Skin Picking: Is It Anxiety or a Deeper Issue?

Q: Skin Picking: Is It Anxiety or a Deeper Issue?

1. Do I need to see a doctor? A： If it has caused disruptions in your daily life, it is necessary to see a doctor. 2. How can I stop the behavior of skin picking? A： Medication treatment combined with psychotherapy. 3. This month, there were two nigh

Constantly scratching the scalp?

Hello Doctor: I have had the habit of picking at my scalp since high school.
Even when reminded, I can't stop myself from picking, which has caused wounds on my scalp (I'm really worried that my hair won't grow back).
This happens especially when I'm studying, working, or before sleeping.
Now, I don't just pick at my scalp; I also pick at the outer sides of my ears, the edges of my nails, my lips, and I even look for scabs to pick at.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Do I need to see a doctor? 2.
How can I stop this skin-picking behavior? 3.
Additionally, there have been two nights this month when I inexplicably felt my heart racing, had difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, and the surrounding sounds seemed louder.
I started to fear that I might die or that there could be natural disasters or wars (I found similar symptoms online related to panic disorder?).
After a while, these feelings disappeared without explanation.
Based on all of the above (including the skin-picking), do I have an anxiety disorder? Thank you, Dr.
Wu, for your answers.

Anna, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/01

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

1.
Do I need to see a doctor? A: If it has caused disruptions in your daily life, it is necessary to see a doctor.

2.
How can I stop the behavior of skin picking? A: Medication treatment combined with psychotherapy.

3.
This month, there were two nights when I inexplicably felt my heart racing, had difficulty breathing, stomach pain, nausea, and the surrounding sounds seemed amplified.
I started to fear that I might die or that there could be a natural disaster or war (I looked online and found something similar to panic disorder?).
After a while, these feelings inexplicably disappeared.
Based on the above symptoms (including skin picking), could this be anxiety disorder? A: It is possible, according to Dr.
Wu Enliang.

Reply Date: 2023/11/01

More Info

Understanding skin picking, also known as dermatillomania, can be complex as it often intertwines with psychological factors such as anxiety and stress. Your experience of compulsively picking at your scalp, ears, and other areas, leading to wounds and concerns about hair growth, suggests that this behavior may be a coping mechanism for underlying anxiety or emotional distress.

1. Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Yes, it would be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional, particularly a dermatologist and a mental health specialist. A dermatologist can assess the physical damage caused by your skin-picking behavior and provide treatment options for any wounds or skin conditions that may have developed. A mental health professional can help you explore the psychological aspects of your behavior, including anxiety and compulsive tendencies. They can offer strategies and therapies to help manage and reduce the urge to pick at your skin.

2. How to Stop Skin Picking?
Stopping skin picking can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help:
- Awareness and Mindfulness: Keep a journal to track when and why you pick your skin. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to avoid them.

- Substituting Behaviors: Find alternative activities to occupy your hands, such as squeezing a stress ball, knitting, or using fidget toys.

- Barrier Methods: Consider wearing gloves or bandages on areas you tend to pick to physically prevent access to your skin.

- Therapeutic Techniques: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing compulsive behaviors. A therapist can work with you to develop coping mechanisms and challenge the thoughts that lead to skin picking.

- Support Groups: Joining a support group for individuals with similar experiences can provide encouragement and accountability.

3. Understanding Your Anxiety Symptoms:
The symptoms you described—rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, and heightened sensitivity to sounds—are indicative of anxiety or panic attacks. These episodes can be distressing and may contribute to a cycle of anxiety that exacerbates your skin-picking behavior. It’s important to address these symptoms with a healthcare provider, as they can help determine if you are experiencing an anxiety disorder and suggest appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

Is This Anxiety Disorder?
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, particularly if these feelings of panic occur frequently and interfere with your daily life. Anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms, compulsive behaviors, and overwhelming feelings of fear or dread. A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and help you understand the underlying causes of your anxiety.

Conclusion:
In summary, your skin-picking behavior and anxiety symptoms warrant professional evaluation and intervention. Seeking help from both dermatological and mental health professionals can provide you with a comprehensive approach to managing your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective treatments available to help you regain control over your behaviors and improve your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Struggling with Focus and Anxiety: Understanding Your Mental Health

Hello doctor, I have noticed that I really struggle to focus (it takes a lot of willpower...) which makes studying particularly difficult. Additionally, during exams, I tend to pick at my hands until they are covered in wounds (sometimes even bleeding). If I don't pick, I ca...

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry
You are under too much stress! When stress arises, you unconsciously engage in skin picking to alleviate anxiety, and it has become a habit. However, skin picking only provides temporary relief from anxiety and does not address the underlying stress, potentially leading to furthe...

Uncontrollable Face Picking: Understanding the Psychological Struggle

Hello, I am about to turn 22 this year. My facial skin did not have any acne issues during puberty, nor did I have any allergies. However, at some point, I started to unconsciously want to pick at my facial skin with my fingers, even though there are no pimples or blemishes on my...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: It seems that these compulsive behaviors may be related to anxiety. If this is causing significant distress, it is advisable to seek help from a nearby mental health facility. Dr. Wu En-Liang.

Understanding Lip Picking: OCD or Anxiety Disorder?

Hello, doctor. I am a senior student. For the past three years, my family has been constantly reminding me not to pick at my lips, but I don't know why I can't control it. In my memory, I started pulling my hair in elementary school, and during my third year of junior h...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Joseph, thank you for your question. I can tell that this situation is causing you a lot of distress. Many people exhibit repetitive behaviors to alleviate anxiety, such as leg shaking, nail-biting, or skin picking. Some individuals can regulate the frequency of these behavi...

Understanding Skin Picking: Is It a Sign of OCD?

Hello doctor, I have developed a habit of picking at the skin of my ears over the past two years. I have sensitive skin, which has caused the skin on my ears to become rough. I have seen a dermatologist and used medication, and it was getting better, but I can't help but unc...

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry
Based on your description, it does not seem to align with the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, the habitual picking of ear skin may likely stem from your anxiety. It might be a good idea to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.