Survey--Where are you from? Age? Gender? Ethnicity?

Hi! I'm a white female, mid 40's, Canadian. I don't remember a time when I DIDN'T pick, but it's been getting progressively worse over the years, with my scalp being the main focus.

I'm living In Phoenix, 30 year old white female. I have been going through this battle since I can remember. Didn't even know it had a name, and that there were others suffering until last Saturday. I'm hoping we can help each other! A lot can happen when a large group of people come together and raise awareness! We shouldn't be embarrassed about this anymore! It's not out fault!

Los Angeles, CA Born in Minsk, Belarus 26 years old Female Caucasian

I'm a 14 year old girl from New Jersey. I am half Chinese and half Polish. I started picking about four or five years ago. Right now my picking is under control for the most part, but it kind of goes on and off in cycles.

Emmi, I'm also from Australia! Melbourne, 24, female, Caucasian (Scottish/English heritage). I'm new to this forum- didn't realise that other people struggled with picking too until a couple of days ago, which seems crazy since I've been doing it for over ten years. Can't express how nice it is to suddenly realise that I'm part of a bigger group, from which we can all take strength... especially given that the group spans oceans! (Great idea indeed olivegreen : ) ). Thanks to everyone for posting their experiences- it's amazing how much it helps.

Thanks for all of your posts!! I find it highly encouraging to see how many of us are similar, but yet how different we all are. Take care to all of you, and keep this post going!! :)

I am a 27 yr old female, currently Tx but soon CT. I've been picking since I had chicken pox around the age of 5. I have read somewhere actually that people who have over active minds tend to pick, so perhaps we are the smart ones just not being challenged enough ;)

I've just discovered this forum moments ago. I am a 45 year old, Caucasian male. I live in Canada. I have been picking my fingers and nail beds since about age 8. So far my most effective treatment so far has been (after picking has led to bleeding). Is any kind of hand cream, followed by applying nu-skin or liquid bandage to damaged area. Then trimming my nails. When I continue to pick I'm picking off the liquid bandage allowing my fingers to heal. At least enough to stop bleeding. Once a significant amount of healing has taken place my compulsion to pick is reduced. Then I'm good until the process begins again. The triggers are usually stress, including boredom. Once the picking starts again it's compulsive until I begin the ritual again. Usually after being embarrassed by bleeding fingers. I explain away the bleeding as a paper cut and scram.

I'm a 31 year old, white female. I live in Arkansas, but was born in London. I'm a college grad, work as a manager. I started by biting my nails and picking my nose as a kid. I quit those things as a kid. I started picking as a teen. I also cut myself. I stopped that as an adult. I pick my face, chest, back and scalp now, but mostly when I'm stressed and breaking out.

Hi! I'm 22 years old, Mexican American female, and I'm from SJV, California. I've been skin picking for as long as I can remember. Restless would be a word that describes me. People have recommended daily exercise and it seems to work well. The days that I don't get to work out, I'm a complete wreck. Anyways, I'm new to this website and am very, very happy to have found this forum and more importantly very glad to have found this post thingy. What a fantastic question to ask, reading where everyone's from and their age and everything else makes me feel more human. thank you :) p.s. and yes, my eyes were tearing up as i wrote this! lol