Posted by spoc on June 22, 2004, at 10:59:47
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)., posted by TexasChic on June 22, 2004, at 8:25:21
I used to do this to my face, so what helped me may not help someone who goes after other areas too. These sound ridiculously simplistic, but they were extremely effective for me.
I knew that I would not pick *immediately* before I left to go somewhere. So, at all other times when home, I stopped turning on the bathroom light when I went in to use it, since there really was enough light in there anyway (no window, but you could cover it if yours has one that provides too much light) without one on. Enough light to do what I had to, but NOT enough to see my face in enough detail to notice anything. You could put a nightlight in there if it will be too dark with no light on.
Then, I also started leaving my bathroom medicine cabinet mirror open (or you could cover yours), so that it wouldn't be readily available to glance in until I needed to close it to get ready to go somewhere.
Perhaps those who also pick at other areas could try making it a firm rule to have on long pants and sleeves or something completely covering like that while at home. Probably still wouldn't be as effective as the "facial detail avoidance" tricks, since at other times you may still notice things you want to go at later. But it may still help reduce the tendency.
I also employed skin care methods that reduced whatever was there in the first place. For me, the biggest difference came with beginning to (other than when showering) clean my face using only mild astringent and cotton pads, or those pre-treated facial wipes that are made by many companies now. Followed by a high-percentage glycolic acid dermatologic product by MD Forte, available in three strengths and containing no moisturizers. There are stronger-than-average body formulations made by some brands too (Gly Derm is one. I use the web site Skinstore.com for most of my products. Many are usually only sold in doctor's offices, and are not exactly "prescription" items, but can't be found in drug stores).
This method of washing my face not only provided deeper pore cleansing through the mild daily exfoliation of the pads/cloths, but most key -- also kept me out of the mirror!!!! All just little psychological tricks I played on myself, but I can't tell you what a difference they made for me. No more waking up to tell-tale soreness that confirmed I'd started another infection.
Overall, these were little technical tweaks that added up to me virtually quitting this habit that I'd had all my life. After several months, the drive to zero in and check things out even when I didn't have these barriers in place was clearly greatly reduced. They say it takes X number of times doing something differently to break a habit, so maybe that was it. (I know there can be much more than "habit" behind these compulsions, but I'm sure I was an actual case of compulsion too, and these worked.)
I know how you feel, it's horrible. Good luck!!!!
P.S... on the subject of skin care products, I also *highly* recommend the product Kinerase lotion or cream. It not only has some of the few medically proven tone/wrinkle/blotchiness improvement actions, but while exceeding gentle (enough to be used immediately after surgeries), it is also used for some skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. This product too may have contributed to my much smoother, more even-toned and less clogged skin now. Like the other products mentioned above, It can also be obtained from either dermatologists/plastic surgeons, or by Internet.
poster:spoc
thread:358660
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040619/msgs/359006.html