Dermatillomania, also known as skin-picking disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterized by the repetitive and compulsive urge to pick at one's skin, leading to skin lesions and tissue damage.
Dermatillomania, also known as skin-picking disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterized by the repetitive and compulsive urge to pick at one’s skin, leading to skin lesions and tissue damage.
Individuals with dermatillomania find it challenging to resist the impulse to pick, scratch, or dig into their skin, often resulting in open sores, scabs, and scars. The act of skin picking typically provides a sense of relief or gratification, but this is commonly followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress. The behavior can become a habitual and compulsive response to stress, anxiety, boredom, or other emotional triggers.
The exact cause of dermatillomania is not well-defined but similar to trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Dermatillomania can affect various parts of the body, with common target areas including the face, arms, hands, and other exposed skin. The consequences of dermatillomania extend beyond the physical damage to the skin. Social isolation, decreased self-esteem, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships can result from the visible signs of skin picking. Individuals may attempt to conceal their skin lesions with clothing or makeup, further contributing to distress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) empowers you to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to dermatillomania. In a supportive and collaborative environment, our experienced therapists help you obtain freedom from dermatillomania.
Building Coping Strategies: Through CBT, we work together to build a toolkit of practical strategies. This includes recognizing triggers, challenging negative thoughts, and finding alternative behaviors to replace skin picking.
Empowering Change: CBT isn’t just about managing symptoms – it’s about reclaiming control over your life. By fostering self-awareness and providing effective tools, we empower you to break free from the cycle of dermatillomania.
Medication can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and enhancing the effectiveness of CBT for dermatillomania.
Our approach involves a careful integration of CBT and medication, depending on patient preferences and clinical need, to address both the biological and psychological aspects of dermatillomania.
Your Unique Path to Freedom From Dermatillomania
Our goal is to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique.
Dermatillomania, manifests through a distinct set of symptoms that encompass both the physical act of picking and the psychological consequences.
Individuals with dermatillomania often experience significant psychological distress, including feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. The preoccupation with skin imperfections and the inability to control the picking behavior can contribute to diminished self-esteem and negatively impact overall quality of life.
Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder, involves compulsive skin picking. It can be linked to anxiety, stress, or a desire for perfection. Factors like genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences may contribute.
CBT for skin picking and and other BFRBs entail:
While a dermatologist primarily deals with skin conditions, they may not specialize in treating the underlying psychological aspects of dermatillomania. Mental health professionals, such as therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists, are more suitable for addressing the compulsive behavior and providing appropriate therapy or interventions. It’s advisable to consult both a dermatologist and a mental health professional for comprehensive care.
Yes, dermatillomania, officially known as excoriation disorder, is a diagnosable mental health condition. A qualified mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, can assess and diagnose dermatillomania based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
At Light On Anxiety, we understand that mental health is a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors. That's why we offer CBT therapy services, medication management and neuropsychological testing solutions within one seamless organization. No more bouncing around the healthcare system, dealing with fragmentation, wait-lists, and lack of care coordination. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience so you can get back to living your best life, which is what we all deserve.
