skin picking disorder: do you know the signs of dermatillomania?

picking episodes can last a few minutes to an hour or more, according to anxiety canada , but skin picking disorder can consume additional hours every day if one includes the period of anticipation prior to a picking episode. during this time, a person will usually be distracted from work or any other activity they may be engaged in. if the behaviour leads to scarring or injury, skin picking can take a heavy toll on the quality of life and mental health of patients who may be inclined to skip social or other events in an attempt to hide lesions or scabs. dermatillomania can also carry a hefty financial strain if medical treatment is required to address any damage done.

dermatillomania symptoms

signs of dermatillomania include a combination of thoughts and beliefs, physical feelings, emotions and behaviours that might not be immediately identifiable. patients can feel compelled to pick at an imperfection to make it look better or to obtain relief from a growing sense of anxiety related to an external event. these intense feelings can leave patients powerless to control the behaviour and embarrassed for others to see the results. symptoms can include:

• scratching, digging or picking
• feeling a sense of internal arousal or mounting tension prior to picking
• feeling relief or pleasure during or after picking
• scars and lesions
• exhaustion and fatigue
• feeling a loss of control
• frustration and anger
• guilt, shame or embarrassment

diagnosing skin picking disorder

according to healthline , determining if a patient has a skin picking disorder begins with a physical examination by a doctor who will ask about symptoms and the thoughts and behaviours that accompany them. there is no simple test to arrive at a diagnosis but other procedures may be required to rule out other conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. if a skin picking disorder is suspected, a patient will likely be referred to a mental health professional who is better equipped to make a diagnosis, usually with help from the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders .

skin picking disorder treatment

preventing skin picking disorder

prevalence of skin picking disorder

numbers vary due to the underrecognized nature of the condition, but according to one study, skin picking disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 3.1 per cent among the canadian population. research suggests it occurs more commonly in women than men.

support for skin picking disorder

anxiety canada offers information about skin picking disorder and find support for a range of related conditions. the site also contains a link to an app that uses scientific-based strategies to help patients learn to relax, be mindful and begin to take control of their anxieties.

dave yasvinski is a writer with    healthing.ca

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skin picking disorder: do you know the signs of dermatillomania?

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