Picking EVERYWHERE

Posted October 29th, 2012 by aloneandashamed

This sounds disgusting but I pick the skin on my lips, scabs, acne, and even scratch my genitals and smell my fingers compulsively without even realising it. I pick my nose obsessively, cartilage is wearing away in places and I'm scared. Despite all of this I only do this at home and my habit is completely hidden, noone has a clue. I really want to see a doctor about my nose but I use to work at the clinic and everyone will obviously recognise me. But my nose is collapsing as my cartilage melts away. I don't even pick much now but I think the blood supply is going. I can't start a relationship, I daren't go out, and worry my career will be over when my nose completely deforms.

On October 29th, 2012 SpottyFace said:

Hi There, I've had problems picking with my nose too. This might seem odd, but a few years ago I had a rhinoplasty to fix a dorsal hump on my nose. My picking really wasn't that bad at that time and I like my new nose. Then, as the picking got worse, for some reason I really zeroed in on my nose and I caused the cartilege to kind of deform I guess and it changed the shape of my nose. Maybe if you're concerned about your nose collapsing, you might consider speaking with a plastic surgeon, they might be able to help. I know you said you were afraid of being recognized, but maybe you could go somewhere out of town? If nothing else, you have friends and support here!!!

On October 29th, 2012 aloneandashamed said:

Thank you so much your post is really appreciated. Out of town is a great idea, just saving up now! Have you been back to your surgeon for help, they can do a revision/cartilage graft?

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