mission begins today to quit dermatilomania after a decade

Posted August 10th, 2012 by goal orientated
Hi. I'm an adult. Should know better. Even teach Psychology and always research treatments. But I have been struggling with wrecking my face for no less than ten years. Today I want to quit. The reason? People at home believe I will never make it. As a high achiever, I am gona try to succeed with my face. Yes i will keep relapsing. Yes I will keep getting up after the fall. Feel free to join the mission. I'm gonna make it by the time I marry my partner. Although he knows, I want to be a better version of myself. Goodlcuk to the rest of you too :) x x x
‹ obsessive cuticle picker, help! Hello everyone ›
On January 5th, 2013 trick22 said:
Yes agree if you have basement then fantastic. Another alternative is in the roof space and or as many do convert their garage into a fantastic studio space. There is so much, a generally square and rather large space, can achieve. The blank canvass is encouraging for the younger members to really start creating a wonderful space that is uniquely theirs yet still connected to the important aspects of living at home. Lead Inspectors Los Angeles
On December 12th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hi all. Quick update about my scratching - success! It has finally stopped forever, thank God. Xxx
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
My wedding has been cancelled against our will, the inlaws have forced us to leave one another. Now who am I trying so hard to clear my skin for? What is the point... :(
On November 13th, 2012 hope2heal said:
I am trying really hard but it's not easy. I've managed to almost not pick my arms at all for perhaps a week... but i can't seem to go even a day without picking my face. So frustrating! Any help, support or advice much appreciated! xoxo
On November 11th, 2012 brokenskin10 said:
Is there a group of us that want to go 30 days without scratching? It's hard to think that I could do that. Could we use special creams and dressings, Healing cream, medicine. Maybe I could try it. But I think that the time frame should be shorter, Thanks
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Creams... Yes, read my post on 7th september. X
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Yes i think we could all try 5 weekdays. After a month we could include weekends to become progressively more challenging. Or ten continuous days till we reach 40days as that's how long it takes to repair. :( i'm depressed over my life.
On November 11th, 2012 brokenskin10 said:
Trying not to pick tonight. bandaides have helped. Getting out of the shower made me feel fresh, and that I didn't want to pick. Now...... I am feeling the hard scabs on my arm. Will use my will power not to pick tonight.
On November 11th, 2012 brokenskin10 said:
Hi. I'm an adult female. Was picking when I was a little girl. Hiding and picking, after I had been punished. I had bandaids all over my face in my school pictures. My family was concerned that the scars all over my forehead wouldn't go away.......But they have. They've stretched. So, I pick my arms, legs, face, head. They start so small........just a mark. Then I have to remove the scab, or the really dry part? As soon as the scap is hard and it's on your soft skin, OK. I took a shower today, and I don't believed that I have picked since3:00 p.m, I am touching scaps on my right arm, but I am not going to pick them. Hopefully, the other leg scab left, doesn't get any attention. Going to bed soon...........hopefully won't pick while I'm waiting to fall asleep.
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Bio oil smooths out my scab. Then, if I still cannot refrain from picking the scab, i am assured that the end result is softer underneath and more controlled in terms of deep wounds, as the oil really does make the picking less deep. Have you tried it?? X
On September 7th, 2012 goal orientated said:
3 days of no picking; Hi all! Sorry for the delayed response on the site. I began a new job over the past month which has lowered my time here. Like one of you have correctly advised, I have a plan ready for scratching incase I accidently make holes in my face. This solution has been at hand so that there is hopefully no skin problem I cannot overcome; - Scars = Stri-vectin. New wounds = Rapid repair, Savlon (closes wounds without forming scabs). Acne = Night clearasil face wash and four hour clearasil spot treatment. Dried peeling skin = Bio oil (smooths dried scabs). Fresh blood = Fair and Lovely with multi-vitamins (whitens blood stuck in holes). Make up remover = Alpha H (for adult acne). Non greasy moisturiser = 99.9% Aloe Vera Gel (kills bacteria on the surface). To improve my skin health = Perfectil for hair, skin and nails. Bathroom habits = washing face without looking, in a timely manner. I live in London but these products are likely to be online.
On September 9th, 2012 just.me said:
Hi goal orientated, I've gone one day no picking so far, and it's really difficult, but usually I only go without picking for a day or two because I'm so busy that it doesn't cross my mind. This is the first time I've consciously made an effort to not pick in spit of having urges and I don't think I could have done it without reading your story and others like yours. Thank you! I just need to ask you what brand the rapid repair cream is as well as the stri vectin because I haven't heard of these products and I'm interested. Could I ask where you gett he multi vitamins too? I live in London as well, but I don't know where to buy most of these things. It would be a great help to me on my mission too! All the best ! xx
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hi Just-me, have u managed to find Perfectile for hair, skin and nails, froom your local Boots yet? They really help. Also Aloe Vera gel from Holland and Barrats should b cheper than about a tenner these days, due to the penny sale. Lastly, Bio oil sorts out the quality of damaged skin. Boots 5 ponds off sale rigt now xxx
On October 8th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hi justme, sorry for the late reply! I accidently gave up on trying but now I am back on this site :) Savlon rapid healing cream is a blue tube from small chemists. It is a wound healer without aloowing for scabs :) . Stri vectin is a pen for scars, that I got from knightsbridge, a few minutes away from the station. I cannot remember the large store's exact name... Think it was Harrords not John Lewis. It should be online, but it is outrageously costly and stngs if you have scratched. Lastly, the muli-vitimins Perfectil in no longer stocked at Holland and Barrats. Instead, go to boots. XXX
On September 6th, 2012 lawnemtdude said:
hi all. I'm really depressed about my picking. Don't know what to do. Almost afraid to commit to quitting so I don;t have to fail again. Do any of you think this has anything to do with childhood memories?
On September 6th, 2012 Emmi said:
Its never failing, thats what yu need to remember, ever step you take is ALWAYS a step CLOSER to giving it up. It could have to do with childhood memories, it could be an anxiety issue, it could be procrastination, or even an Neurological/Chemical imbalance in the body, it could be a WIDE range of things. You've taken the first step to quitting, Asking for help. My suggestion, see your doctor, see what they think and then go from there. Once you know the cause, you will be able to find the solution :) Good Luck with your new journey :)
On September 3rd, 2012 Iquitpicking said:
Hi goal orientated, I hope you're doing well. I am making the same resolve - quit picking - starting today, Sept. 3rd, 2012. I can't go a day longer as I will make more damages to my skin. I am avoiding family and friends this holiday weekend because I don't want anybody to see my scarred face - the habit is literally ruining my life. It's time, actually way pass the time, to stop. I am fully aware that the journey won't be easy, as I have tried many a times and haven't succeeded. But I am determined. Good luck to both of us. I'll come back here as often as I can to report my progress, and I'd love to know how you're doing. Best wishes.
On October 8th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hi Iquitpicking, how is your progress? Sorry for the late reply, I will try and be more regular on this site now. I am back on day 1 of no picking!!! You?? XXX
On August 29th, 2012 olivegreen said:
You might find some help at a blog I found: http://zenhabits.net/10-tips-for-quitting-smoking/ I know the article is about quitting smoking, but I feel the effect is the same. Good luck to you. I am also starting my own recovery journey.
On November 17th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Olivegreen, I remember that was a good site in August, so I will browse through it again today, thanks. How are you doing with the picking?? Xx
On August 30th, 2012 goal orientated said:
thanks :) I will take a look at it this evening. How is recovery going for you? Me, a bit rocky but determined!
On August 31st, 2012 olivegreen said:
Well, I'm working on a plan to quit like the website suggests. It says to take some time to plan first, and make sure you have things in place to help when urges hit. It suggests making a "quit date." That date for me will be September 12th, 2012. I too have been picking for easily a decade, and can't keep going. Good luck to you and know that you and I are in the same battle--I know we can do it :)
On October 8th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Great! How is your progress? I'm back on the first date today. This time with a more reflective plan i.e. a diary. I am trying the thirty day plan with a few others on this site. X
On August 20th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Day 8: i wish i read everyone's useful comments earlier. Thank you :) The forum and my goal to stop, slipped my mind. Terrible scratching this morning. Wounded forehead and chin. Noticing a pattern now. I scratch in the morning and later during make up removal. Also in the bath tub but not always under the shower. Dried up blood/wounds all over now. Damn! I need to go back to my initial goal which is to avoid the trance during skin picking. Minimize my mirror moments. Oh maaaan! Lets start again. My face stings right now so covered in aloe vera tonight. I need to be more regular on this forum, reading other chats. I know my next goals now. I will make it hopefully, one day.
On August 20th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
I love the great attitude!!! One step back but two steps forward. You slipped up..but you did not fall into the deep dark hole of self pitty. Way. To. Go. I still think you should try the calamine lotion. That worked so well for me. Stopped the stinging...itching and calmed my skin. Hang strong! I/we are all here for you!!! And you will make your goal no hopefully about it..you will!! xxxxx
On August 21st, 2012 goal orientated said:
:) thank you. Yet to have two days without touching my skin although I have high hopes.
On August 21st, 2012 soembarrassed said:
I right at the moment...lol.... have enough high hopes for both of us....so I am sending some your way!
On August 22nd, 2012 goal orientated said:
Thanks :)
On August 19th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Skin looking unatractive again. Been picking during my bath visits as the day has progressed.
On August 19th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
Oh boy!!! Dont beat youself up!!! Pick yourself up...shake it off...smile...i know it is hard..but you can do it!!! Tmrw is a brand new day. I think we should all invest in outhouses. These have no mirrors...lol what do you think?
On August 20th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hahaaa love it. Jungle home...or camping.
On August 20th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
Jungle for sure...high in the trees with tarzan...lol
On August 19th, 2012 wantalife39 said:
I was gonna suggest we pee in a bucket !!!!! but didnt want to minimise the problem... x x x x
On September 9th, 2012 pickological said:
Ahahaha I look so ugly after my last picking session that I was actually thinking about this option, because I don't want the people who I share the place with to see me that way :) because of course I drink loads of water now and need to pee often, and I have a treatment on my scabs and no make up, so it would take me loads of time to be putting on and off the make up just to go and have a pee... but I don't want to feel embarrased if somebody sees me on my way to the bathroom :( it's sad, but still kind of funny :))) I'm god damn crazy :) I really hope this to be the last time I did that kind of harm to my face
On August 20th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Heheheee
On August 19th, 2012 wantalife39 said:
Oh my friend...stay outta that damn bathroom!!!! It is NOT your friend!! XXXX
On August 20th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Interesting way of putting it. Thanks for giving me food for thought...
On August 19th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Day 7: hardly did anything bad though did a bit of itch-like scraching on my cheek. Some redness that soon faded off. So overall, no wounds at all for the morning. Afternoon though, teo small ones.
On August 18th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Day 6: So close! Didn't pick all day till late evening when I felt offended about how others viewed my skin. You see I went to the beauty parlour yesterday but had to leave without make up unexpectedly, so soldiered on with some shopping. I was brave and strangely confident as my hair and clothes looked nice. Yet then bumped in to big sis who was horrified to see me so comfortable exposing my scars. Moreover, she gave my twin a look which suggested she should have known better than to let me expose my skin. I recognise that look. So does my twin who ignored it. Only one member of the public stared in to my face. I had a good response from the public overall despite having approx 50 old scars. I am trying. I don't need frowns to stamp on my short-lived confidence.
On August 18th, 2012 SadSAM said:
He chick we dealing with the same issue we shold start some kind of support group im sure it would help fell free to email me dena801@gmail.com thanks
On August 19th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hiya. How are you getting on? This website forum is the support network. X
On August 18th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
Good for you!!! I have been thinking the last 2 days...if they dont like the way i look then they need not look at me and they are not worth my time!! xxxx
On August 18th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Hehe true. Thanks. Noticed you're trying to avoid picking a scab this time round.. good for you :)
On August 18th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
Yes yes i am. Hard! Hard! Hard! This is a pickers nightmare. I want to rip the dang thing off sooooo bad. So far i have been able to control the urge...i am strong willed i can do this. No i will do this. I am not going through another week of work like this! 2 months from this ugly thing is all the time it is getting from me!!!
On August 18th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Day 5: picked a little bit but without any negative consequences i.e. pulling off scabs that were ready. Paid for fully face threading. The woman yanked out the entire front of one eye brow! Annoyed so my attention keeps going towards my eyebrows now when I use the mirror, instead of my skin. This could work in my favour...
On August 14th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Day 4: picked scabs. Same old ones repeatedly. Chin. But now a lot prettier to look at. Kinda frustrated that I still won't have a full day of refraining. I am hoping when my holidays end, work will force me in line again the way has in the past. A bit miffed to be honest. Angry at myself. Feel rubbish despite looking way better than i did a few days ago :( feel pathetic.
On August 14th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
I know you are angry with yourself...but you can do this. Hang in there. You are beautiful...hold your head up....smile and you will feel so much better!!!! That is my new goal....to look people in the eye...smile and get through the day. One day at a time. It made me feel yest posting on here through out the day what I was feeling and what I was doing. That way my fingers where busy and I was not looking in a mirror. Chin up!!
On August 14th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Thanks, your words are sweet when you didn't have to make the effort with a stranger. I am having my worse scratching day since I starting this forum. Feel like... I wish i was someone else. Not me. Sick of myself. I hate the way I am. Even my twin insults me for being this way. I hate myself. I hate that people compliment me on looking like a model when underneath i look like a disaster. I hate myself. Hate myself so bad. Why me. Any liking for myself and appreciation is just my pity that only I know the struggle i go through each day. I hate myself. I dont evn wnt my partner or family to meet me. I'm too predictable. I say i will try, then struggle then wreck myself. Today it has been in reponse to insults about the way i am. Constanstly being assessed by my family is upsetting. I wna b alone so that no one can see me anymore. I have changed my workplace so that i go to places where no one knows me anymore. i wna b a different me. For today though, i hate myself for being a chronic skin picker. Idiotic and plain stupid. Hate myself so much.
On August 14th, 2012 soembarrassed said:
Ok that needs to stop!!!! Hating on yourself is not going to help you. You have a disorder... this is not your fault!!! If your family and especially your twin can not support and help you through this then they do not deserve you. They should be there to help not bring you down further. If they can not help you stay away from them. You need support not criticism. Please know you are special just as you are. I am sorry if I am coming across as being harsh it just upsets me when family wont be supportive.
On August 14th, 2012 goal orientated said:
Okay I'm sorry for being derrogative to myself. I am going to accept this as falling off a horse so tomorrow I just need to get myself back up again. I just feel low when my condition is used in arguments with remarks like I am mental and I need to have my medication again. I used to be on mediation for depression. Then I went to qualify as a Psychology lecturer. Now I teach. Thank you for being on my side and pulling me up. You're one in a million. Xxx
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For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.