I pick my toenails

Posted August 5th, 2012 by sophia76

I am glad I am not alone, I am amazed at how many people have this problem. I am 35 years old and have been picking at my toenails since my 20's. Its out of control, I will cut my toenails off with nail clippers and proceed to rip the rest of the nail out with my fingernails. I don't stop until I see blood. My husband just assumes I have messed up toenails that don't grow right because I don't tell him what the real issue is. I also rip the skin off around my toenails, I guess the more blood and pain the better. I didn't realize it was self mutilation until I cam across this website, I just thought it was a disgusting habit of mine. I also eat one finger nail, well there is no nail there anymore and Its always covered with a band aid or a fake nail. My mom saw my feet one time and was horrifed, she asked what happened to your toenails and I told her that I just cut them really short on accident. I am considering on cutting my toenails later tonite because I am home alone and don't have to hide. I wish I could stop, I would love to have nice toes and be able to wear open toe shoes and flip flops.

On November 11th, 2012 toepicker said:

I have been picking off my fourth right toe for years. I will not bother any other toenail but this particular one. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I have been researching and discover toenail picking is known as "CSD" (Compulsive Skin Disorder). This disorder is contribute by stress, OCD, aniety, or depression.

On August 11th, 2012 VodkaMargarine said:

I have been picking my toenails chronically since I was 13, so much so I had to have both of my big toenails removed surgically. Stumps grew back but I have picked and ripped these out too. I'm now digging in and ripping out any growth especially at the cuticle. I pick all the skin around it too. I'm moving on to my other toe nails and finger nails! Since reading other posts here and I have noticed other things I do, I pull hair out too! Just not sure what to do as I've been doing ur for so long (and not even noticing it) that I don't think I can stop!

On August 6th, 2012 ALLD4Y said:

I'm extremely obsessed with picking and pulling both my finger and toe nails... I find myself almost subconsciously doing it just about every day... On a typical day i will trim my nails to the point i can't see the white part (i consider over growth...) Bad cuticles are a bitter sweet feeling, as i hate having them - i actually do enjoy pulling at them and ripping them out... pain/bleeding ain't even a setback any more... countless occasions I've pulled of the entire nail which stemmed from just a small bad cuticle...Ive read countless forums and ehow and and wiki about why it is i do it so much... I wouldn't say i do it out of self consciousness or nervousness or stress... im leaning more towards OCD... think I'm more about "trying"to make it look nice - it's pretty much a daily habit now, like brushing your teeth... I know it's not typical for people to do this, and although i live a very healthy life (i don't do any drugs/not an alcoholic) i seriously doubt any chances i can kick this habit...I've been doing it all my life and for as long as my finger nails continue to grow i will always pick at them till they bleed...

For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.