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stellabella1234 , 27 May 2014

College Student who has never seeked advice/help and needs it desperately!

Hello everyone. My name is Stella, I'm a full time student studying nursing, and this is my first time coming to terms with the fact that I compulsively pick my skin. I've picked ever since I was very young, and my mom always tells me that she would have to put gloves over my hands when I was four years old, in order to stop the picking. I am now 20 years old and I can't stop picking. I tried going cold turkey, and my attempts at stopping are futile. I pick my face and scalp mostly. I pick my shoulders, back, neck, and arms, Rarely my legs anymore, but my picking used to be concentrated there when I played a lot of sports. It's embarrassing because I'm constantly covering my face. I spend a lot of time covering my face with makeup, even to the point where when my boyfriend sleeps over at college, I'll wash my face at night and put dots of concealer over the sores so he isn't worried. I spend a lot of time in front of the mirror examining my face. When I'm late to class, I put a hat on my head and I look down so people don't see how bad my face is. People will point out my sores sometimes, and I'll tell them I got bitten by mosquitos. It's getting pretty bad and I'm not sure what to do. What makes it so disturbing for me is the embarrassment, shame, and guilt that I feel from picking. Emotionally, I'm feeling pretty well in general, my grades are good, my relationship and family is a healthy environment, so I'm not sure why it's so hard for me to stop. Sometimes I feel it's almost second nature for me to pick. Sometimes, I don't even realize that I'm touching my face! Should I seek counseling at school? Get to a support group? or find a specialist?! I'm so confused and no one seems to understand my addiction. If anyone has any wisdom they would like to share about the direction I should go to next, I would love some insight. Thank you all so much, Stella
5 Answers
heikkilae
May 28, 2014
I found some help at the OCD center of LA. It was an expensive venture, but curbed my behavior a bit. My latest attempt is a service dog. He is currently being trained and I'm hopeful that he will help me become more aware of my issue by physically pawing me until I stop. Also, he will provide me with another activity, such as brushing his hair or taking him for a walk. This disorder is insanely difficult to deal with, so I completely understand your frustrations. Feel free to contact me if you wish :)
stellabella1234
May 29, 2014

In reply to by heikkilae

If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost for you per session? I was considering finding a therapist who would specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or a Habit Reversal Therapy to teach me how to cope and think in different ways. I think it's getting to the point where I need it. The dog is an awesome idea though. If I had an apartment I would definitely consider a service dog. Plus, I am a huge dog fan! Thank you for answering my questions!
sajmai
May 28, 2014
Hey Stella, my name is Jasmine and I am a recent graduate! I too have a skin picking problem. With major focus on my face, back, chest and lips. This time of year where the heat comes out is the absolute worst time for me. I am very insecure because of my picking. Nobody understands me either beacuse they just think well your the one doing it to yourself but I just cant stop. If you ever need to talk, im here. It would be nice to have a friend who is going through the same thing and around my age. Good Luck to you! P.S. During college, I hid every summer and went out only in the winter, fall, and spring. My biggest advice to you, is to be you and dont let the best time of your life go down the drain like I did.
stellabella1234
May 29, 2014

In reply to by sajmai

Thank you for the comfort! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one, considering it's hard to find people to relate since it's something that's so desperately hidden away! This time of year is especially bad not only because of bare skin but when finals come around I'm a hot mess! My picking gets so bad. I will definitely reach out to you in the near future. I wish you the best of luck as well. We're in this together, you know. Thanks again! :)
stellabella1234
May 29, 2014

In reply to by sajmai

Thank you for the comfort! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one, considering it's hard to find people to relate since it's something that's so desperately hidden away! This time of year is especially bad not only because of bare skin but when finals come around I'm a hot mess! My picking gets so bad. I will definitely reach out to you in the near future. I wish you the best of luck as well. We're in this together, you know. Thanks again! :)

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