What is it?

Skin picking (excoriation) disorder is a mental health condition. It's picking at, rubbing, or scratching an area of skin over and over. Common areas may include the face, head, or skin around the nails. Picking can cause damage to the skin, including scars. It can also make it hard for wounds to heal.

What causes it?

This condition is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. But it can also be seen with other conditions. Stress, anxiety, and anger can make skin picking worse. Some people may also pick at their skin when they're bored or tired.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Picking at your skin over and over.
• Having wounds that are not able to heal fully.
• Having scars from picking.
• Continuing to pick at the skin despite previous attempts to stop.
• Avoiding public places because of the look of the sores or scars.

How is it treated?

Therapy is often used to help treat this condition. This may include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
• Habit reversal therapy (HRT).
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

These treatments can help you manage symptoms by helping you change your thoughts and behaviour patterns. They may also help you manage stress. In some cases, you may also be given medicines.

If skin picking is made worse by stress, managing your emotions may help. Some people find that activities like yoga or aerobic exercise can help with stress.

You may also have treatment to heal or repair any wounds from picking at your skin.