I pick my toenails | SkinPick.com
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I pick my toenails

05 Aug, 2012,  by sophia76
I am glad I am not alone, I am amazed at how many people have this problem. I am 35 years old and have been picking at my toenails since my 20's. Its out of control, I will cut my toenails off with nail clippers and proceed to rip the rest of the nail out with my fingernails. I don't stop until I see blood. My husband just assumes I have messed up toenails that don't grow right because I don't tell him what the real issue is. I also rip the skin off around my toenails, I guess the more blood and pain the better. I didn't realize it was self mutilation until I cam across this website, I just thought it was a disgusting habit of mine. I also eat one finger nail, well there is no nail there anymore and Its always covered with a band aid or a fake nail. My mom saw my feet one time and was horrifed, she asked what happened to your toenails and I told her that I just cut them really short on accident. I am considering on cutting my toenails later tonite because I am home alone and don't have to hide. I wish I could stop, I would love to have nice toes and be able to wear open toe shoes and flip flops.

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August 06, 2012

I'm extremely obsessed with picking and pulling both my finger and toe nails... I find myself almost subconsciously doing it just about every day... On a typical day i will trim my nails to the point i can't see the white part (i consider over growth...) Bad cuticles are a bitter sweet feeling, as i hate having them - i actually do enjoy pulling at them and ripping them out... pain/bleeding ain't even a setback any more... countless occasions I've pulled of the entire nail which stemmed from just a small bad cuticle...Ive read countless forums and ehow and and wiki about why it is i do it so much... I wouldn't say i do it out of self consciousness or nervousness or stress... im leaning more towards OCD... think I'm more about "trying"to make it look nice - it's pretty much a daily habit now, like brushing your teeth... I know it's not typical for people to do this, and although i live a very healthy life (i don't do any drugs/not an alcoholic) i seriously doubt any chances i can kick this habit...I've been doing it all my life and for as long as my finger nails continue to grow i will always pick at them till they bleed...
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August 11, 2012

I have been picking my toenails chronically since I was 13, so much so I had to have both of my big toenails removed surgically. Stumps grew back but I have picked and ripped these out too. I'm now digging in and ripping out any growth especially at the cuticle. I pick all the skin around it too. I'm moving on to my other toe nails and finger nails! Since reading other posts here and I have noticed other things I do, I pull hair out too! Just not sure what to do as I've been doing ur for so long (and not even noticing it) that I don't think I can stop!
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November 11, 2012

I have been picking off my fourth right toe for years. I will not bother any other toenail but this particular one. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. I have been researching and discover toenail picking is known as "CSD" (Compulsive Skin Disorder). This disorder is contribute by stress, OCD, aniety, or depression.
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March 04, 2014

I have been picking my nails all my life, and I am now 56 years old. It definitely started as a way to cope with the stress of my childhood living with domestic violence, my parents. It has become such a coping habit, that I just can't seem to stop. it's a form of "cutting". It hurts, but it distracts me from other issues. I did do hypnotherapy when I was 40, and that did help me limit how much I destroy my fingernails, but I absolutely mutilate my toenails. Sandals? Ha! No, I never get to wear them. yes, it is unsightly, but at least no one ever died from it, like smoking. Oh, well, unless you count "died from the shame of it".

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