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Skin-picking (also known as excoriation disorder or dermatillomania), often focused around the nails or fingers, and nail biting are common examples of body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). These behaviours involve repetitive grooming or manipulation of the body, which can lead to physical damage. Other BFRBs include hair pulling, finger sucking, and lip or cheek biting. Treatment for excoriation disorder can help individuals manage these behaviours and reduce their impact.
These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking support from a healthcare professional or therapist experienced in treating skin picking can be beneficial.
Repetitive picking at skin, such as the fingers or around nails, scabs, or pimples
Feeling tension or anxiety before picking
Physical damage such as sores or scars
Impact on daily life and social activities
Feelings of shame or guilt
Skin-picking affects up to
1.4% of Australians
Skin picking disorder affects
both genders
Approximately 75% of those
diagnosed with skin-picking
are female
Skin picking disorder is
treatable, and recovery is
possible
Skin-picking, or excoriation disorder, can be quite challenging. It involves repetitive picking that not only causes physical damage but also significant distress. Typically starting in adolescence, it can disrupt daily life if untreated. However, effective treatments have emerged from recent research, offering hope for managing this condition more effectively.
One of the cornerstone treatments is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This approach helps individuals identify triggers for their skin-picking and teaches practical strategies to replace these behaviours with healthier alternatives. By addressing the root causes, CBT aims to reduce the frequency and severity of skin-picking episodes.
Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) is another effective method. It focuses on enhancing awareness of the skin-picking habit and introduces competing responses to divert attention away from picking. This technique aims to reshape ingrained behavioural patterns towards more constructive habits.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is gaining recognition for its role in treating excoriation disorder. By fostering acceptance of difficult emotions and committing to meaningful behavioural changes, ACT enhances psychological flexibility and resilience in coping with skin-picking urges.
In addition to psychological interventions, pharmacotherapy can be considered. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) have demonstrated efficacy in managing symptoms associated with skin-picking by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing compulsive behaviours.
Effective treatment often involves a tailored combination of these therapies, tailored to individual needs and preferences. Seeking support from qualified professionals is crucial to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the behavioural and psychological aspects of excoriation disorder.
For anyone grappling with skin-picking, understanding these treatment options offers a pathway to improved management and better quality of life. With the right guidance and commitment to treatment, individuals can gain control over this challenging condition and foster long-term recovery.
*Source: Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder: a systematic review of treatment options – National Library of Medicine
Recognise what situations or emotions lead to skin-picking. Common triggers include stress, boredom, or feeling tired.
Substitute skin-picking with a less harmful activity, like squeezing a stress ball or playing with a fidget toy.
Stay present and aware of your urges without acting on them. Mindfulness techniques can help you manage impulses.