Dermatillomania Definition

Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by the compulsive urge to repeatedly pick at one’s own skin, resulting in skin lesions, wounds, and tissue damage.

Causes

The exact causes of dermatillomania are unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Imbalances in brain chemicals, especially serotonin
  • Previous experiences of trauma or abuse
  • Presence of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Symptoms

Common symptoms of dermatillomania include:

  • Uncontrollable urge to pick at the skin
  • Recurrent skin picking that causes skin damage
  • Feelings of tension or anxiety before picking
  • Sense of relief or pleasure during or after picking
  • Repeated attempts to stop or reduce skin picking
  • Interference with daily functioning or social activities

Treatment

Treatment for dermatillomania typically involves a combination of therapeutic interventions, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and modify unhealthy behavior patterns
  • Exposure and response prevention (ERP) to address the compulsive urge for skin picking
  • Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Support groups or peer counseling to provide emotional support

Prevention

Prevention strategies for dermatillomania may include:

  • Recognizing triggers and avoiding them as much as possible
  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress or anxiety
  • Keeping nails short and smooth to reduce the ability to pick at the skin
  • Using fidget toys or stress balls to occupy hands