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newwitholdhabbit , 01 Jun 2012

My legs are a mess....

Hi. I'm new to this site, but unfortunately I've old to picking. I've been picking at my legs for the last 15yrs or so. I have pale skin and dark hair. I get tons of in-grown hairs and little pimply things on my butt, thighs and calves. My calves are so scarred up now. I don't wear shorts or skirts. Or, if I do wear a dress, it is with tights or boots. It looks like a rash or disease. Anyway, I get into a trance and just sit and pick and pick with tweezers in the bathroom. I sit there so long that my neck ends up hurting because of how long I'm looking down and inspecting. Anyway, I want to stop. I need to stop. I'm married with children. I want to look and feel beautiful. I have to hide my legs. I've tried for the last week not to even look at them except for when I'm in the shower and only then can I exfoliate and shave. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Especially if you could also recommend how to fade out the scars and get rid of in growns and pimply things.... Ugh. I've made them this way, and I hate it.
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heikkilae
June 02, 2012
I know how you feel. I am of Finnish heritiage and have been diagnosed with keritosis pilaris, which causes my skin to look like a plucked chicken. When I was young I was constantly teased for my ugly skin, fortunately the issue abated a little when I reached college age; however, that relief was short-lived as the issue returned with a vengeance. Then about 5 years ago I realized I could squeeze or pull-out the keratin blocking my hair follicles, which happen to be the worst discovery of my life. Ever since then I have been picking my skin uncontrolibly and I now have the same purplish scars all over my legs, arms, and face. You are very lucky to be married already; I am 34 and have not met anyone, especially who is not revolted at my skin's condition. I wish more than anything that I could get married and have children. I see you as being very blessed. I have tried many things to prevent or undo the damage I have caused such as skin-peels, tanning, and sand paper and as far as I have discovered the only thing that can help is time and prevention :( both which are difficult for me. One thing I have learned though, if there are "trigger" areas try covering them with something. For instance, if it is you legs take some gauze, antibiotic ointment, cortisone ointment, and something called "vet wrap" (places like Fleet Farm sell it really cheap). Slather both ointments on thick, wrap the gauze over, then the vet wrap (it is an ace-like bandage that sticks to itself and is cheap). By wrapping yourself you can prevent the wounds from scarring and prevent yourself from doing further damage. For places like your face I have found 3M micro-pore tape works well. I may get some looks with skin-colored tape on my face, but I figured that it looks better than torn skin... I just need to really work on finding my "trigger" spots before I panic and rip them off. All my best to you and God bless.
newwitholdhabbit
June 02, 2012
Thank you for your response and for your tips. Thank you for also pointing out that I am blessed to have my family. I want to stop this habit so that I am not teaching it to my children. I truly believe that I learned it from my mom. So, do you use corisone ointment all the time? What exactly does that do? Also, I saw on another post about calamine lotion helping to fade out scars.... I think I might try that too. Also, I've realized that I start picking when I'm overwhelmed and stressed. I think I do it when I'm feeling depressed. Today I thought that if I start closing my eyes when I'm using the restroom so that I'm not looking at my legs... that helps. Thank you for your encouragement. I hope and pray that all of us can break this habit that seems to be a source of pain and low self esteem. You are very special, and know that someone is praying for you as you break this too.
heikkilae
June 02, 2012
I learned part of my "habit" from my mother as well. I have also read that it may be genetic, so maybe I was doomed from the start :( I bought some calamine lotion today to see if it works better than the cortisone ointment; I'll let you know :) .....Something ironic occurred when I went to purchase the lotion, along with some more 3M medical tape, I met another gal with the same issue! She asked if the tape was for myself and I told her, "Yes, I use it to help keep my hands off of itchy/"trigger" areas on my body." She seemed intrigued and proceeded to show me the marks on her arms. I am beginning to realize how common this problem is with our society; it's nice to know we are not alone, even in our own communities...... I have been using the cortisone ointment after I am certain I don't have an infection to reduce swelling. I also heard it may prevent scarring too; it seems to have help a bit...now only if I could stop doing the damage in the first place. .... I hope and pray every day to bit rid of this compulsion, just know that I will add you to that list as well :) Also, thank you for your kind words; perhaps, together we can recover from this condition.
heikkilae
June 04, 2012
I have not had any adverse reactions from the cortisone ointment...yet... :) I did try the calamine lotion and it does seem to lighten inflamed areas, even if they are fresh! I am becoming a believer, as I had a bad day today and picked my legs and face; however, afterward I slathered calamine over the spots and they settled-down rather quickly. You may want to try it.
newwitholdhabbit
June 05, 2012
I bought some calamine lotion and also have started using apple cider vinegar. Today, I also finally picked up a thing of Bio Oil. So, every time I get the urge to pick bumps and pull out in grown hairs, just smooth one of those things on with a cotton ball.

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