Dermatillomania Test
I experience a powerful compulsion to pick whenever I notice something irregular on my skin, like a rough cuticle or healing scab.
The picking leaves behind noticeable damage, including cuts, sores, or other injuries that are visible.
During skin-picking episodes, it seems like my actions are happening automatically, without my conscious direction.
Even when I consciously decide to stop, I often find myself continuing to pick at my skin.
Removing a piece of flawed skin provides a sense of release or satisfaction, even if it's only brief.
The impulse to pick feels so intense that it's difficult to resist.
I become self-conscious or ashamed when others observe the extent of my skin-picking.
My efforts to quit picking typically don't last very long before I start again.
I rely on items like makeup, long sleeves, or accessories to conceal the marks and scars from picking.
While picking, I sometimes lose track of time and feel disconnected from my surroundings.
Skin-picking leaves me feeling worried, sad, or without hope about my situation.
A prickly, itchy, or tense feeling on my skin drives me to pick or scratch for relief.
It seems like skin-picking is becoming the main focus of my daily life.
During idle moments or when distracted, I automatically begin picking at my skin.
I steer clear of activities like swimming or salon visits where others might see the damage from my picking.
My picking intensifies during times of worry or when I'm under pressure.
I often examine my skin closely, searching for areas that feel uneven, scaly, or raised before I start picking.
Sometimes I catch myself picking without any awareness that I'm doing it.
I feel frustrated or disappointed with how my skin appears after a picking session.
I turn down opportunities to socialize because I'm too embarrassed about my skin-picking to be around people.
20 questions remaining
What You Should Know
- Dermatillomania, also called excoriation disorder, is one of a group of disorders called body-focused repetitive behaviors. Other BFRBs are trichotillomania (pulling hair out) and onychophagia (biting nails).
- BFRBs, which all involve compulsive, distressing urges to self-groom, often happen at the same time as each other. It is also common for people with BFRBs to have other mental health problems, like ADHD or anxiety disorders.
- Dermatillomania is often seen as just a bad habit that got out of hand because a lot of people pick at flaws from time to time. In reality, it is a serious brain disorder that can have a big effect on someone's social life and mental health.
- Picking at your skin can cause wounds that are painful and visible, or scars that last for a long time. In very rare cases, it can cause serious skin infections that need to be treated right away by a doctor.
- Dermatillomania usually starts around puberty and affects 1 to 5 percent of the population, but most people who have it don't get help. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with dermatillomania.
- Dermatillomania does not happen just because of acne or other skin problems. But acne flare-ups can lead to picking, which can make the skin more sensitive and make acne worse. This can lead to a cycle that keeps happening.
What to Do
If you have mild dermatillomania, you can manage it on your own, but you don't have to. Real relief may come from treatment.
- Find out what makes you pick: some people do it when they're bored, and others do it when they're anxious. Knowing what makes your episodes happen can help you take back control.
- Get help: Support groups, both online and in person, can help people with dermatillomania deal with their shame and loneliness.
