The primary characteristic of Skin Picking Disorder (also known as Dermatillomania or Excoriation) is the repetitive picking at one's own skin to the extent of causing damage. Usually, but not always, the face is the primary location for skin picking.

However, Skin Picking Disorder may involve any part of the body. Individuals with Skin Picking Disorder may pick at normal skin variations such as freckles and moles, at actual pre-existing sores or acne, or at imagined skin defects that nobody else can observe. Individuals with Dermatillomania may also use their fingernails or teeth, as well as tweezers, pins or other mechanical devices. As a result, Skin Picking Disorder may cause bleeding, bruises, infections, and/or permanent disfigurement of the skin.

Sometimes skin picking is preceded by a high level of tension and a strong "itch" or "urge". Likewise, skin-picking may be followed by a feeling of relief or pleasure. A skin picking episode may be a conscious response to anxiety or depression, but is frequently done as an unconscious habit. Individuals with Skin Picking Disorder often attempt to camouflage the damage caused to their skin by using make-up or wearing clothes to cover the subsequent marks and scars. In extreme cases, individuals with Dermatillomania may avoid social situations in an effort to prevent others from seeing the scars, scabs, and bruises that result from skin picking.

As demonstrated above, Skin Picking Disorder / Dermatillomania has obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

TREATMENT

The primary treatment modality for Skin Picking Disorder is a combination of various types of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Perhaps the most important of these is called Habit Reversal Training (HRT). HRT is based on the principle that skin picking is a conditioned response to specific situations and events, and that the individual with Dermatillomania is frequently Dermatillomania. First, the individual learns how to become more consciously aware of situations and events that trigger skin picking episodes. Second, the individual learns to utilize alternative behaviors in response to these situations and events.

Among these are Stimulus Control techniques and Cognitive Restructuring. Stimulus Control techniques involve utilizing specific physical items as "habit blockers" to restrict the ability to pick skin, while Cognitive Restructuring helps an individual with Dermatillomania learn to think differently in response to the urge to pick their skin.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF SKIN PICKING DISORDER / DERMATILLOMANIA

Wellbeing Center offers individual therapy for the treatment of adults, children, and adolescents with Skin Picking Disorder / Dermatillomania.

Using the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques outlined above, clients with Skin Picking Disorder learn to respond differently to thoughts about their skin, and to resist the urge to pick their skin.

We have two mental health therapists on staff, and offer services six days a week, including evenings and Saturdays. If you would like to discuss treatment options, please contact us.

GROUP THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF SKIN PICKING DISORDER

We offer weekly, low-fee, therapy/support groups for adults with OCD and related conditions, including a group exclusively for adults with Skin Picking Disorder and Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder). This group is led by one of our professional staff therapists.

Our weekly Dermatillomania / Trichotillomania group is held on Saturday afternoons, and is limited to eight (8) participants. For more information and for registration on this group, contact us.

TELEPHONE AND ONLINE THERAPY FOR SKIN PICKING DISORDER / DERMATILLOMANIA

We also offer webcam based online therapy and telephone therapy to clients around the world suffering from Skin Picking Disorder / Dermatillmania. Telephone and online therapy are cost-effective options for clients who have physical and/or psychological limitations that restrict their ability to come to our office, and for those in remote areas who cannot find Dermatillomania ( Skin Picking Disorder ) treatment close to their home.

Telephone and internet therapy have repeatedly been found to be safe and effective in numerous research studies, and have been legal in California, USA since 1997. If you would like to learn more about telephone and online therapy for Skin Picking Disorder / Dermatillomania, please contact us.

INTENSIVE TREATMENT FOR SKIN PICKING DISORDER / DERMATILLOMANIA

We also offer an intensive treatment program for adults, adolescents, and children with Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder. This program is designed to meet the needs of those for whom standard outpatient Dermatillomania treatment is either unavailable or insufficient. Our intensive outpatient program is ideal for clients from other states or countries who cannot find effective treatment near to their homes, and for those whose symptoms require a more rigorous treatment protocol. The Psychotherapists usually collaborate with Dermatologists for optimal skin care and holistic treatment.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder, and would like to discuss treatment or a consultation, please call or email us. 

To your health and wellbeing.