Do I Have Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder?

Do you recurrently engage in skin picking resulting in skin lesions?

Do you repeatedly try to decrease or stop skin picking?

Does the skin picking cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (e.g., social, occupational)?

Can you confirm that the skin picking is not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., cocaine) or another medical condition (e.g., scabies)?

Can you confirm that the skin picking is not better explained by symptoms of another mental disorder (e.g., attempts to improve a perceived flaw in appearance in body dysmorphic disorder or intention to harm oneself in nonsuicidal self-injury)?

Based on your answers, you most likely don't meet the diagnostic criteria for excoriation. It’s common to pick at scabs or bumps every now and then, but when it becomes chronic, it can develop into skin-picking disorder. People with this disorder may pick at pimples, scabs or other skin lesions until they bleed again. They are also likely to pick at the skin around the nails (fingers and toes). The problem is not very common and is a condition related to obsessive compulsive disorder. If you experience one of these symptoms, it may be useful to discuss them with your doctor. Your doctor will decide if additional tests are required or if there is no need to worry.

Based on your answers, it may be important to seek medical attention. Skin-picking disorder cannot be diagnosed by yourself. Your doctor may want to make sure there are no other underlying conditions that can cause your symptoms before making any diagnosis. Besides asking you about your symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical exam. If your doctor suspects you meet the criteria for skin-picking disorder, your doctor may refer you to a health professional, such as a psychologist. In case you need treatment, there are some things you can do by yourself to steer the treatment plan, such as finding a support group and be supportive of yourself.

Based on your answers, talking to your doctor may be crucial. If your doctor confirms the diagnosis of skin-picking disorder, your doctor will tell you what is best for you in terms of treatment. Usually, treatment can help you manage symptoms, but you may have periods when you pick again. When that happens, it may be useful to update the treatment plan together with your doctor. Usually, treatment involves a combination of medication and therapy. It may be useful to find a support group, consisting of people with the same problem. Additionally, it is important to set goals and celebrate when you reach them. Be happy with small accomplishments and don’t be too hard on yourself.