What are the Odds of Receiving an Excoriation Disorder Diagnosis?
I understand that seeking advice on Reddit may not be ideal, but I'm looking for some insights. I’m a 14-year-old girl who has been struggling with skin picking on my fingertips since I was about five years old. The urge to make my skin flawlessly smooth has become a persistent thought; I want it to be completely free of bumps so I can glide my fingers over it effortlessly. Lately, I’ve been considering the idea of speaking to a therapist. However, I haven’t confided in my parents about this desire because their responses have always been along the lines of "be careful with that," "try to stop," or "find a distraction." If I do decide to pursue therapy, what are the likelihoods of being diagnosed with excoriation disorder, also known as dermatillomania? While I don’t have serious injuries on my fingers—just minor wounds and some excess skin—the shame it brings into my life is significant. I constantly worry about someone noticing the state of my skin or feeling the roughness when I touch them, and it contributes to my anxiety in everyday situations.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 4:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's insightful that you're exploring your feelings and considering the option of therapy for your skin picking. Recognizing a problem is a crucial first step toward finding a solution.
Key Points:
- You may indeed have excoriation disorder (dermatillomania), particularly since you’ve experienced persistent skin picking for many years.
- The likelihood of receiving a diagnosis varies, but the focus should be on addressing your feelings and behavior rather than on a potential label.
Explanation:
Excoriation disorder is characterized by the repetitive and compulsive picking of the skin, which can lead to noticeable damage. It's commonly associated with an urge to relieve anxiety or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Given that you've been dealing with this since you were young, it's understandable that it is causing you distress and impacting your anxiety levels.
As for diagnosis, it generally depends not just on the behavior itself but also on how much it affects your daily life. If skin picking is leading to distress, anxiety, or impairments in functioning (like worrying about others noticing), there’s a significant possibility a mental health professional might consider a diagnosis.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Speaking to a Therapist: Taking the step to talk to a therapist could be very beneficial. They can help you explore these urges and establish healthier coping strategies. You are strong for wanting to seek help despite concerns about how your parents may react.
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Tracking Your Picking Behavior: Keep a simple diary to note when you pick your skin (e.g., time, situation, feelings). This can help you identify triggers and patterns to discuss with a therapist.
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Explore Coping Mechanisms: In the meantime, try to find activities that can occupy your hands, such as fidget toys, knitting, or stress balls. This could help redirect the urge to pick.
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Communicate with a Trusted Adult: If possible, share your feelings with someone you trust, even if it isn’t your parents. This could be a teacher, school counselor, or another family member who might be more understanding.
Reassurance:
It's important to know that you're not alone in this, and many people experience similar challenges. Seeking help is a positive step and can lead to greater self-acceptance and relief from anxiety. You are doing the right thing by exploring these feelings and looking for solutions.
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