Dermatillomania: The compulsive urge to pick at your skin 

Dermatillomania, also known as skin-picking disorder, is a condition in which an individual feels an overwhelming urge to pick at their skin. This compulsive behavior often results in physical injury, including scarring and the spread of infection, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. In this blog post, we will explore what Dermatillomania is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. We will also look at how individuals living with this condition can take steps to manage it.

What is Dermatillomania?

Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming urge to pick, scratch, or dig at one’s own skin. It is classified as an impulse control disorder and can cause significant physical and psychological damage over time.

The most common areas affected are the face, neck, arms, legs, and torso. This can cause the skin to become inflamed, infected, and scarred. Dermatillomania usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood and tends to worsen over time without proper treatment.

Though it is unclear why people with dermatillomania pick at their skin, it is believed to be related to other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. People with dermatillomania may find temporary relief from the sensation of picking or scratching at their skin, but this relief is typically short-lived and often followed by feelings of guilt or shame.

Causes Of Dermatillomania

The exact cause of dermatillomania is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of psychological and biological factors. People with dermatillomania may have an underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, which can trigger the urge to pick at the skin.

Some researchers have suggested that the behavior may stem from a need to relieve tension or distract oneself from a stressful situation. Others have proposed that the urge to pick might arise from a need to fill a void or express pent-up emotions.

On a biological level, some researchers believe that people with dermatillomania may have lower levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects mood and behavior. Low serotonin levels can lead to higher levels of stress, which can trigger skin picking.

In addition, certain environmental factors can play a role in dermatillomania. For example, people who experience bullying or abuse may be more likely to develop skin picking behavior as a way to cope with their feelings.

Treatments for dermatillomania

The treatment of dermatillomania is often difficult and complicated, but it can be done. In general, the treatment involves two main approaches: behavioral modification therapy and medication.

• Behavioural-Modification-Therapy: This type of therapy helps people develop better coping skills and identify triggers that may cause them to pick at their skin. The goal is to replace the compulsive behaviour with healthier ways of dealing with stress or other triggers. Types of behavioral modification therapy that may be used include cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and exposure therapy.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be used in combination with behavioral modification therapy to help manage the symptoms of dermatillomania. The most common types of medications used for treating dermatillomania include SSRIs.

So, this is all you need to know about Dermatillomania. For more information, we suggest you to visit BFRB Online.