Trichotillomania

I pick at my skin compulsively. Not exactly the same but similar. I almost always have spots on my face. Recently i was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis- a facial rash that causes a bunch of white heads and extremely sensitive skin. And well when it was not treated every time i would see a white head i would pick it. I feel like i literally can’t help it well i guess that’s the definition of a compulsion. I had to cover up mirrors with towel and duct tape so i dont pick (my therapist’s advice) and im still working on not picking without looking but i have to keep my hands busy with different things -fidget spinners, squishy toys, petting my cat. But I haven’t totally conquered it yet . Im on creams for the rash and thats making it so theres less bumps to pick but if there is one i have to stop myself and find something different to do with my hands and see how long i can tolerate it and then next time it may be longer and longer

(This is a copied comment that I posted in response to someone else with a skin picking issue but it may still be relevant for your post) Hello, I used to have a skin picking issue. I still have moments where I do it but it is not as bad as when I first found out/had been diagnosed. I started by cutting my nails and reciting mantras to myself. It was really affecting my self worth and confidence. It also was becoming grotesque to others and they were judgmental, and although that doesn't help; I used that to fuel myself into different thinking. I repeatedly convinced myself that it would be better to switch to something else and find a way to take my mind off of stuff if I had those urges. I also had issues, and urges with cutting my hair. I made a positive change and told myself it is better to be able to look in the mirror and not find flaws but to find things you'd like to improve, and then once you make progress you will feel better, and more fulfilled. Now I can say, my skin is clearing. Nothing is wrong with my scars. My hair is getting healthier. I'm growing out my hair. It is safe for it to not be perfect but it is not safe for me to keep finding imperfections. I am more than my urges and ruminations. I am stronger than my thoughts and needs to act on compulsions as well. All this is to say, I really hope you may be able to take any of these into account for yourself. ERP for ocd is also helpful. I hope this can make you feel at peace in some way if you're open to taking it into consideration! Good luck, you've got this :) *also (I believe) you can look into "just right" ocd subtype. When it comes to needing even symmetry with things. I also struggle with this as well. And I agree with trying to use anything to help with healing, or covering up so you don't feel more compulsions to pick and stuff.