what is skin picking

Skin picking is a disorder characterized by repetitively and compulsively picking, squeezing, or digging into one's own skin. It often occurs in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, and can cause physical and emotional distress. Symptoms can include scabs, scars, and lesions on the skin, as well as feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. Treatment for skin picking disorder typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups.

why do people skin pick

Skin picking is a type of repetitive behavior that can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, anxiety, boredom, trauma, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can have a serious impact on a person's mental and physical health, as it can lead to skin damage and infections. People may pick at their skin to try to relieve their stress or to feel in control of their body, but it can actually have the opposite effect and cause more distress. It's important to seek help from a mental health professional if you or someone you know is struggling with skin picking.