Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Skin-picking in children and adolescents (also known as Excoriation Disorder) is when a young person repeatedly picks at their skin—like scabs, pimples or even healthy skin—often causing damage such as bleeding, infections or scarring. It’s a type of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviour (BFRB) that can be hard to stop, even if they want to. Kids might do it when they’re anxious, bored or trying to fix small imperfections, and over time, it can lead to distress or embarrassment. The good news is, treatment for skin-picking in children and adolescents is available and helpful. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and mindfulness strategies can help them understand their triggers, break the cycle and feel more in control. If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to have a chat with one of our clinical psychologists.
If you’re noticing a few of these signs, it may be time to consider treatment for skin-picking in children and adolescents with support from a psychologist.
Like scabs, sores, bleeding or scarring, often in areas like the face, arms or legs.
They may spend a lot of time picking at their skin, often without realising it
They might say they’ve tried to stop but feel like they can’t
Like swimming or wearing short sleeves, to hide the damage
Using tweezers, pins or other objects to pick or dig at the skin
Feeling embarrassed, frustrated, or anxious about the behaviour
Picking more during times of stress, boredom, or when feeling overwhelmed
Skin-picking affects about 1 in 25 people, often starting in childhood
Many kids hide their picking, and it’s often mistaken for a bad habit
In Australia, it’s under-recognised and often goes untreated
It’s linked to anxiety, OCD, or sensory issues, but early help works
Skin-picking, also known as excoriation disorder, is a body-focused repetitive behaviour that can cause skin damage, distress and difficulty stopping. For children and teenagers, it may affect confidence, social activities and emotional wellbeing.
Research into treatment for skin-picking is still developing, particularly in younger populations. However, findings suggest that behavioural therapies can help young people recognise their picking patterns, manage urges and develop alternative responses.
Children and adolescents who struggle with skin-picking may repeatedly pick at scabs, pimples, calluses or healthy skin. This can result in scarring, open wounds or irritation, commonly on the face, hands and arms.
Other signs may include feeling unable to stop picking, spending considerable time picking, feeling embarrassed about visible marks or avoiding activities because of their skin. Picking may occur automatically, without the child fully noticing, or in response to stress, boredom or uncomfortable emotions.
Research supports behavioural approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT), as treatment options for skin-picking. These approaches help children recognise triggers, become more aware of picking behaviours and practise alternative responses.
A study of 63 children and adolescents receiving care for body-focused repetitive behaviours found that behavioural therapy, primarily involving habit reversal training, was associated with reduced symptom severity. Improvements were maintained at follow-up, although the study was conducted in a clinical setting rather than as a controlled trial.
Parents and carers can help by responding calmly and avoiding blame or punishment. Noticing patterns, identifying situations that trigger picking and encouraging alternative activities may support the strategies practised in therapy.
Simple options, such as keeping hands occupied with a suitable fidget item, may help some children. It is also important to recognise progress rather than expecting the behaviour to stop immediately.
Skin-picking can be distressing for children and their families, but support is available. Behavioural approaches such as habit reversal training can help children build awareness and practise new ways of responding to urges.
If skin-picking is causing injury or affecting your child’s wellbeing, a psychologist can help assess their needs and identify appropriate strategies. Treatment should be tailored to the child’s age, circumstances and any co-occurring difficulties.
Help your child notice when and why they pick—stress, boredom, or certain places
Use fidget toys, stress balls or textured items to redirect the urge
Try gloves, bandages or limiting mirror time to reduce picking opportunities
Call us on 02 9438 2511, email hello@mindboxpsychology.com.au or send us an enquiry. Our reception team will answer your questions.
We’ll match you with a clinical psychologist who works with your concern, face-to-face in St Leonards or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.
Your first session is 60 minutes. You don’t need a referral to book, but with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for child and adolescent skin-picking using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments like
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children). We also offer treatment for skin-picking in adults.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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