How do I know if I have Dermatillomania?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Dermatillomania. People who have experience in Dermatillomania offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by the repetitive picking, scratching, or picking at one's own skin. It is considered a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) and is often associated with feelings of tension, anxiety, or stress.

If you are wondering whether you may have dermatillomania, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Compulsive skin picking: Do you find yourself unable to resist the urge to pick at your skin, even if it causes damage or scarring? Do you spend a significant amount of time engaged in this behavior?

2. Preoccupation with skin imperfections: Are you constantly preoccupied with perceived flaws or irregularities in your skin? Do you spend excessive time examining your skin in mirrors or other reflective surfaces?

3. Failed attempts to stop: Have you tried to stop or reduce your skin picking but have been unsuccessful? Do you feel a sense of relief or satisfaction when engaging in the behavior, followed by guilt or shame?

4. Negative impact on daily life: Does your skin picking interfere with your daily activities, relationships, or work? Do you avoid social situations or wear specific clothing to hide the effects of your picking?

5. Emotional distress: Do you experience significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, as a result of your skin picking?

6. Physical consequences: Has your skin picking led to skin infections, scarring, or other physical damage? Do you frequently touch or feel your skin to identify imperfections?

If you identify with several of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can assess your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis. They may also recommend a combination of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, to help manage and treat dermatillomania.

Remember, self-diagnosis is not sufficient, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.

Diseasemaps

(Read in Jeff Foxworthy's voice) If you pick at scabs and it takes weeks or months for wounds to heal, you might have Dermatillomania. If you pick at every bump and have to peel every flake of skin off, you might have Dermatillomania. If you can't stop picking no matter how hard you try, you might have Dermatillomania. And, if you are covered in scars from picking, you might have Dermatillomania. But seriously, the more of these that apply to you, the more likely you have derma.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by Linda 4500

Picking at the skin is quite common. Not all skin picking is disordered skin picking. You should see a doctor about your picking if it starts to cause problems in your day-to-day functions. Such problems might be: not wanting to go outside or meet people because of sores or lesions that are visible, spending hours or days picking at your skin or scanning your skin for imperfections at the cost of doing other things, depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts or ideologies, pain, bleeding, and infection. There is more to this list, and it's generally always a good idea to see a doctor about a condition you think you may have, even if you don't fit any or all the symptoms in this list.

Posted Oct 14, 2019 by lovetheaardvarks 3660

If you pick at your skin when you are feeling anxious or even when you are just bored, and can’t stop thinking about picking it

Posted Oct 14, 2019 by Brenda-Victoria 3600