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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Colleen D. on June 21, 2004, at 14:10:13
I cannot stop. It doesn't help that I have a skin condition, keratosis pilaris, which makes little bumps from deposits of scale in the hair folicles. I go on vacation July 10 - 17 at the lake with family and close friends and I'm totally disgusted with how my skin looks. I can't imagine wearing a swimsuit. The picking has decreased a bit since I began taking Effexor XL about a month ago, but I need to come up with a way to STOP IT!
Please tell me there is someone out there with the same crazy problem(s) I have. I would love to hear from you!
Thanks!
Colleen,
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by justyourlaugh on June 21, 2004, at 14:27:55
In reply to I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by Colleen D. on June 21, 2004, at 14:10:13
hi,
alot has been written about this, check out the "borderline personality web sites"
doctors their suggest increasing the effexor to certain levels until you are able to get releif..
you may want to post this on the medication board too....
good luck
jyl
Posted by partlycloudy on June 21, 2004, at 14:32:54
In reply to I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by Colleen D. on June 21, 2004, at 14:10:13
Hi, Colleen. I like how you put your dx at the end like it's an earned degree - not far wrong!!
I have the same condition (un dx'd but I sure know a chronic condition like this when I see it!) and I know what it's like to all of a sudden to have your arms exposed when you have been "working" on them. The effexor will help, but it took me a long time to feel its effects. The whole "use a soap free, gentle cleanser, don't scrub too hard, blah blah blah" does work. I find that using a moisturizer with Alpha Hydroxy in it (fruity acids) really speeds up the healing process. Generally I find that if I keep my arms moisturized, it's not as bad. Also, I often imagine that the bumps are itching me, like hives? And that an antihistamine like Claritin helps with the sensation.
Cosmetically, try wearing gauzy tops or coverups so your upper arms are hidden but not restricted and sweaty. If I can't see them, they don't bother me as much.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing.
Posted by TexasChic on June 22, 2004, at 8:25:21
In reply to I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by Colleen D. on June 21, 2004, at 14:10:13
I have this problem too, its a stress reliever somehow. I think its a form of self injury. Increasing my meds has helped, but the best thing to do is find something else to do with your hands, like knitting, or crosswords, or just anything to replace what you're doing. You have to have something else or you will start doing it without even knowing it (at least I do). You're not alone, this is very common.
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.
Posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:07:47
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)... » Colleen D., posted by justyourlaugh on June 21, 2004, at 14:27:55
Wow. I didn't know this was associated with BPD. I haven't seen a mental health doc in some time. Maybe it's time to get re-evaluated. Thanks!
Colleen
Posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:18:05
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)... » Colleen D., posted by partlycloudy on June 21, 2004, at 14:32:54
Hi! and thanks!
Were you on Effexor for long? And how much were you taking?
I will buy some of that moisturizer and try it. The stuff I got from the dermatologist stinks (literally) and made my urge to pick stronger because the bumps are more visable when I use it.
My bumps don't really itch; there are just lots of them and I find myself picking unconsciously when I detect less than a smooth surface running my hands over certain areas of my skin. It's really really hard for me to ignore any irregularity. My wardrobe is pretty much limited to tops that cover my upper arms as I would NEVER wear a tank because it would encourage me to pick! I don't think I'll even try on my swimsuit before I go...I probably won't wear it at all.
Thanks again for your reply. It helps a lot to think things through and hear from someone who *understands.*
Posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:21:33
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)., posted by TexasChic on June 22, 2004, at 8:25:21
May I ask what meds you are on and what your dx is?
You would think that with 3 young children my hands would be busy enough to keep me from doing it! I will keep your suggestion in mind and try not to let my hands be idle. ;-)
Thanks for your reply!
Posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:29:03
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)., posted by spoc on June 22, 2004, at 10:59:47
Thanks for the weath of info!
I don't spend much time on my face, but the mirror suggestions might help with other exposed areas of my body when I am forced to wear summer clothing! I DO wear long sleeves and pants most of the time at home to prevent me from seeing and feeling my bumps; perhaps it's time to make it a rule like you said.
I'll check into the products you mentioned. Thanks for giving me your source as I live in a very rural area where special items are scarce!
Posted by partlycloudy on June 22, 2004, at 12:12:27
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)... » partlycloudy, posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:18:05
I'm still on Effexor XR, at 150mg, as well as Wellbutrin XL.
Once I sprung for a REALLY expensive lotion with those fruity acids in them. I'm talking $50 for a way too small bottle (I think I bought it at Sephora, it has a doctor's endorsement on it). It actually cleared my arms up but I could not justify putting something more expensive than gold on my skin!!
One last thing - try putting on lotion before you go to bed.
Posted by spoc on June 22, 2004, at 19:36:19
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh). » spoc, posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:29:03
Hey, also wanted to suggest that you do a Google search for sites devoted to this. Or having large areas devoted to it. I know I came across one awhile ago that I think may have even had a forum. This is also said to be a form of, or related to, trichotillomania, which I always thought was only the compulsive hair pulling one. Here is a Google search I did using both terms, and I see many sites have relevant info:
I didn't search skin picking alone, but can see that there are a lot of great topic-specific sites in this area.
Posted by TexasChic on June 23, 2004, at 8:26:08
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh). » TexasChic, posted by Colleen D. on June 22, 2004, at 11:21:33
My (informal) dx is depression and anxiety with obssesive compulsive tendencies. But I think I am more OCD than my pdoc realizes. I feel like the picking is a compulsive thing. I am currently taking Prozac at 60 mg. My pdoc said it is used for OCD at the higher dosage (normal dosage is 20mg - 40mg). It helps some, but not completely. I feel for you having the skin condition. That would be hard for me to leave alone too. I mostly just do it to scabs (or sometimes just bumbs, like a mosquito bite), never letting them heal, and getting scars from it. But the Prozac does help to a certain extent.
Posted by littlep24 on June 24, 2004, at 18:52:58
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)., posted by spoc on June 22, 2004, at 10:59:47
I actually have a similar experience. I call it chicken skin the bumps on my upper arms. Also I have large pores on my nose and chin, ok I know this is gross, I am always trying to squeeze the blackheads away. I am the one you see driving with her mirror down and picking at her face. I have tried numerous alpha hydroxy products but the thing that has helped me is skin toner you buy it for 99 cents and it has helped my arms and my face.
Ok I have to do this WOW I gave somebody on this board advice what a good day for me.
Posted by littlep24 on June 24, 2004, at 18:55:44
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)., posted by TexasChic on June 22, 2004, at 8:25:21
What is it about effexor that it would stop the picking? Or is it other meds you have increased? Actually, I have been told it is self-injury.
Posted by spoc on June 24, 2004, at 19:38:38
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh). » spoc, posted by littlep24 on June 24, 2004, at 18:52:58
Hi! I guess it's all probably the same thing(s), but I felt particularly excuse-less because there wasn't actually anything there, no skin condition. I would *look* for there to be things to pick at. Only my face really, just leaning in to the mirror and looking for as long as it took to find something (that nobody but me would ever notice)!
I do think many people have a strange enjoyment of picking, one of the odd sides of human nature that we hear gross jokes about from time to time. So something common lies beneath. BUT -- most know better when to quit of course! I never quite had the sense that it was related in my case to self injury, but I don't know a lot about that.
Anyway you're right, toner/astringent really helps a lot with prevention in general. I agree that inexpensive brands work fine.
-----
> I actually have a similar experience. I call it chicken skin the bumps on my upper arms. Also I have large pores on my nose and chin, ok I know this is gross, I am always trying to squeeze the blackheads away. I am the one you see driving with her mirror down and picking at her face. I have tried numerous alpha hydroxy products but the thing that has helped me is skin toner you buy it for 99 cents and it has helped my arms and my face.
> Ok I have to do this WOW I gave somebody on this board advice what a good day for me.
Posted by TexasChic on June 25, 2004, at 8:43:56
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh). » TexasChic, posted by littlep24 on June 24, 2004, at 18:55:44
Actually I take Prozac 60 mg. The usual dose is 20 - 40mg. My pdoc said at higher doses Prozac is known to help obsessive compulsive tendencies. It has helped some with the picking, but I feel like there has to be something better out there because I still obsessively worry and repeat things over and over in my head – both of which are OCD related. I have heard (on this board) that Effexor works well for the picking. I don't know from experience though.
Posted by sexylexy on June 25, 2004, at 19:30:57
In reply to I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by Colleen D. on June 21, 2004, at 14:10:13
Colleen,
I also have keratosis pilaris. It is so gross and there is no cure for it. The only thing that seems to help mine is being in the sunshine and a cortosone cream. I do not have OCD... more of a depression anxiety gal but I do constantly pick at it. Yuck!
Best of luck,
Lexy
Posted by tampagirl70 on June 28, 2004, at 8:05:26
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by sexylexy on June 25, 2004, at 19:30:57
i too have KP (as my dermatologist called it). he sold me some bath gel and a lotion (i thinkn its called glytone and you may only be able to get it from a dermatologist)that together cost about $50, but the stuff lasts forever because you don't need that much. its got glycolic acid in it, so after using it with a scrubbie thing in the shower and then putting hte lotion on it, you can feel a slight burn, but it goes away. it really does help. i pick at mine a lot too, but not to the point of bleeding or scabbing. i pick at my face and try to get rid of zits, sometimes making them worse than they were to begin with.
what have you tried so far to help with it?
Posted by littlep24 on June 28, 2004, at 8:25:19
In reply to Re: I need help re: COMPULSIVE SKIN PICKING (ugh)..., posted by tampagirl70 on June 28, 2004, at 8:05:26
TampaGirl,
I am not sure if you read my earlier post to this so I figured I would send it to you. I also have what I call chicken skin on my upper arms and large pores on my face that I am constantly squeezing and making worse. I have tried some expensive creams and lotions that work ok. Currently I use skin toner that you buy for 99 cents and it really helps clear your pores up.
littlep
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