What is Skin Picking?
Skin picking can involve scanning for imperfections, picking at perceived irregularities, and then feeling trapped by shame or physical consequences. Treatment targets the cycle gently and directly.
Common signs and symptoms
- Repeated picking at skin, scabs, blemishes, bumps, or perceived imperfections
- Time lost in mirrors, bathrooms, phones, or grooming routines
- Bleeding, scarring, infection risk, or pain
- Avoiding clothing, intimacy, photos, or social situations
- Difficulty stopping once picking begins
How Westwood Institute treats it
- Habit reversal and competing response training
- Stimulus control for mirrors, tweezers, lighting, and routines
- CBT for perfectionism and appearance concerns
- Emotion regulation and urge-surfing tools
- Practical wound-care boundaries when needed