What does having dermatillomania entail?
Constant need to pick any imperfections on the skin. Dry spots or bumps need to be removed.
Do you have other related conditions?
Not sure
Do you know what may have caused it?
I know stress is a big trigger. OCD is another factor
When did you first start picking?
For as long as I can remember
When were you diagnosed with dermatillomania?
For as long as I can remember
How did you feel knowing that there was a word for what you had? How did your diagnosis help?
It was comforting knowing that other people struggle with it and that I’m not just some weird kid picking their skin.
What symptoms do you experience? What areas do you usually pick?
The constant need to peel skin on my fingers. If there are dry spots or anything that’s not normal feeling skin I need to peel it. I pick my nails too because sometimes I feel like there are little hangnail pieces underneath my nail and they need to be removed.
How often do you pick?
All day every day
What are your triggers?
Stress usually, but happens absentmindedly as well
How would you describe how you feel when you pick at your skin?
It’s relieving to pick it’s like scratching an itch
Have you ever been caught picking?
Most likely, people have mentioned the state of my fingers before.
How does dermatillomania affect your day-to-day life?
At work people can see my fingers, I can’t go to a nail salon because they judge me and it can be unsafe, it’s unsettling to others. I feel shameful when doing anything that involves my hands because I know others can see them.
Are there any potentially dangerous aspects to having dermatillomania? Have you experienced any?
The open wounds can cause infections. I have not experienced any issues with that yet.
Can you recall any big moments in your life that was shaped by having dermatillomania?
I teach at an elementary school and I can remember the feeling when a kid asked “why are your fingers so red?”. It’s extremely embarrassing
Do you tell people you have dermatillomania or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
Sometimes if people notice I tell them
Have you developed mechanisms to manage it?
Putting fake nails on or painting nails help.
Have you had any treatment to help? How effective are they?
None
Have you experienced any sort of stigma for having dermatillomania? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?
Just the reaction people have when they see my fingers and don’t understand
What is your general outlook on your condition?
It’s annoying to live with and embarrassing
Have you lost opportunities due to having dermatillomania?
No