I have dermatophagia (compulsion of gnawing on skin usually around fingers) and dermatillomania (skin picking disorder) and I was just wondering if anyone else has this and what you do to help stop?

I have it. 1) Identify and eliminate triggers. 2) Take care of yourself and reduce stress. Accept your hardships. 3) Live in the moment. Spend less time inside your head - have activities that keep you occupied. 4) Talk about it online or tell someone you trust. Helps lots to open up, as it lessens shame!

Yes! There are others who have Dermatophagia. While not completely common, it does occur in a few people. This is usually brought on anxiety and can be prevented by taking your mind off things for a while. Take up a new hobby or skill, Some medications can help and so can cognitive behavioural therapy.

I don’t have this but I do have a compulsion where I bite at, and pick pieces off, my tongue :( it’s really painful and it bleeds / scars. My dentist says I have pre cancerous cells on my tongue... so I try to remind myself of that when I’m biting/picking. I just try to remember it isn’t good for me, but I also don’t beat myself up for doing it because that’ll just make the compulsion grow bigger. I would say maybe look at the clock and give yourself 5 mins or so of doing something else, just try to refocus your attention. I have the 5 min rule for myself and often times after 5 mins if I feel the same, I either start over or just give myself permission to do it. I think it’s better to let yourself fail here and there. Try to wait 5 mins or so (whatever number works for you) and give yourself permission to do it after... usually I feel much better after the 5 mins, or I will have the desire to add another 5 as a self-challenge. Things work better when I make them a game. I hope it works for u!