im 17 yrs old and i bite and pick at the skin around my fingernails everyday and i also sometimes bite the inside of my cheek and my lip but not as often as my fingernails i just wanted to know does this mean i really have a disorder?

Submitted by susiex3 Thu 10/28/2010

Share on Tumblr

If you bite and pick at your

Submitted by mwilliams on Sat, 10/30/2010 - 6:36pm.

If you bite and pick at your skin frequently enough for it to cause visible damage, and for you to be distressed by it, then you do have a disorder. Compulsive skin picking and biting is an impulse disorder called dermatillomania or onychophagia. It is very common for people who have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) to have these problems, although they are different disorders. The cause of dermatillomania is probably a combination of stress and a natural vulnerability to problems like this . There are several reasons why people pick at their skin. For example, it could be for self soothing stimulation, or perfectionism. Learn more about skin picking at: http://www.brainphysics.com/skin-picking.php

Best of luck,
Dr. Williams

—

Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist specializing in OCD
http://www.monnicawilliams.com

Please Help Me

Submitted by Button616 on Thu, 06/23/2011 - 2:56pm.

I'm 18 years old and I've been biting and picking the skin on my fingers since I was about 8 years old. I do it practically everyday and it's literally ruining my life. I can't afford treatment but I desperately want to stop. Please help!

Hi Button616, It sounds like

Submitted by Dr. Lane on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 4:53pm.

Hi Button616,

It sounds like may have a disorder known as dermatillomania, also known as compulsive skin picking (CSP). It is a type of impulse control disorder.

Since you can't afford treatment I suggest you go to this site: http://www.skinpick.com/ It is a great resource for people with this disorder.

One of the things you can do to help keep yourself from picking your skin is to keep your hands busy. Some people keep a koosh ball or a hand grip with them. Other types of finger toys can be helpful as well.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

—

Dr. Lane

For Treatment Options Call (877) 331-9311

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD? Take the Self Test now to get more information.

Sponsored Links

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.