December 20th, 2011 Disposition said:
I hope everything goes well and goodluck :) Keep us posted and tell us how you went.
On December 20th, 2011 shirtyberty said:
I will :) Merry Christmas! :D
On December 19th, 2011 Disposition said:
It's really up to you, I recommend it if your serious about stopping the picking. The doctor might even talk to you about anxiety, depression and related disorders because they seem to play a part in this compulsion. I only went to my doctor because of my infections. .then he said he was a bit worried and told me to come back in a few weeks to have a serious sit down and other medication options. (I still havnt been back. . Lol I'm too embarrassed)
On December 20th, 2011 shirtyberty said:
Part of me wants to stop, but part of me doesn't... probably because I've been picking for so long that I can't imagine my life without it. I'll talk to my mum about seeing a doctor. I'd be embarrassed too because I might have to show them where I pick which would be weird as I've never shown anyone before. Thanks for your advice :)
On December 19th, 2011 Disposition said:
My doctor prescribed me with doxycycline tablets, they are suppose to help clear up your skins blemishes and help remove the infections.. proved pretty pointless for me though cause I still pick so doesn't clear anything!!! Lol but if you have the will power the tablets will probably work wonders mate :)
On December 19th, 2011 shirtyberty said:
Thanks! I haven't been to the doctor about it yet, do you think I should? Willpower is not a strong point for me, lol.
For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.