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modelgirl , 14 Jul 2009

HELP!

i am hoping that i can learn some new ways to stop what drives me insane. I dont know if I have compulsive picking, but for as long as i can remember, i have picked the skin around my thumbs, and on my big toes. I am in my 30's and have started a new career as a model. I am so embarrased about what my fingers look like that i try to hide my hands as much as possible. Ifeel like i lost control of this habit a long time ago. I dont even realize that i pick until i bleed. I notice that when I am stressed or worried i pick even more. But it also happens when I am bored, watching TV, reading, or driving, etc... when i catch myself doing it, i try to stop, but then my fingers throb and I feel like i need to pull the rough skin that is on my fingers off to make it feel better. I have tried so many times in the past to stop and nothing seems to work. Can someone guide me to techniques that help? OR do i need to visit a doctor? PLEASE HELP!
1 Answer
bas
July 14, 2009
before i began to pick my skin i would also pick around my hands. a good prevention technique is to keep your hands busy. get a stress ball or play with a coin or beads or anything when you watch TV or read or whenever you feel bored. I have found that unless it becomes extreme and affects your life significantly, seeing a doctor wouldn't help much. However considering appearance is critical for your job, you may want to see a doctor to treat the mental aspect as well as heal the skin around your hands before they scar too bad.

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