Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder)

Excoriation Disorder, also known as dermatillomania or skin-picking disorder, involves recurrent picking at one's own skin, resulting in skin lesions and significant distress or functional impairment. Individuals often attempt to stop the behavior but find it extremely difficult to resist the urge. It is classified among the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and is treated with behavioral therapy and sometimes medication.

⚠️Symptoms

• Recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions
• Repeated attempts to stop
• Clinically significant distress or impairment
• Scarring or infection from picking

🔍Causes

• Stress, anxiety, or boredom as triggers
• Genetic predisposition
• Often co-occurs with OCD or body dysmorphic disorder

💊Treatment Options

• Habit reversal training
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• SSRIs medication
• Stimulus control strategies