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 classified as an impulse control disorder.
1. Compulsive Skin Picking: The primary symptom of dermatillomania is the irresistible urge to pick at the skin. Individuals with this disorder often spend significant amounts of time engaged in this behavior, leading to tissue damage and skin lesions.
2. Skin Lesions: Skin picking can result in various types of skin lesions, including scabs, sores, ulcers, and open wounds. These lesions may be present on any part of the body but are commonly found on the face, arms, and hands.
3. Preoccupation with Skin Imperfections: People with dermatillomania often obsess over perceived skin imperfections, such as acne, blemishes, or irregularities. They may spend excessive time examining their skin in mirrors and become fixated on removing or "fixing" these imperfections.
4. Emotional Distress: Dermatillomania is often associated with emotional distress, including feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, and frustration. Individuals may experience anxiety or tension before engaging in skin picking and relief or satisfaction afterward, creating a cycle of negative emotions.
5. Impaired Functioning: The compulsive nature of skin picking can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning. It may interfere with work, school, relationships, and social activities. People with dermatillomania may avoid social situations or wear clothing to conceal their skin lesions.
6. Physical Consequences: Chronic skin picking can lead to physical consequences, such as infections, scarring, and disfigurement. In severe cases, individuals may require medical intervention to treat infections or address the damage caused by their picking behavior.
7. Attempts to Stop: Many individuals with dermatillomania make repeated attempts to stop or reduce their skin picking but struggle to control the behavior. They may feel a sense of loss of control over their actions and experience frustration or disappointment when their efforts are unsuccessful.
8. Co-occurring Disorders: Dermatillomania often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). These conditions may contribute to the development or exacerbation of skin picking behavior.
9. Triggers: Certain triggers can exacerbate skin picking episodes in individuals with dermatillomania. These triggers may include stress, boredom, anxiety, or the presence of skin irregularities. Identifying and managing these triggers can be an important part of treatment.
10. Secretive Behavior: Many individuals with dermatillomania engage in skin picking behavior in secret, attempting to hide their actions from others. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their behavior, leading to increased isolation and difficulty seeking help.
It is important to note that dermatillomania is a complex disorder, and symptoms can vary in severity from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dermatillomania, it is crucial to seek professional help from a mental health provider specializing in BFRBs.