Picking at one's feet...

Posted February 2nd, 2010 by dbg0810

Hello, all- I don't want to cause anyone to give up hope, but I am 55 years old and still have a problem with nail biting, feet-picking, etc. It is so difficult to get beyond this! And on top of it all, I am an alcoholic, with a long history of child sexual abuse, emotional abuse, PTSD, etc. And I teach dance (so having my feet in decent condition is rather important). Anyway, do not give up hope....I have had several periods of "wellness", where I did none of the above: did not pick either fingers or feet, and did not drink. So it is possible to get better. Right now, I am not in a very good place, but am still hopeful that things will get better. (We humans just refuse to give up hope, right?) Those times were really great, and I am hoping to get to that once again. Good luck to all of you that are suffering. I had no idea there were sop many people like me out there. It helps to know I am not alone.

On February 13th, 2010 shellbell said:

I still can't believe that I found this site tonight. Its so good to know I am not alone. I also have people ask what is wrong with my hands or my feet which is where I pick. It makes me feel uncomfortable as I really don't know what to say as a burn or cut with a knife does not really fit the wound.

On February 8th, 2010 Hope53 said:

I did't realize anyone else had this problem. I'm sitting here alone and searched the internet and found this site. I must say it gave me alot of relief to know other people out there have the same issues. I have never admitted this to anyone..I pick my feet and cannot stop. If I have a cut/scrape on my arms, I will pick it till it scars and I'm very embarrassed. I use face make up on my "picking areas" so it is not so apparent. I don't know how to cope with this and want to stop. People ask "what is wrong with your feet" and I have to lie and tell them, I tripped over something. You are NOT alone.

On February 7th, 2010 jldoll01 said:

thank you for being so candid....it helps me to know that I need to be realistic about this.....I also suffer from substance abuse in addition to this picking problem.....have you ever been in a 12-step program for alcohol? I heard there is one for skin pickers too.....

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