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How do i stop?
I googled my symptoms and I think I have dermatophagia. I started 7 years ago when I was in the 5th grade. It started when I got a callous on my thumb from playing video games. I peled it off and from then on I started peeling and eating the skin on my fingers. My fingers look horrible and I haven't been able to stop. I've been peeling and eating my skin for 7 years now, and I always have to hide fingers from people. No one knows about it besides my family. Its horrible because when I even wash my hands my fingers look disgusting, they're all white and wrinkly and it looks like a terrible burn. Every year I tell myself I'm gonna stop but I've been saying this for 7 years. Is there a way to stop?
December 30, 2011
I don't think there is an actual cure for this. I think we all just need willpower to help us to stop. It may help by setting small challenges and keeping yourself busy to keep your mind off picking. I hate looking at my fingers too after washing them because they look horrible!
January 01, 2012
I think it definitely takes willpower, and maybe some event in your life triggers it to stop, but if it's that overwhelming of an urge... I would ask for professional help. Talking with a therapist can only help. Good luck to you, from a recovering picker.
January 01, 2012
Picking is the equivalent to any addiction, and the best way to treat addiction is to go to counseling. Good luck and never give up! :)
March 12, 2014
Update : Its now been 2 years later and i still pick. Not as bad as i used to, but i still do. I think this may be with me forever.