What is Dermatillomania? A Guide to Skin Picking Disorders

Chapped Lips

Key Takeaways:

Dermatillomania is compulsive skin picking driven by a mental health condition recognised by leading psychiatrists.

Affecting 2-5% of the population, Dermatillomania can be triggered by stress, brain function, and other co-occurring conditions.

Specialist Dermatillomania treatment is available to support you or a loved one.

Dermal Therapy Lip Balm and Dry Skin range can help skin to heal.

We’ve all felt the occasional urge to pick at a scab or blemish. But for some, this impulse becomes an overwhelming compulsion to pick, scratch, or squeeze their skin.

This is a recognised mental health condition called Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation Disorder or Compulsive Skin Picking. It’s a challenging behaviour that can lead to significant skin damage and emotional distress.

If this resonates with you, please know you’re not alone. This article will help you learn what Dermatillomania is, its common symptoms, and how to find the support you need.

What is Dermatillomania? A Deeper Dive into the Condition

Dermatillomania or Excoriation Disorder is commonly referred to as Compulsive Skin Picking. Affecting up to 2%-5% of the population, more often females, the condition typically begins in adolescence but can emerge at any age.

Dermatillomania’s definition is outlined in the DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association. It’s classified as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB), and described as recurrent skin picking that leads to lesions, alongside repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop.

Skin picking disorder often results in noticeable damage like cuts, scabs, infections, or scarring. Unlike everyday habits, this chronic behavior causes significant distress and interferes with daily life.

5 Dermatillomania Symptoms & How to Spot Them

Signs of Dermatillomania include both physical and emotional indicators. Here’s what to look out for in yourself or a loved one.

Compulsive Skin Picking: Repeatedly picking at skin, often using fingers, nails, teeth, or tools like tweezers, on areas like the face, mouth, lips, hands, arms, legs, and scalp.
Visible Skin Damage: The picking results in noticeable skin damage, including open sores, wounds, persistent scabs, bruising, infections, or permanent skin picking scars, like discoloration or thickened skin.
Failed Attempts to Stop: You’ve tried to reduce or stop picking many times but haven’t been able to.
Emotional Distress: The behavior causes feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and embarrassment over visible marks, often leading to attempts to conceal the skin damage.
Impact on Daily Life: Skin picking noticeably interferes with social activities, work, school, or other important areas of your life.

Why Do I Pick At My Skin? Exploring Dermatillomania Causes and Triggers

Dermatillomania causes are complicated and not fully understood. But research suggests a combination of biological and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors: Research suggests an inherited tendency for BFRBs, including skin picking disorder.
Psychological Factors: Emotional states like stress and anxiety are major drivers, as picking at skin can be a way to self-soothe, release tension, or cope with frustration.
Perfectionism: A desire to “correct” or “smooth” perceived skin imperfections can trigger the urge.
Brain Differences: A 2016 study found evidence that differences in brain regions related to impulse control may play a role.
Co-occurring Conditions: Dermatillomania is frequently associated with other mental health conditions such as OCD, depression, or body dysmorphic disorder.

Finding Dermatillomania Treatment and Professional Support

The good news is that Dermatillomania is treatable. Self-help alone is usually not enough, and lasting change often requires professional treatment.

Therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) teach awareness and competing responses. Medications such as SSRIs may be prescribed to manage co-occurring conditions or reduce urges, usually alongside therapy.

Skin picking support groups offer access to valuable communities and shared strategies. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consult a doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist specialising in BFRBs for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Support Your Skin’s Healing Journey with Dermal Therapy

While professional treatment is essential, caring for your skin is also important. For sufferers of Dermatillomania, lips are often a target for picking, leading to dryness and cracking. Here’s how Dermal Therapy Lip Balm can help.

Hydration & Repair: Deeply hydrates lips and helps repair the skin barrier.
Flaky Skin Removal: With 2.5% Urea, gently removes flaky skin, reducing temptation to pick.
Fast-Acting Relief: Alleviates severe dryness and discomfort quickly.
Protection & Prevention: Maintains moisture and protects lips from environmental elements.
Dermatologist Recommended: Soothes and softens severely dry and chapped lips.

Consider adding Dermal Therapy Lip Balm to your routine for ongoing hydration and support.

Real Stories: Finding Support with Dermatillomania

Hearing from others navigating Dermatillomania can be inspiring. Here’s a story from a Dermal Therapy customer:

“My name is Paige, I’m 25 from Victoria, and I have been using Dermal Therapy products for about 3 years. I have always struggled with Dermatillomania (lip picking disorder) and chronic cold sores. Since finding Dermal Therapy lip balms, my lips have honestly never been better! My skin feels healthy and moisturised, and my confidence has improved significantly. Thank you for being such an accessible brand in Australia!”

Paige

5 Self-Care Tips to Complement Professional Care

If you’re wondering how to stop skin picking, these tips alongside professional treatment can support your journey:

Keep Your Hands Busy: Use fidget toys, squeeze a ball, or knit to occupy your hands when the urge strikes.
Identify Triggers: Be aware of situations, emotions, or environments that lead to picking, and adapt to them.
Manage Urges: Explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing or focusing on your senses to manage intense urges.
Trim Nails: Keep your nails short to make picking more difficult.
Gentle Skin Care: Maintain a consistent, gentle skincare routine. Apply a good quality moisturizer, like Dermal Therapy’s dry skin range, especially when the urge to pick arises.

Beyond Dermatillomania: The Road to Healthier, Happier Skin

Dermatillomania is a real and challenging condition, but it’s treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a healthcare professional, psychiatrist, or therapist for specialist treatment.

While professional help can address the underlying compulsion, Dermal Therapy products can support physical healing and comfort of picked skin. With the right support and care, managing the condition, achieving healthier skin, and enjoying a brighter future is possible. Find a store today.

Dermatillomania FAQs

1. Is Dermatillomania the same as OCD? While Dermatillomania shares similarities with OCD, they are separate conditions. Dermatillomania is classified as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) in the DSM-5. It often co-occurs with OCD, but has its own diagnostic criteria and treatments.

Can Dermatillomania go away on its own? In some cases, symptoms may lessen over time, but most people benefit from professional treatment such as CBT and HRT. Early intervention improves outcomes.
What helps skin heal after Dermatillomania picking? Deeply hydrating and barrier-repairing products support recovery. Dermal Therapy Lip Balm and Dry Skin range are designed to soothe, repair, and protect compromised skin.
Is Dermatillomania common in children or teens? Yes. It often begins in adolescence, though it can start at any age. Early professional guidance is important to support both mental and skin health.