In the realm of mental health disorders, some conditions remain relatively obscure despite their significant impact on individuals' lives. Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking disorder, is one such condition. Often misunderstood and overlooked, dermatillomania can profoundly affect people's daily functioning, relationships, and self-esteem.

In this blog post, we delve into what dermatillomania is, its causes, symptoms, and the challenges faced by those living with this condition.

Dermatillomania is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

What is Dermatillomania?

Dermatillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by repetitive and compulsive picking, scratching, or digging into one's skin, resulting in tissue damage and sometimes severe wounds. While skin picking is a common behavior, especially in response to minor irritations like pimples or bug bites, dermatillomania involves an inability to control the urge to pick, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily life.

Symptoms of Dermatillomania

Individuals with dermatillomania often experience a range of symptoms, including:

Compulsive skin picking: Engaging in repetitive picking, scratching, or digging at the skin, often in response to perceived imperfections or blemishes.
Preoccupation with skin imperfections: Constantly scanning the skin for irregularities and feeling compelled to "fix" them through picking.
Failed attempts to stop or reduce picking: Despite recognizing the harmful consequences of skin picking, individuals with dermatillomania struggle to control the urge, even when it leads to pain or scarring.
Emotional distress: Feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or frustration about the inability to control the behavior.
Physical consequences: Skin lesions, scars, infections, and tissue damage resulting from chronic picking.

Living with dermatillomania can have profound effects on various aspects of an individual's life.

Causes of Dermatillomania

The exact cause of dermatillomania is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Some potential contributors include:

Genetics: A family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or related conditions may increase the risk of developing dermatillomania.
Neurochemical imbalances: Dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation and impulse control, may play a role.
Trauma or stress: Traumatic experiences or chronic stressors can trigger or exacerbate skin picking behaviors as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): Dermatillomania is classified as a BFRB, which also includes conditions like trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and onychophagia (nail-biting).

Impact on Daily Life

Living with dermatillomania can have profound effects on various aspects of an individual's life:

Social and interpersonal relationships may suffer due to embarrassment or shame about visible skin lesions.
Occupational or academic performance may be affected by the distraction and preoccupation with skin picking.
Self-esteem and body image issues are common, as individuals may feel self-conscious about their skin's appearance.
Physical health may be compromised due to skin infections or injuries resulting from excessive picking.

By raising awareness and understanding the causes of dermatillomania, we can promote empathy and reduce stigma.

Treatment Options

While dermatillomania can be challenging to treat, several therapeutic approaches have shown promise in helping individuals manage their symptoms:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as habit reversal training and exposure and response prevention, can help individuals identify triggers and develop coping strategies to resist the urge to pick.
Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other psychiatric medications may be prescribed to target underlying mood or anxiety symptoms.
Support groups: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide validation, encouragement, and practical tips for managing dermatillomania.
Alternative therapies and psychedelic assisted therapy: more on that in future posts.

the skin picking battle

Dermatillomania is a complex and often misunderstood disorder that can significantly impact individuals' lives. By raising awareness and understanding the causes and symptoms of dermatillomania, we can promote empathy, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention and effective treatment strategies for those affected by this condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with dermatillomania, seeking professional help from a mental health professional experienced in treating BFRBs is the first step toward healing and recovery.

If you’re currently struggling with dermatillomania, trichotillomania or other Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, check out our Heal BFRBs blog for helpful resources. Get The Dragonfly Journal and start using journaling today as a tool on your BFRB healing journey. Learn more about 1:1 Premium Trauma Informed Coaching.

Understanding Dermatillomania: When Skin Picking Becomes a Struggle