Healing Picked Skin & Scabs | Dermatillomania

[@esta_grace7437]

Literally about to cry hearing this. I have a severe problem with picking. It makes me feel ugly and uncomfortable without makeup or w swimming. I get so frustrated with myself when I pick but I can’t seem to stop especially during times of high anxiety. Thank you. Makes me feel like I’m not a monster and not alone. Much love.

[@paige6028]

OMG I had NO IDEA this was a "thing" & I feel so much better knowing that I'm not alone. THANK YOU! I've been a picker for years SO BAD & my husband never understood & it bothered him so I would pick somewhere that nobody could see it & then it REALLY became an issue in our intimate relationship because it was on my bum! I mean it was COVERED in sores & I'd have bloody sheets. I would always find myself hiding the bloody spots until I could get them in the washer. Everytime they would start to heal completely I'd tear it open again. I LOVED it! It's been a few years now & I do have some scars. I honestly don't know HOW I managed to quit. I do find myself picking at my scalp now but NOTHING like before. My husband was in the hospital & had a major operation & I had to help with his wound care & he used that tagaderm & I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE IT & NOW I understand why! I enjoy picking it off! Thank you SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!

[@paige6028]

I wanted to add that my upper arms suffer from eczema & I have been scratching them a lot lately & now have sores on both arms. Of course bc of my picking problem it's taking them WAYYYY longer to heal than the average person but I find so much pleasure & satisfaction in picking them. I think sometimes it's a control thing for me as well as a way to hide emotional pain. Kinda like cutters. I think the two are VERY SIMILAR. I started noticing when I pick the most which was when I'm alone & start thinking & my brain starts racing. In order to "not go to those hurtful places" I start picking as a distraction or an alternative way to release pain. So once I started noticing when I'd pick I would make myself find something else to do even if it was the middle of the night. I still can NOT BELIEVE I FOUND OTHER PEOPLE THAT DO THIS. I FEEL SO RELIEVED. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[@chapmans84]

they assume your on meth

[@salifyanjisimbaya2304]

most depressing part is when you meet people and they constantly looking at your scab or acne scar 😢 thank you for this

[@melisamorris2858]

I'm a skin picker. I don't even notice time passing by. When I start picking I can't stop. Like I can't function unless I finish picking off the scab. But if it itches it feels so so good to me to pick them. It's my stress relief.

[@elantewhitehead6531]

Omg! I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I see a scab and I just have to get it then I start searching for more and I’ll just be stuck till I feel like I’ve gotten them all

[@melisamorris2858]

@@elantewhitehead6531 It helps my stress

[@ktsdiy6034]

That’s me I can’t stop till it feels smooth and scab gone I’m obsessed when I can’t get it

[@kor6973]

Yes! Im the same way, I must, i must, i must increase my.... not picking my scabs!! 😂 thanks!!

[@SorceressKana]

I'm so glad I found you 😭 I've never realized it could be a condition

[@kaylacav]

Thank you for posting about this❤ Skin picking has been & still is my biggest insecurity. Especially since most of my picking is on my face. It’s just so hard to stop, I know that it’s destroying my face & I’ve been doing it for so many years that I can see all the craters & scars that have formed, and it just makes me feel so ashamed of myself. I wish I could have the self control. I know that there are other people who also feel this way, but it’s tough when nobody in my life can relate. That all my friends & family say to “just stop picking”. I really wish it was that easy. Going to give this method a try!

[@ilovenycsomuch]

Man everything you said is so relatable, I will definitely check out that film tagaderm thing, I’m always looking for ways to seal off my skin

[@miap6844]

Hi everyone! I thought I’d mention this in case it is useful. I have been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, OCD (and a few additional psychiatric disorders). The anxiety and OCD have brought about severe skin picking since I was young. Recently, I’ve found that using sensory items has eased my picking. I typically pick at my skin when I am anxious, irritated or bored. Especially when at home, I’ve found that reaching for something sensory - such as play-dough - has worked when I feel the need to skin-pick. Rolling it between my hands/giving my hands something to interact with (knitting is another good one) seems to distract very well. If I feel the need to skin-pick when at work or in public, I purchased a sensory/nervous energy ring and necklace. Rolling the beads on my ring or necklace takes away some of the nervous energy and keeps my skin-picking fingers busy!

[@mamam3066]

How’d you get diagnosed?

[@miap6844]

@@mamam3066 I was diagnosed with OCD at 11 years of age by a psychiatrist. Since then, additional psychiatrists and psychologists I have seen confirm the diagnosis.

[@nla02]

Thank you for your bravery. I struggle with this too.

[@rainbowskittles1983]

YES!! Finally someone else who suffers from the same condition as me. I thought I was the only one with this. Sometimes my wounds last for weeks or even more because I won’t let them heal. I’ve been wondering how to heal my wounds faster. Thank you so much!

[@paige6028]

OMG.SAME.SAME.SAME!!!!

[@misskarinaleigh]

Yass! I use Sudocrem and Bepanthen at night. Helps heal faster and prevent scarring!

[@user-ej5nk5yc3l]

Sudocrem is my go to!! I love that you can’t see through it if you put enough on. When I ordered it my mom looked at me funny like, isn’t that diaper cream?😂

[@nla02]

Hi which type of bepanthen cream?

[@skateata1]

THANK YOU for being vulnerable and open about this. As you can see in the comments many are struggling. I had to find something alternative to deal with my stress so I could stop picking. Aside from not doing it at all, ointments like bacitracin or vaseline had the biggest effect for me. The scars that already settled just took time to go away.

[@loui.e0241]

Thank you so much. I have super obsessive dermatillomania. I am usually a naturally fast healer, but now im on acqutane, so I appreciate the help.

[@lindyvinson1287]

You are amazing young lady and brave! An inspiration to me. This is the only video I’ve watched of yours so far but I have subscribed and liked And shared. This reminds me of the 12 steps from AA/NA RECOVERY. First step which takes courage is ; 1. We admitted that we have become powerless. Thank you for the courage.

[@user-ej5nk5yc3l]

Thank you for posting this. I needed to hear this.

[@UpsNdownZZZ]

I have been putting antibiotic ointment on in the morning and night either with or without a band aid for years. When I can't see the spot that I normally pick it, it helps a lot with the healing process, but eventually the band aid comes off, I pick, and the process starts all over again! So frustrating!

[@jasmines5156]

I call that spot "old faithful." When get into a good place where I haven't picked much at all and I know I need to, to try and not pick everything I allow myself one pick. There's always that old faithful that is going to be a good pick that I just won't heal because it's always a good pick. It's stupid I know. BUT NO MORE!!!! I am going to do everything I can to put the knowledge and tips out there for us to stop. I am proud of you for you consistency in using the ointment and band aides!

[@mcdonaldsfries77]

So all you use is a antibiotic ointment to get rid of picked scabs? If so THABK YOU FOR TELLING NE

[@UpsNdownZZZ]

@@mcdonaldsfries77 Yes, it makes them heal so much quicker than normal!

[@kristen1324]

Thank you! My arms are a mess lately.

[@jasmines5156]

Try the tegaderm with antibiotic ointment every night, letting it breathe during the day, and I promise you'll be surprised at how quickly you can heal those spots!

[@connorfrankston5548]

Hey, thank you for being so down-to-Earth. It's great that you've come a long way and figured out so much, I think a lot of us who have issues with bothering our skin are really appreciative of what you're doing here. Even though I don't know you personally I want to say I support you in spirit and I think it shows a lot about your personality that you found resources that work for you, continue to experiment, and have the desire to share with others who can benefit from your personal experience. Keep us updated! Skin-picking and body dysmorphophobia run in my family, so I have been struggling with it for a few years now. A specific event made it much worse for a time and that's when I had to figure out how to change my behaviors. A lot of what you said is helpful. I use hydrocolloid bandages when I slip up, and I know that if I get stressed, drink too much alcohol or use some other substances like marijuana it gets worse, as my anxiety increases. So making sure to find ways to calm down and relax, like taking walks, or baths, or napping, can make a huge difference. Good luck!

[@kyrazoeschmoker11]

Thanks Jasmine, I know it can be difficult for people to talk about mental health issues like this, especially if it stems from traumatic events, which is the case for me. It can be hard to hear some of those trigger words, and I really think that those who struggle with this issue should definitely talk with a therapist or someone they trust about it. The issue tends to be more complex and runs deeper than one would think, and anything to do with the face, hair, and body is tied to a person’s identity and self-worth. Some of my strategies have been to cut my nails down as short as possible, even to the point of sensitivity, and then if the urge is extra bad, wrap bandaids around the nails too, just in case. Also, when covering up those spots with makeup, I’ve noticed that the more makeup I put on, the worse my skin looks or the more those blemishes and scabs stand out. So only adding a thin, clean layer of foundation is best, then a little bit of concealer, and then I suck it up and remind myself that I am my own worst critic and no one cares that I’m having a bad skin day because everyone struggles with something lol.

[@Superlotuswaves]

Thanks for sharing i dont feel as alone in this battle. Good luck to everyone

[@whisperonpages]

Jasmine, I am so grateful that I've found your video. It's so nice that you're talking not only about the healing of scabs, but also a lot about treating ourselves gently and making a deal with ourselves. I am always trying to find what feelings trigger the urge to skinpick in the first place and if it is something like shame or some kind of fear, I know that it is time to give my inner child some attention and reassurance. Or maybe also to switch to another task, to rest for a bit We are all beautiful no matter if we have scabs or pimples ❤️

[@rwelch9895]

I won't stop picking until the spot feels like I've gotten everything out of it. That or until the spot is a bloody mess. A scab forms or I feel like something is still there, I pick again. And repeat the cycle until I'm so ashamed of myself that I go into depression and just sleep until it's all heal.

[@lalap3899]

oh literally same. i’m glad im not the only one but im also sorry you have to go through this too

[@mushroomcactus6617]

Thank you for sharing these tips; I will try the tegaderm and see how it works out!

[@juliannelayer6620]

Hydrocolloidal bandaged have became my best friend as well!!!

[@whatever1068]

Great tips, thank you!

[@auroraharrison923]

Thank you. I feel there is hope for me to feel better about my skin 😢

[@ShinySilverBunny]

Last year a dermatologist told me to take NAC also known as n-aceytl-cysteine. It is an amino acid that helps support glutathione production in the liver which is a master antioxidant. NAC had GREATLY helped me with my picking behaviors as there are scientific studies show it does help with the urge to pick. I have OCD and I've been dealing with cystic acne and purging with tretinoin so the picking had been continuing unfortunately. I had issues with my bum before also but it's alot better and my skin is smoother because I'd get clogged follicles, etc. It took me several months of exfoliation with Cerave salicylic body wash and Cerave body cream to clear out the clogged pores so I don't have texture anymore in those areas hence, no more picking. Still have deep cysts on my jaw but I'm getting better. Anyway I have found I need NAC daily to manage the picking behavior, i think it's a possibile nutrition deficiency where it causes imbalance in brain chemistry to do these behaviors.

[@currentmood__]

Thank you so much! It so hard to find Tipps on treating that open, picked spots on the skin, so this helps a lot :)

[@velmasglasses]

Thank you sooo Much I've been suffering for a while now , and this video really inspired me . I'm going to walgreens FIRST thing tomorrow

[@Rahsgopi]

you are letting me know I am not alone thank you

[@gi.chxewon5306]

As a kid, I used to get bites all the time due to me being outside rolling around and stuff. I ALWAYS picked my scabs cause it was just tempting through ages 5-7. I stopped once I realized they were becoming scars, and I still have them to this day. I wear sweaters everyday and rarely take them off at school, I’m just self conscious of them. I’ve been trying to find something that can help and that my mom can try to do.

[@supriyalanka4784]

same, i started picking my scabs and now there’s scars there ☹️ have you found out anything that helped you yet?

[@miap6844]

I can’t thank you enough for your video! My OCD has progressively gotten worse and as a result, I’ve resorted to attacking my skin. It’s reached a point where I can only wear long sleeve shirts, as the scabs are so bad. I truly appreciate your thoughts and will give it a try! Bandages and everyday bandaids have also failed with me.

[@nadiavermaak4895]

You’re not the only one, I’ve been diagnosed with OCD and since a young age I’ve been struggling with skin picking ending in the resluts of being insecure about the scarring etc.

[@miap6844]

@@nadiavermaak4895 Recently, I’ve found that using sensory items has also eased my picking. I typically pick at my skin when I am anxious, irritated or bored. Especially when at home, I’ve found that reaching for something sensory - such as play-dough - has worked when I feel the need to skin-pick. Rolling it between my hands/giving my hands something to interact with (knitting is another good one) seems to distract very well. If I feel the need to skin-pick when at work or in public, I purchased a sensory/nervous energy ring and necklace. Rolling the beads on my ring or necklace takes away the nervous energy and keeps my skin-picking fingers busy!

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

Short sleeves are hard for me too. I mostly wear 3/4 sleeves when it's warm, but people have asked me about the scars they see. I used Wellys Acne spot bandaids and they work well. There are some less expensive ones, but you have to search online.

[@miap6844]

@@laurabrattstrom4028 Thank you!

[@NikkiEdmunds]

Hey! I pick my skin too! I hate feeling the scab so when I do, I just can’t seem to stop doing it. I know that it’s not the wisest thing to do, yet I do exactly that. What I hate the most about this, is that the area leaves a dark mark. Gross. Thank you for sharing this video

[@aiynaali4615]

Thank you so much for sharing these things!

[@veronicaabrego9924]

You are a life saver.. thank you for posting this video

[@anavargas3402]

Thank you so much is so hard for me to stop

[@cocosteel1526]

I've been suffering from OCD since I was 11 or 12. I have a tendency of picking at my face. But my worse OCD is trichotillamania. I can totally relate to you.

[@rozebonez2905]

Thank you for sharing this! You Rock! Happy New Year! Yes, you helped someone!

[@faithh6307]

I have these white spots because of picking and I’m so afraid they won’t go away 💔

[@Thelocdherb]

Me too 😢

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

I have so many pink spots🫤

[@toniasmith8822]

My body look so nasty picking it I don’t wear shorts or short sleeve shirts bathing suits or nothing

[@ICARUS766]

thank you so much I have a dance in 3 DAYS and I picked it thinking it was a mosquito bite

[@jaimeneil3444]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU

[@PattiStiles-pe1jd]

Hi. Patti here. I have only started picking recently. It's bad. Can't stop. I am 71 and never had this issue. I was diagnosed with a serious auto immune Neuro muscular disease 5 years ago. I now have severe depression and anxuety. I began having dry bumpy areas on my arm and started picking them to the point of bleeding. Got that healed and began picking upper arm. Now covered in wounds. My urge to pick happens at night. I have tried every soap and ointment. I need help.

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

Try vaseline

[@itsmetheinterrupter]

Hi Jasmine, loved your video and tips so much. This was so relatable. I'm always so skeptical about things, but will definitely buy this film. You explain things so perfectly 🫶🏾

[@aricoleman5802]

Great reco!

[@GinaGodfrey]

Great advice thank you and best wishes

[@kellylott9296]

Im almost terrified to ask this... I know other people online suffer with the same condition as i am dealing with. Who out there who has wounds, also suffer with white elasticy itchy painful papule like, plug like, carrot like in shape, fill the follicle it is in and protrude from the surface of the skin. Sometimes, when a scab is pulled off, these white itchy "plugs" will be attached to the under side of the scab. There is physical relief (not mental) when the white plugs are removed. But removal is no easy process sometimes. But this has been a never ending plague. It goes amywhere i have an open wound. I was just bit by mosquitos. And i scratched it unfortunately. And now it's there. But it is in multiple places. Ive been dealing with this nonstop for years. Ive been to my physician assistant, primary care physician, emergency room, and of course dermatologists. They tyoically think im crazy and view me as a picker. But my physician assistant did just let me submit a sample of the white plugs and they wete examined. It is undetermined but i was concerned it was fungal or parasitic (demodex mites was my concern) i was told it was neither parasitic or fungal. But what it was is still unknown to me. So many people online have so many different diagnosis. If they have one at all. But this is painful and never ending since 2017. I moved in 2019 and still experince it so it isnt environmental. I don't believe. Anyways its a horrible situation and im wondering if anyone else out there deals with these white intensely itchy and sometimes painful plugs. Am i the only one on here? I know i am not on the internet. Theres TONS of people online wirh the same issue. Ive seen photos of my identical problem. Its crazy. Bit no one answer.

[@princesskitty9651]

What can i use for the dark spots left behind from picking the scab?

[@jasminescott7865]

The healthiest i would say is fresh aloe vera gel applied daily, but that can be very slow. The quickest would be The Ordinary AHA BHA peeling solution. But please be very careful with that stuff. Please use no more than once a week. Me personally i used it once every two weeks because i have very sensitive skin.

[@11ellie7]

I use kojic acid soap and leave it on for like 30 seconds. From my research, it seems safe

[@sharielizabeth]

How do you deal with the nerve pain when the wounds are deep?

[@YogaWithHannah999]

Thank you!!!

[@savvysvlogs4002]

I pick my scabs and I have scars everywhere I’m going into middle school and I don’t want to get made fun of my scars😖

[@Snoozl]

Maybe tape your finger tips with cute bandaids everyday and keep your nails short to prevent picking? A stress toy like magnets might help too. I’m 22 and only just now coming to terms with this, I can’t imagine being a middle schooler with it!

[@0bez704]

yeah same but I'm not scared, no one really cares

[@asraaqaembek7287]

Thank you so much I’m only 12 and have so much scabs in my hand and face because I pick on it

[@heatherbesocial]

Thank you for sharing. :) However - You should never use a triple antibiotic ointment for these wounds because it's too heavy & clogs the pores! You should use a mild sensitive skin cleanser then CeraVe healing ointment then cover with a hydrocolloid skin patch for overnight. When not using the patch, substitute a sensitive skin treatment serum - like CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum that also has ceramides to repair the skin barrier & has niacynamides which helps the discoloration and potential scar.

[@SwiftieSteph302]

I’m a picker. Currently got a bunch of raw sores from flea bites. We had taken in a new cat. I pick daily. It’s bad.

[@SylvieMoon]

i have scars from picking my skin, from my acne and i have scars because of stretch marks :c i havent been able to stop picking my skin for so long it makes me sad i havent been able to stop picking at my scabs for 5 or more years

[@tonyaperry4763]

There is actually bandaids that are made with this.

[@user-od6mx2wp3w]

What are the brands

[@kristen1324]

Can you make a video on scars please?

[@jasmines5156]

This video is in the works! I just want to show the difference over a time period so its going to be about two weeks before I can get that one out. But I do have some videos to put out in the mean time. Thank you for subscribing!!

[@reneeracine2240]

Try alo vera or something for your skin. I used that for my hands and face. Also you are so pretty, can you also take away my intelligence?

[@ginam6691]

Has anyone delt with when skin wont scab and becomes spongy?

[@tanzinaimam1138]

My scab is not healing its been 2months what should i do😭😭

[@jasmines5156]

Try using some antiseptic on it. Once in the morning and once at night. Or you could try fresh aloe vera gel directly from the leaf. It has healed some of my roughest spots.

[@jessicasmith4048]

And a really AMAZING OINTMENT THAT WILL HELP START HEALING VERY QUICKLY IS Calmoseptine Ointment!! This stuff is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! BUT the only place I could get it was hospital or Dr..

[@marisela6895]

I have worn long sleeves since last fall! I’m super depressed cuz I live in Tx and it’s now summer and I can’t wear shorts or shirt sleeves. I’m going to try this so hopefully it works. Also what do y’all use for dark spots cuz I have tons now?

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

Try some loose fitting capris and light weight 3/4 sleeves or short sleeves with openings to keep cool. To heal your picks, try acne spot bandaids or vaseline. I am still struggling with this too. Best wishes!

[@sarahwilliams2331]

What ointment do you recommend x

[@juliannelayer6620]

They heal the scabs so quick

[@coraalllllll]

Sadly I can’t use those bandaid things because it’s on my scalp :( do u have any tips for that??

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

Maybe a dab of vaseline

[@KoFSmoke]

What about the already made black marks

[@sarah3gee]

Does it hurt to remove the patches? I have some painful scab spots on my face and I’ll try putting a sheet mask to moisturize it but I can’t let it dry cause then the mask gets stuck to the spot and I can’t remove the mask cause a scab forms on the mask and it pulls the scab off and hurts REALLY bad. The thing I’ve found that helps is hydrocolloid patches. It’s just really hard not to pick the soft scab after but it helps stop the picking cause it seals all the way around. It’s almost invisible and you can wear makeup over it without it being too obvious. Unless you’ve got the big patches on or a bunch of the little ones clustered. But i guess those would be good for smaller individual spots rather than large areas.

[@laurabrattstrom4028]

Try Wellys Acne spot bandaids.

[@jessicasmith4048]

You said you pick your arms...I do to and my thighs! I just started this about a year ago and now I have got it under control somewhat but now I have scars and Im ashamed to wear shorts or a short sleeve shirt and I live in North Carolina and Ive ALWAYS went to beach and had clear good skin but now Ive got all these like dark looking dots and don't know what to do!! Do you have any ideas??

[@TheJasminglenn]

Will tattoo after care clear bandage work?

[@jasminescott7865]

Id imagine so, ive never used it before so i cant say for sure.

[@stephaniecendejas1633]

hey i have a scar from a an eyebrow razer on my face since i peeled a layer of skin off it left a scar and i picked the scab i have had this scar for about 2 years and its still really dark is there anyway you can hell me get rid of it

[@cookingwithsadi9170]

If it is just a scar and not an open wound i would recommend a stronger chemical exfoliator. The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% peeling solution is one i have used and loved the result. But since i always have an open sore on my face i cant use it as often as I like. I would recommend that you only use it on the scar because it can make your face pretty sensitive. Do not exfoliate before using or use more than once a week. You can cause damage to your skin doing that. And no more that the time it says on the bottle. The scar may appear darker after using the peel but don't worry, in a day or two it will lighten. I always notice my skin may look more uneven the day after using but after a few days it looks so much better. And with more uses it should begin to fade away. Hope this helps. Please watch some reviews on the product before using so you can see if it'll be a good fit for you. Don't forget sunscreen as well!

[@stephaniecendejas1633]

Cooking With Sadi OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH this scar has literally become my biggest insecurity and i really hope this works

[@aanya530]

I picked my face real bad a few weeks ago and everybody tells me I've just ruined my face. I've never felt so insecure before and I'm just 14. I have been told to apply soframysin on that wound on my face but it wasn't working for me so after searching a bit about that wound i found that vaseline could help to heal that wound but it isn't working either. I have no idea what to do now, whenever i go to school everyone makes fun of my scar. Someone please recommend what can i apply on that wound to heal it

[@Grandmaster_Trash]

Don’t ✍🏻 leave ✍🏻 on ✍🏻 forever ✍🏻

[@deborah3049]

thanks for sharing. One thing that is helpful - stay away from the mirror.

[@erinsylv2098]

Yes.

[@Conways_Euphonia]

If its fungal and you keep it moist it will never heal, and may even get worse. At least that’s how you know it’s fungal lol

[@Feaniqx]

Dang im a picker n i hate tht i du tht .but its a habit. The moment i feel unsmoothness on my face .time tu scratch it off 😂😂. Not kool tho. Now i just buy patches so i wont

[@stephaniemilligan5006]

There all over my face arms hands

[@paulaswanzy4448]

My scab hasnt healed n its been over a year pls help 😫😭😭

[@stephaniecendejas1633]

wdym is it a scar or is it still unhealed

[@paulaswanzy4448]

@@stephaniecendejas1633 so basically it’s not a scar it’s in the healing process but it’s been over a year so I’m really concerned

[@emmawesley6259]

@@paulaswanzy4448 how is it now?

[@paulaswanzy4448]

@@emmawesley6259 I think it’s getting better cuz it’ not as visible as it use to be ,i hope it’s gone by summer

[@emmawesley6259]

@@paulaswanzy4448 good to hear, just keep treating it and it should be gone

[@ariannefaith9482]

You’re beautiful. 😍