Disorder is an inability to control the urge to skin pick. Recent research suggests that in some cases a Picking Skin Disorder may be due to an Impulse Control Disorder (ICD). This is observed to be part of the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spectrum. The core feature of Impulse Control Disorder is the repeated inability to control one’s impulses because of the release or the pleasure and instant gratification it provides even at the expense of long term loss.
A Picking Skin Disorder can have a huge, debilitating impact on sufferers and can control every aspect of their lives. Some people become confined to their house for days, sometimes weeks, cancel social engagements, skip work or school, miss appointments, become withdrawn from society and even cancel vacations. It can also have a negative impact on relationships. Also from a physical point of view it can lead to permanent scarring, gangrene and even disfiguration.
Below are some techniques that can be applied to control and reduce Impulse Control Disorder related Picking Skin Disorder:
1. Identify Triggers. Make a note of the situations leading up to your skin picking, such as times of stress, so next time these events arise you will be more aware and can adopt alternative ways to deal with them.
2. Reduce Stress. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, take a stroll in the park or listen to some relaxing music.
3. Keep your hands busy. Sometimes people unconsciously pick just through boredom. Try using therapeutic hand toys, stress balls etc. to give your hands something to do.
4. Use bandages. Either on your fingers or on the affected area. By placing barriers in the way it not only makes it harder to pick, but also gives you time to realize what you are about to do.
5. Keep nails short. As with the above, it is another obstacle and will make it harder to pick your skin. It also helps as it keeps them clean and reduces the risk of a skin picking infection.
6. Use Honey. Some sufferers describe that they pick because of the sensation and release they get when picking scabs or tough skin. Using honey on scabs will soften them, thus reduce the pleasure, and it is also a great natural antibiotic (petroleum jelly works too).
7. Reduce Itching. Apply anti-itch, anti-inflammatory analgesic balm to target areas that are susceptible to itching to reduce the chance of unconscious urges to scratch.
8. Elastic Band Technique. A method developed by scientists to divert attention away from your urge is to wear an elastic band around one wrist and snap it onto the skin if you catch yourself picking.
9. For scalp picking. Sometimes an itchy scalp can lead to picking. Try using a combination of coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil massaged into the scalp. Leave for 20 minutes before washing with warm water. This moisturizes the scalp and reduces irritation.
10. Tell someone. As well as offering support and encouragement, by telling a close friend or partner they can help you to become aware when you are unconsciously picking.
Hopefully these techniques will help you to reduce and relieve your Picking Skin Disorder, but remember an Impulse Control Disorder is born out of a compulsive habit and therefore for a long-term, permanent solution this habit needs to be broken.
This isn’t as tough as you may think, and can be done quickly, without the need for medication or expensive therapy. To find out more on Picking Skin Disorder and how to beat it for good read
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