I tried to make UK aware of dermatillomania on TV

Well done for trying. I am from the UK too and am amazed at how dermatillomania is so unresearched now I realise how many people suffer. I was thinking that I should do something to help the many people who must think they are alone (like I did until I found skinpick) . You are much braver than me. I have confided in a few people, but I feel so pathetic going on about something I do to myself and they tend to say "just stop doing it then" and miss the point that it's out of my control. Due to this attitude I am not sure that I could expose myself to the ridicule that would enevitably follow if I 'outed' myself. We are very sensitive souls who do this to ourselves and I have real respect for you for being up for TV.

well done maddykins i totally agree with trying to make people more aware of this, as alot of people suffer with this condition and dont even realise it has a name and is a proper condition. i think its a good idea for dermatilomania suffers to go on a show like embarrasing bodies its perfect way to get suffers to face up to thier skinpicking problem, as they would probably explain the causes, syptoms and treatment briefly and hopefully sufferers are watching the show with loved ones who could support them better and know what to do after watching the show and could help them make the first steps to finding treatment.

I'm really glad to have found this site, there's a shocking lack of information and suport out there. I'm 21 and have been battling with this since about age 12. There are times when it isn't a problem at all, but as most of you probably know, when in times of stress it can get ridiculous. I'd just like people to talk about it with, and maybe get the support i'm lacking that will help me stop once and for all.

Hey im 19 and also from the UK and i feel like the only person in my god dam town to do this to myself! Feel free to email shosho43@hotmail.co.uk. I would also like to keep in contact with a fellow sufferer! X

hey, I have been skin picking since age 5 - now I am 23 and still doing it. part of me wants to stop (like right now) but i sadly enjoy it - its consuming. I didn't even know it was a condition until I accidently came across this site ... so thankyou for making this clear. Has anyone from the UK had any success with seeking help from doctors? I am reluctant to go but know I need to sort this out. I want ot be ready to stop but sometimes, from my experience, doctors have been insensitive (not all mind!) but some, and it just really puts me off.... any info would be great kind regards han

I was thinking of appearing on the show a while ago. I even left comment for the doctors of the show to talk about my own experience but got ignored. I have suffered with this condition since i was 17 years old and i am now 36 years old. I also suffer with Tricohtillomania.

It's a shame that you weren't officially entered for the programme because it would had been brilliant for this problem to finally been addressed to people. I feel like I am the only one from the people close in my life that does this. People who do not understand that this is a problem, really do not emphasise at all. They think that I must have a spot problem and I simply just pick at it. I am surprise that I don't ever hear this get mentioned in newspapers. Such rehab, meeting places probably do not exist because in reality, people like me really can not bring themselves to feel comfortable in confined places when going through this current issue. I was a positive, bright, chirpy individual before that worked as a waitress full time. I was going through a happy time, so it didn't make sense for me to suddenly relapse after almost half a year of not doing so. I ended up taking time off work and texting my boss the truth. She was understanding via text however when I put myself back into work, I was behaving not entirely myself, I found it hard to look and smile at customers, or not even talking as much to my coworkers and avoiding long eye contact. I could sense my behaviour caused a change to how everybody dealt with me at the workplace. Even though I told my boss I was supposedly back on track, she totally then ignored that I may had still been fragile and it really did not help that she ended up putting me as the dishwasher for the whole week. I then finally knew I had to quit. Not just the change at work but how I was a confident person who happily talked and made eye contact, I suddenly became rigid because I didn't want anyone to really look at me anymore because I didn't want to be judged. Even if makeup concealed at the most, I felt I would still be judged for wearing too much obvious coverage. So what I'm trying to say, is that picking doesn't even mean that it derives from an underlying horrible background or whatnot. I am planning to see a doctor eventually so they can recommend whether I need to see a therapist or seek medication.

Hello, I'm studying Journalism and I'm currently working on a documentary to help raise awareness about Dermatillomania. I'd love for you share your story with me, if you'd feel comfortable. My email address is roxywatson@hotmail.co.uk, or the Twitter account is media_roxy Please get in touch, I feel we can help one another :)