does anyone know how to treat Compulsive Skin Picking or think of any suggestions?? I never really realize it was a problem just something i did from time to time. but doing it for almost 5 years. i dont pick at my face but places that are easily covered by clothes and when it comes to the summer and swim suits i wear as much clothing without looking stupid.. i think it's about time i TRY to stop

I've had the same problem! I never before used to pick at my skin, but for a few years now, wherever I see a bump, a zit, an ingrown hair, anything at all...I'll obssessively pick at it. I used to think it was no big deal, but then I started doing it more and more and got a lot of scabs, etc. The physical stuff aside, I realized that it's psychological. It's not quite like people who cut themselves, but kind of a mild form of it. I think we're trying to obssess on something minor on our skin to occupy our minds and not have to deal with reality for a little while. It might sound far-fetched, but think about that the next time you find yourself picking. Maybe this is not the case with you, but it's worth a thought. See if you're doing it for long periods of time, if you enjoy the sensation of getting "stuff" out of your skin (like pus or blood, etc.), if you feel good while doing it but guilty or mad at yourself afterwards, and if you tend to do it more when your anxioux, angry or depressed; and if you tell yourself you'll stop picking and realize you can't. See if any of that rings a bell. If so, then your picking is a lot more psychological than physical. It's not just a bad habit. You're trying to get out your anger, agression, anxiety, etc. out on yourself. Sort of attack something you can (your skin) when you can't attack what you really want to (another person, a problem in your life, a feeling inside yourself). For me, I'd love to see pus or something come out of a pimple, for example...it was almost like some feeling inside me was exploding out. So anyway...maybe your problem isn't as dramatic as all that and all you need is some self control and some concealer lol! But if any of the stuff I said sounds familiar, start thinking about your picking differently. Next time you want to pick, remind yourself that there's a reason you're doing it and try to find out what that reason is. Are you nervous about something? Do you feel helpless about something? Are you angry? And a ton more questions like that!! I'm not saying you'll have an "aha" moment and come to some sort of pyschological resolution in your life, but at least you'll realize that you're about to "pick" for a reason. Tell yourself that, remind yourself that there will always be a "reason" to pick and you're just damaging your skin instead of trying to deal with your emotions. Just the realization alone may shed some light on it and make you understand that what your doing isn't all that harmless and maybe you'll stop. From one picker to another, I wish you the best of luck and smooth skin! Its probably worth a try at hypnosis This is probably a bigger problem than you think it is (and will probably stay with you for the rest of your life) just like smoking and gambling, it is an addictive, self hating habit that is very hard to stop. after all, you can stop buying cigarettes and not go to places that you can gamble , but your skin goes with you everywhere!!!