Skin Picking and Hair Pulling Explained. What are Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

The two most common behaviors are hair pulling and skin picking. These two have official names in the diagnostic manual. Hair pulling is called trichotillomania and skin-picking is called excoriation disorder. Even though trichotillomania has mania in the name, it has nothing to do with the mania of bipolar disorder.
Some other body focused repetitive disorders include:
Nail biting also called Onychotillomania
Lip biting
Nose picking
Some of the therapies used to help this condition are habit reversal training, which is a type of cognitive behavior therapy and a self-help technique called decoupling. With decoupling, you perform a different behavior whenever you feel the tension that normally triggers the compulsion. The idea is that this other behavior that you do, decouples or disrupts the connection between the emotion and the compulsion. Engaging in the other behavior allows you to gain some control over the compulsive behavior.
We don’t have any medications that are standardly used for this disorder. There’s been some evidence that inositol and N-acetylcysteine have been helpful. Both of these are supplements that you can get without a prescription. Other alternative therapies are yoga, aerobic exercise, acupuncture, biofeedback and hypnosis.
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Betterhelp.com/drmarks
For a monthly fee, you get a REAL licensed therapist with whom you can meet weekly by phone, video or chat. You can also send daily messages.
You have access to webinars on various topics. The unlimited texting feature allows you to type out your concerns or questions and get a well thought out response you’re your therapist. Some of them will help you set goals, give you worksheets, etc. If you use this link you will get a 10% discount on your first month. betterhelp.com/drmarks This is an option I've researched. I get a referral commission if you sign up.
References
Grant JE, Odlaug BL, Chamberlain SR, et al: Skin picking disorder. Am J Psychiatry 169(11):1143-1149, 2012 PubMed ID: 23128921
Moritz S, Rufer M. Movement decoupling: A self-help intervention for the treatment of trichotillomania. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2011 Mar;42(1):74-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2010.07.001. Epub 2010 Jul 14. PMID: 20674888.
Torales J, Barrios I, Villalba J. Alternative Therapies for Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder: A Brief Update. Adv Mind Body Med. 2017 Winter;31(1):10-13. PMID: 28183072.
Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. goo.gl/DFfT33
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

WATCH NEXT: *Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder* kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIrQaZ6afNKjm6M

[@bijulithapa3944]

What kind of doctor are you? & do you have an personal email for business enquiries?

[@jonathanjollimore7156]

I am a nail bitter I can chew them down to almost nothing. Sometimes the pinky nails can get chewed down to nothing and there no nail left. I had to tape my pinky nails up just so they could grow back. I hate the feeling of edges of my nails being uneven and rough. So i will run them on my jeans and other things to smooth them out then I biting them more.

[@demigoddess3311]

Sounds similar to my bruxism I will bite my cheeks and tongue when I'm stressed and anxious

[@maje4120]

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU & AGAIN I LOVE YOU. NOo one believes me in my family that its real. They just think IM GROSS or CRAZY! So i thanm you so much Dr. Ive been waiting for years for someone to touch on this subject! SO IMPRESSIVE!!!

[@mdbcool]

Crazy how I have bipolar and pulled my hair

[@Brakathor]

More than the fact that I'm an apparent freak, I'm concerned that the Google algorithm somehow KNEW that I'm a freak in this exact way. I did not search this video or subject, or anything related to it.

[@potentialcaroozin2385]

…me too… wtf

[@anastasiamurawski6179]

Maybe they can see us via our cameras in laptops??? nah, paranoid thinking. I have been on a lot of sites related to my bipolar, maybe KZbin knows mental disorders and nervous habits such as these go hand in hand. It is kind of scary.

[@Brakathor]

@@anastasiamurawski6179 - I have tape over my camera, so that couldn't be the case for me... not that I'm paranoid or anything. Your comment doesn't appear publicly, by the way.

[@anastasiamurawski6179]

@@Brakathor I've that's a good idea, though I'm not worried too much about it. What do you mean, you can see my comments but no one else can?? is that what you mean by saying my comment doesn't appear publically? sorry if u think I'm a freak.

[@sapino4861]

Sameeee

[@ligma7640]

i cant believe this random well-dressed lady just read me like this for 7 minutes straight I'm so hurt

[@aripin6761]

😂😂😂

[@smouafak]

Same 🥲

[@TheAmazinRaven]

I’m over here cowering in shame & appreciation 😭🤣

[@jeanilong4916]

@@TheAmazinRavenYes! And for once, my appreciation overrides the shame.

[@itsMalma]

yeah that was hard to watch for me too

[@puppetseducer]

I'm a big skin picker, I have dark spots from picking at stress acne all along my jawline. I'll definitely be bringing this up with my therapist. Thank you for putting a name to it so I can better articulate this issue with her. I've had coworkers catch me picking, and my parents of course, and they tell me to just "stop it". Like "gee, something I've never tried before." 🙄

[@dsoul1305]

This compulsive behaviours are considered a early sign of potential B12 deficiency. One does not need to be really deficient to manifest ocd behaviors. I would sugest see a doctor and considering taking supplements in pills of grass-fed dessecated liver or eat the beef liver if you can, or even see to supplement B12 in synthetic forms (those sometimes are not as effective) after talking to your doctor.

[@puppetseducer]

@@dsoul1305 I usually have problems with it. Late 2021, my pcp put me on b12 because I was kind of low, and then it went to 4000, so they told me to stop taking it every day, and just do weekends, but I stopped altogether. I do have to see her again for another physical soon, so I'll bring it up

[@ringo567]

Same...

[@puppetseducer]

@@ringo567 My therapist suggested to just be mindful about it, and pay attention to how I'm feeling when I start picking, but we had like 4 minutes left of the session, so it was rushed. I did wind up cutting my nails down to as short as they can go, which means for now I can't pick. I'm willing to pass along any tips my therapist comes up with to help combat this if you'd like

[@justanotherpiccplayer3511]

My mum always tell me to stop and it's like yeah like you haven't said that 10000 times and it still hasn't worked, danke

[@SusanNicole2.0]

Having lip biting mentioned as even a small part of this video feels so validating. I’ve struggled with that for my entire life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop.

[@mffngrffls]

Yeah, I struggle with all things listed in that short bit, I feel so seen. Like it’s been a bad habit my entire life as well 😭

[@ThisPersonisasillygoose]

Bruh fr me to it’s not fun 😣

[@maryama4410]

Never say it’s stronger than you are. Give yourself some credit and time and things will resolve albeit slowly.

[@PootisArchiveshh]

Same :( Even when I forcefully stop myself, there's often times when I just zone out and do it automatically. Then I suddenly snap out of it and realize ive been biting my lip skin to the point of bleeding. So not fun :(

[@girlinthesouth850]

I pick at my lips. I've done it for at least 30 years.

[@Elisa5665]

i literally can’t sleep sometimes because i can’t stop my hands searching for any scab or bump or imperfections to dig at all over my body.

[@lifemusic1980]

Same. 😣

[@queenmab1999]

@@lifemusic1980 me too

[@clevername8832]

Me too. I can get pretty carried away pinching my face with my nails and doing damage while half awake. Sometimes I'll destroy days of healing that I finally got away with in 1 night falling asleep.

[@Eowyn187]

Omg i needed to see this. "Searching for imperfections" is EXACTLY what, how, I do it. I've got so many scars.

[@MegaDeath22]

Ugh this is me too 🥺

[@chloelp6761]

“My child is fine” “Ma’am your child could spend half an hour searching for and popping pimples”

[@kennwashere8793]

Oh dang, just called me out 😳

[@sycamoregxrl3884]

i didnt know that was a bad thing...

[@RumiNyx]

Only half an hour?

[@selenadorlis6200]

I'm guessing that's not good *goes to sit in the corner*

[@matilde_5]

Half an hour is an understatement

[@patriciacox9452]

I'm 75, and I'm just about a hermit because I pick my face constantly. Then I pull off the scabs... leaving scars. I thought I was the only one, and I always feel so ashamed of myself. Good vibes to all, I'm glad you're out there...

[@gemmayoutube]

Patricia, your words have given me confidence to go outside today, scabs and all

[@lundsweden]

I've always had skin picking and hair pulling, however it seems to have gotten worse in my 40s (I'm in my late 40s now). If I have more stress, the problem gets worse, but it never goes away completely.

[@Bankydub-u]

🤗🥰

[@nanjacks913]

@@gemmayoutube n

[@mandipakuchwe4710]

Is it hereditary, i pick at my genital hair and i peel my feet😢

[@narissacervantes5383]

I still remembered how mentally stressful and humiliating it was as a little kid to feel addicted to plucking my hair without realizing that trichotillomania was a thing. And then realizing that my eyebrows were completely gone…and knowing that I’d be yelled at for it, even though I was helpless at the time to resist it. I still remember the night before a doctors appointment, about a year after I thought I had gotten over it, I plucked one of my eyebrows clean without realizing. My dad got frustrated and asked me “why can’t you pull out your mustache hair instead?” That stung a lot. I wish I had access to this knowledge when I was younger, even just to know I wasn’t alone. It’s gotten much better with age, but still I feel the urge from time to time.

[@sendborbs2146]

that was a really nasty thing for your dad to say, I'm sorry you went through that I'm an eyebrow plucker too, I manage it by allowing myself to pluck ONE small section of eyebrow, a few hairs every few nights, hairs grow quickly there, and people assume I have a scar there or it's an aesthetic choice

[@vikirose]

I’m myself had to get my eyebrows micro bladed for the same thing.

[@sendborbs2146]

@PunkPineapple I can assure you if it were that easy I'd have stopped plucking them a long time ago, I've been plucking for about two decades and have had very minimal success in reducing it I have a mole under my eyebrow that acts as a focus point for my plucking, I CANNOT leave it alone no matter how hard I try, I get the mole checked regularly by a doctor and I'm hoping to eventually have it removed to reduce the temptation but so far the mole is considered benign and the doctor doesn't want to remove it unless it shows signs of becoming cancerous you don't go through twenty years of plucking without going through some trial and error, controlled plucking is what works for me, it's the only thing that works for me, moving to the eyebrow also successfully kept me away from my eyelashes completely which I considered a higher priority for protection thank you for the concern but please maybe don't go with the caps lock yelling right out the gate? and also maybe consider that sometimes people have tried everything and have to settle with what they can

[@majakawalio2631]

I witnessed parents yelling at a child for compulsive behavior, it saddened me so much. : ( It's something so hard to control...

[@chiu8159]

i remember being scolded for picking off half of one of my eyebrows. And then i just felt bad bc I knew I looked stupid bc of what I did. After that I stopped picking my eyebrows and started ripping my hair out until I made a large bald spot along my hairline instead😀

[@zoe3089]

I don't know why this was on my recommended but I definitely have the hair pulling one which is scary how KZbin knows

[@mistymere]

Me too!! I have absolutely NO idea why KZbin recommended this to me, but I've been struggling with that for years without knowing why, and I had no idea so many other people do too (and her description was scarily accurate) :o

[@MikeSupafly]

Yeah, same.

[@doe4638]

I've had it my entire life. 🤷🏾‍♀️ And many others. I know it's not normal but meh, life goes on.

[@Leacholotemj]

Same with the skin picking. I appreciate KZbin concern but it is also scary.

[@emmajones8493]

Same, but I’m happy about it cause I’ve always bitten my lip and I’m glad to know why

[@angelaadams427]

I pick at my skin, it's like I'm trying to get rid of impurities on my body

[@IrieRogue]

Indeed, get the "bad" out

[@adaabeja2061]

Same.... I'm happy when I do it then I realize I see scars I'm making. Then I stop but then I can't help but do it again. I love picking off skin and scabs... the bigger the pieces, the happier I am.

[@jannettb7930]

I run my hands over my arms unconsciously feeling for uneven skin or bumps and pick the impurity out. If there's not a visible impurity, it's not satisfying and I have to find a visible impurity. But rubbing my hands over my skin causes the impurities. It's a viscous cycle, I hate it. Especially when I catch myself doing it in front of people.

[@SnookOnTheFly]

I do that too and then wind up at the dermatologist who gets upset because it’s just a pickers nodule. I want to know what it was that I originally picked at to start the focus of picking that area.

[@cb4017]

ugh same... major feeling of impurity....

[@Apostate_ofmind]

For anyone out there, what helped me was: - have your actual skin in check, as i developed this because of very thick scabs forming on my scalp, which i obsessively piicked away from the scalp to look cleaner (dandruff looks better than bigger scabs). - i put on dreadlocks. This assures i have less access to the scalp, but that i can always pull on them for relief, but since pulling involves more hairs at once, it doesnt do as much of a bald spot. The added weight also gives a constant pull which is perfect. Note: this doesnt completely get rid of the impulse, but it guides it into something more constructive, since if if it gets bad and i pull too many hairs in either direction (usually out of the dreadlock but still attached to the scalp), i can always use it as an excuse to redo the dreadlock, giving my hands something constructive to do while still pulling the scalp. - use honey on the sores/scabs/imperfection of your skin. Honey relieves the itchyness which might trigger the action, and its a nice repellent because it makes you associate the 'skin-touching' with something umpleasant as the stickyness of the honey, so you catch yourself mid-act if youre being absentminded. Its also a perfect antiseptic and hydratant so it leaves your skin healthy (perfect for acne also). Please upvote this so everyone sees!

[@coalblooded]

Over the past five years or so, I've been picking at random scabs or imperfections on my scalp. I'm honestly not sure what they are or where they came from, but there's at least two spots that have been there for five years now, so they're obviously not just an ingrown hair that turned into a scab or something. Sometimes when it's really hot I'll consider shaving my head again, but then I remember that it would probably look pretty weird now with all these picking spots everywhere :(

[@Apostate_ofmind]

@@coalblooded if its something localized, and not the whole scalp, it might be a fungus, make sure to have it checked out! Another thing it could be is something more nefarious (like a skin cancer). Also, try to wash the spot with neutral water and a BIT of soap if its greasy, then apply honey on it and try not to pick it for a week (including not washing it). If that doesnt help, please do see a doctor (well, do that anyways). How often do you shampoo? If you do it every day, that might also be a reason. Human hair actually isnt supposed to be washed that often, with soap at least (just water is fine), but around once a week or twice at most. But in america and other places, there has been inculcated this idea that you need to shampoo every day or youll be disgusting, which is actually the reason why scalps are greasy or too dry: the daily shampoo!

[@ReadyorNot811]

Growing locs have helped tremendously

[@Apostate_ofmind]

@@ReadyorNot811 im so happy it helped!

[@loritacruz3190]

I've been fighting this since I was very young. I'm 46 now and still have the issue. I've worn wigs, clip ins . I've gone completely bald. Now my hair is very short and I hate having short hair but don't have money for clips or a wig. Sigh..... I've always struggled. I'll do good but....... I guess I'll fight this forever.

[@EvenstarSK]

I have keratosis pilaris which creates small build ups of sebum under the skin and makes hard little white bumps that are unnoticeable to most but they are so obvious to me. I've been picking at my skin due to this my whole life and it's so hard to stop. I wear long sleeves as much as possible to hide it. Talking about this as a compulsive behaviour is making it easier to understand why I do it and it's good to know I'm not alone with this problem.

[@dsoul1305]

You can try to reverse this by taking a little things into consideration. To better skin quality you need vit. A and omega 3 at least. There are few studies showing a correlation between diet and keratosis pilaris. Increasing essential fatty acid intake by consuming more coldwater fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon may lessen the rash. Bovine beef liver and this fishes are also packed with other essential nutrients that can treat that. As I imagine that you are young and not willing to eat this things on a regular base, maybe try grass-fed dessecated liver pills and good quality fish oil in pills. This most likely can help with the compulsion to pick on it as well since there is correlation of ocd behaviour and lack of B12 and liver and sardines have a good ammount of it. It worked for me, but as long as I'm consuming this foods.

[@Eco_Grl]

I have them on my cheeks and forehead and I shred my face so bad that I can’t leave the house

[@cygnet6]

same here !!!! kp + excoriation

[@dianathomas1025]

Me too. I have them on my upper arms & my thighs. I don’t pick them unless one gets like a black head. Then I scratch it until it’s gone. Ugg. But I don’t pick any other time. Castor oil is making mine go away. I can barely feel them now. I just started a couple weeks ago too. I found this video & had to watch because my boyfriend is always picking his body. He always says there’s a bump or something itches. And he pulls his eyebrow hair. Half his eyebrows are gone. He gets scabs everywhere. Even on his head! He is always picking or scratching. Every time I tell him to stop picking, he says I’m not. I’m like really? I just saw you do it. What did I just make it up?! So annoying. I told him I think he has this condition. Whatever it is. I haven’t watched the video yet but I’m familiar because I read about it before. I’m going to watch it now & probably send it to him. Maybe it will bring him some form of education, help & relief. Crossing fingers!! And toes!!

[@jasminvomwalde7497]

Same here

[@KydaIndie]

Ummm it’s creepy how accurately she explained exactly what I do

[@AikiraBeats]

Right that felt weird

[@poke-talia268]

It really did, especially since this is stuff I've been doing since I was around 7 years old. Luckily, my experience with trichotillomania has lessened in severity over the years (although I do still worsen during times of high anxiety) Skin picking has been pretty constant though. Will say, being a high anxiety child with these disorders and having parents yell at you to "Just stop picking/pulling" only made it worse.

[@reginyra8401]

RIGHT! She's like "You have probably one hand while working and the other picking" I paused and went- Fudge.

[@naamaholmes6250]

I agree...

[@HandmadeByTasha13]

RIGHT?!!

[@ana21cg]

This comment section makes me feel less alone battling OCD everyday

[@raggedynomo1974]

I've been battling it for 20 years, sweetie. You're definitely not alone!

[@velvetparker1739]

Me too...when i was 9 i was picking scabs on my legs and chewing them😶in my teenage years id bite the skin in the sides of my fingernails untill the bleed. I'm 31 now and have been scab picking my scout and flaking dangrive‼but not to where its noticeable. What helps me not do it as much I watch you tube videos of others doing it...it calms me down a bit❤

[@OGitGirlJess]

I started at 4 years old, you are not alone. 🙏

[@harlembrown8987]

DEFINITELY NOT ALONE!!

[@lachicastephanie]

You are most definitely not alone! I wish people more openly talked about these kind of things so that ppl didn’t feel alone. There are sooo many of us.

[@mekhalam9365]

I have relapsed with hair pulling from my scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes after going pull free for 3 years. I look like an alien rn but I feel so helpless :( I mourn my hair how it was and the stress triggers in my life have gotten worse + are constantly present so I keep pulling even now when there's new hair growth... please send prayers to me so I try my best to control my urges. I pray for my fellow hair/skin pullers/pickers ❤️

[@ironmaven1760]

sending prayers to you..I understand 😢

[@saratisdale9700]

I've lived with hair pulling all my life and was made to feel so ashamed of it by my mother. I can control it a bit better now but wish I'd been diagnosed as a child and offered alternatives rather than be shamed for it.

[@sallymac9842]

I started picking all over my body since I was a child it’s more like an obsession to make my skin smooth. Once I see a scab or a bump I pop the bumps I try to smooth it by picking pieces off. If a scab heals over it I pick off pieces til I get to raw but semi healed portion of the skin.

[@Eh__]

Me too, I just thought it was all normal. I've done this since who knows how long. The fact that it can be brought to attention makes me happy. Kinda crying now🥲😁

[@sallymac9842]

My father used to film me picking my scabs. I think he was trying to shame me to get me to stop. It didn’t work. All I know is that it is more than anxiety that causes it . I honestly get lost in the process I don’t even realize I’m doing it and there is nothing going on around me that would make me anxious. So I don’t think there is a release of anything I just do it even when I don’t mean to.

[@user-ve5nn3sq3t]

I do it too, especially while being focused on something. Would not realise I do if for hours!

[@savvivixen8490]

Exactly this for me. It doesn't feel good per say, but the smoothness is the "goal..." I'm doing it less though, because I've gotten quite a bit of professional help about it, and I did (and am still doing) a helluvalotta work on myself in my journey.

[@jesusisking120]

me too! i think its the virgo in me but who knows!

[@pswank007]

I talked to a doctor about my dermatillomania when I was younger and he said to just stop the habit and nothing could be done. Currently, I'm studying to be a psychiatrist to do something about this issue- wish me luck.

[@elisabethschlarb3059]

I have been treated the same way for years and I'm plain sick of it. I'm writing a book on how to fix it using non-traditional methods and without having to track your progress! Stay tuned 😊

[@shawnahall7246]

😉

[@elisabethschlarb3059]

@ferret it's horrific isn't it? I can't wait to release my works and free people like me from having to deal with this condescending crap! We're not broken, we're not ill, and we're not sick. We are uncommon and awesome types of people, who have uncommon responses to stress and boredom, and it's high time we are treated with the respect we deserve! 😊 All the best to you in your endeavours as well!

[@jillwilkerson2032]

That dr was WRONG! Fire them now! There is hope even without therapy and/ or meds.

[@idate1337]

did you try hypnosis? i only use it to relaxe before going to bed, but it might work in that area

[@KevinKreger]

I had trichotieromania, scalp picking, for 20+ years. I read a few dermatology research papers that used NAC. I started NAC 18 months ago and the behaviour stopped in 2 weeks. It has not come back. I love your videos!

[@Carol_559]

How many milligrams?

[@snicksabea]

Congratulations

[@KevinKreger]

@@Carol_559 I have NAC powder. I use one scoop a day about 3 grams.

[@user-tk3ou5ru1n]

I picked my nose a lot as a child that graduated into nail biting and hair pulling as I got older. I have never talked to anyone about this because I'm worried they'll be as disgusted with me as I am with myself. I honestly never thought about what I have been doing as a control thing. Looking back that makes a lot of sense. It even gives me a similar calm to what self harm used to

[@jessicahanley5080]

You are NOT DISGUSTING. I would hold you and cry with you if I could. I have dermotillania (skin picking) as well. We are not gross, we are stressed and so very anxious. Remember, we are worth getting better. Please remember.

[@morcika11]

I noticed that I do it more when I’m tired or bored. It’s like a self-soothing behaviour but I can recognise it now and actively try and train myself off it.

[@djosephine]

Yeah I do it to give my hands something to do usually out of boredom

[@kezbunny]

Yeah me too, love pulling my eyebrows and eyelashes when bored! And I enjoy the feeling when I pull them out.

[@stephaniebaker2960]

That's good Ira🙁 I still skin pick when I'm anxious (98.9% of the time) It's summer here and I have been wearing a jacket (in 98 degree heat) to hide the wounds😥

[@The_Tiffster]

@@stephaniebaker2960: been there; it's the worst feeling. I get so fricking mad at myself! But then i barter with myself "ok. Just a bit. I won't mess it up this time", and of course i mess it up...

[@stephaniebaker2960]

@@The_Tiffster Something BAD triggers me to wreck my skin. Ex. I can be on the phone/and start getting stressed. I look down and I'm scratching my arms until they bleed. I can't stop and I don't have OCD. I'm left with scabs so I wear long sleeves in 98 degree weather😪 It's sad/it's a vicious cycle🙁P.S. I used to have beautiful skin btw🤷‍♀️ P.S.S. This is not "self-soothing to me". It's extreme anxiety😪

[@madalen532]

Oh my god thank you. It's so hard to tell people why I can't just "stop picking," and telling me to stop makes it even HARDER to stop.

[@wren000]

SO TRUE

[@amandapenniesuggs2409]

It's humiliating when people point ot out. Makes me wanna hide under a rock.

[@skittles6714]

@@amandapenniesuggs2409 Same, my mom does it all the time.

[@deja1420]

G* bb ;)

[@Ursichan]

RIGHT?!! POINTING IT OUT JUST MAKES ME WANT TO DO IT MORE...

[@justanothercommenter4334]

I've found knitting really helps with my skin/nail biting as well as pulling on skin on my lips till they bleed. It keeps my hands occupied so I can't be tempted. It's not foolproof but it's helped immensely

[@bonniewoodruff2435]

❤

[@maatx4027]

Yes I'm trying to crochet to stop

[@dia.ko08]

I started crocheting and knitting for the same reason. Instead of reading books I listen to audiobooks and crochet/ knit. This was really a game changer. 🙂

[@eshepard8565]

Oh wow, I wonder if it was knitting that helped me stop... Definitely it is great for keeping the hands occupied when watching tv or something.

[@uniquegeek2708]

I had eye surgery which i knew would result in essentially changing from nearsighted to farsighted. One of the surprises is a lot less skin picking, because i literally can't see the pores on my face or sebaceous filaments anymore.

[@trko77]

I plucked my hair on top of my skull during my youth. (I am 80 yrs old now). It gave me a biggish bald spot there. Everybody in my life found it irritating but I couldnt stop! it really soothed me, The habit disappeared by itself in my late twenties. I never thought it might have been a form of OCD. Many thanks for this information Dr. Marks!!

[@vivinunez764]

I was listening to this video and I just realized I’ve been picking at my skin for like half the video

[@sleepykittyMMD]

Lol same

[@anamariefalk3796]

For me it was my scalp

[@avemhaleala4773]

Yep same

[@amyhernandez4407]

Me too- worst part is that i pick the skin on my face

[@Consuaser]

😢❤️ I feel you

[@eviec8161]

Looking for the “perfect” piece of skin to pick or spot to pop is so difficult to avoid. I had no idea that other people did this as well, I’ve had people refer to me as disgusting before over this, so thank you so much for this video I feel less alone!

[@sarag1158]

You are definitely not alone.

[@glitchie_the_monstrosity475]

I do the exact same thing and thought that there was just something randomly wrong and weird about me, but now I understand more about it and will try harder to stop. I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

[@glitchie_the_monstrosity475]

I used to get bullied for doing it because I had a bald spot from it, so I completely understand where you are coming from with that! You are not at all alone

[@shamma2982]

You're not alone. When my anxiety starts I start picking my skin for blackheads. Even family members catch me doing it. I had no idea it was a type of disorder. I do have some scarring on my arms

[@glitchie_the_monstrosity475]

@@shamma2982 yeah I do too. I didn't even realize 'till I saw a notification pop up that someone had commented, and I then realized "oh, I'm picking at myself once again" Do you have any ideas on how you may be able to stop or gradually stop yourself from doing this?

[@failbreak599]

Yup for me it was plucking eyebrows. Recently the habit has been thankfully dying down. I finally put a stop to it and my eyebrows finally have their tips again. The right brow was worse than my left, but in about two more weeks it should be fully healed. This habit formed in high-school for reference of how long it's been. You get anxious or nervous and start plucking. You'll feel a specific texture of hair and want to pluck that one, so in your madness you pluck everything around it trying to get that one hair. The only advice I can give people who suffer from this is you really do need to catch yourself doing it and stop. Praying helped for me, but whatever you think will support you, you need to do. It's a nervous tic response so you just need to acknowledge and redirect the relief somewhere else. Maybe try lightly scratching or petting instead of plucking, that's what I end up doing instead when I just "need" to relieve that stress. Overall the urge to touch the eyebrow is there, but I no longer pluck. Best of luck to you all.

[@solomongrundy1467]

I'll pull on my eyelashes sometimes when I get the urge. I don't pull my nose hairs as much as I used to.

[@vicentetomas3649]

I used to be very depressed in my teens and part of it manifested as trichotylomania. A teacher and my mom noticed I started to miss significant hair in my eyebrows and my head, so I forced myself to stop. Treating my depression and getting out of a shitty personal situation I was in at the time obviously helped a lot. Now in my 20s I still get the urge sometimes but I find that cutting the hair instead of pulling it helps.

[@ionethenb2764]

I feel like this self-sabatoging disorders are our anxiety-ridden brains trying to 'ground' ourselves (i.e stopping a panic/anxiety attack or spiraling before it starts)

[@reneemakesthings]

I believe you are correct. My rate of picking behaviours is directly related to the levels of bad stress in my life.

[@janiahpapaya5988]

I used to just call it my “anxiety thing” bcs it only happened when i would freak out

[@j_fenrir]

This is exactly what I think. I used to scratch at my skin until I drew blood in a trance like state to calm down, now I do it with any bump on my body.

[@larapalma3744]

Exactly

[@imo9193]

Or compulsive behaviours associated with Ocd perhaps

[@garlicbread378]

I've gotten better over the years, stopping myself from picking my skin and biting the inside of cheeks, lips and hands. But it definitely gets bad when stress is high, it makes me feel better knowing others also experience this.

[@Caronin0]

22 years old and still biting the inside of my cheeks and lips. Don’t realise I’m doing it even while typing this

[@RevokeRealitea]

I Love your name lol😛

[@morgancox2373]

I am 28. I've chewed on the inside of my mouth for as long as I can remember. I have no idea I am doing it but my mom ALWAYS tells me to stop doing it.

[@dinasexyful]

I chew on the inside of my cheeks and my tongue it goes away and sometimes comes back strong. It happens when my stress is high too

[@valarielynn3794]

BITING THE INSIDE OF MY CHES WERE THE WORST

[@beatonthedonis]

I've suffered from severe skin-picking and occasional hair-plucking for three decades. Progressed to these from compulsive nose-picking, nail-biting and cheek biting as a child. Using aloe vera gel twice a day on my face helped, but what really helped was finding a better work-life balance and reducing stress.

[@saishraddha5704]

I pick at my skin to a point where it bleeds and there are very evident scars and marks around my cuticle. Picking at my face has also led to acne being developed. I can't seem to stop and have been at it for as long as i can remember. Thanks for acknowledging and helping me understand it

[@CaptainNahlani]

Can you judge in which situations you do it? Do you have stress, inner turmoil, fears, worries or the like. I can't judge it exactly with me and even do it automatically in my sleep. It is so humiliating, my husband always grumbles with me and puts me under additional pressure. A vicious circle. I wish you a lot of strength, all the best for you.

[@home_eck]

It's just something that provides a kind of relief. I think a chemical is released. It's good that you know now, and you can work on it.

[@duck8049]

Omg had the same issue. I still ruin my nails but am tryna get out of it. I use my bracelet and am gonna buy a fidget toy lol

[@raging_gamer95]

I struggle with hair pulling, lip picking, popping pimples, biting on the insides of my checks. I hate it. I wanted to cry watching this because hearing someone say out loud what I struggle with gives me so much relief. I'm not alone. My struggle is validated.

[@tinasebastian3798]

The inside of my cheek. OMG I had that habit really badly. I don't know how but thank goodness I grew out of doing that.

[@mssweetlisa]

Biting the inside of my cheek .... I didn't even know others had that problem. It's so bad I had to buy two different mouth washes to help with the soreness and healing. Orajel is a god send. I wish I could stop. 😓

[@williamstoutenburgh2116]

I bite the inside of my cheeks too. Chewing at my lip and also I pull at my eye brows. I used to chew my finger nails when I was young. My parents tried to make me stop by putting nasty stuff on my nails. I bit them anyway. But years later eventually I stopped. The cheek biting and eyebrow pulling I do in public. I look like an idiot, an attractive guy with crazy nervous ticks. I don't go out anymore.

[@keerahh2378]

I also bite my cheeks. Aside from that, I also pull my eyelashes, but my fingers (chew and eat the skin around my nails), pop pimples, pick acne until it scars, etc. 🙃

[@dmo848]

Same here. Craziness

[@Sacrimony_]

I always pick at my skin, especially pimples or any other "anomaly", which makes it worse and makes me pick at it even more. Anyway, my face looks like shit.

[@shortwhale7]

Same here :/

[@ConnieAshlyn]

Used to pick my face but now I pick and bite my nails so bad I have no nails to pick with anymore lol

[@becca_rose_x]

I have a big bald patch on my head and put a wig on to cover it 😂 I am learning hrt with my therapist though

[@taylor3845]

If you have scars on your face get a microneedling facial. I used to have acne scars from popping pimples and after this facial my skin is 90% clearer. I know how it feels to have marks on your face. The treatment is a little pricey but it’s worth it for the self confidence!! Good luck to you

[@raejames8887]

Same

[@aperson9603]

I knew nail/skin picking was related to some kind of mental health thing since it lasted for so long, but because people I know told me it’s a common bad behavior and I could just stop doing it. Now I finally know it’s specific! I still haven’t been able to stop it but stuff that helped me include wearing gloves and socks. I also try to file my nails so it’s smooth and not rugged!

[@randomrainbowbirb2004]

I had a huge problem with nail biting, skin picking and biting to the point I couldn't use my hands because I was bleeding so much. I also used nail clippers to cut of small pieces of skin for the same reasons. But recently, I got an anxiety ring, started painting my nails and tried to hide away my nail clippers until I actually need them. Also, I started bringing my hobbies to school or in general public spaces, so I have something to do with my hands, and it really helped me getting my anxiety under control. I'm so happy I can type this without my fingers hurting :)

[@autumnblueter2466]

Skin picking is so frustrating. My parents used to say when I was trying not to pick my skin I seemed like a drug addict who was suffering withdrawals. If you skin pick or hair pull you are not alone and help is out there. Take care ❤️

[@abbym7851]

My parents say this too :(

[@autumnblueter2466]

@@abbym7851 I'm so sorry to hear you've struggled too, you are not alone. I will say that what has made an immense difference with my OCD is going through ERP therapy (expose response prevention), if you are still struggling I highly recommend it

[@jamiehewlett4130]

Yep, I pull my hair out and have been accused of an addict. I pull until I find the perfect hair. Lol . It's weird I'll admit.

[@lairalarson7886]

Oh my god mine too. It hurts me so bad, but it feels good to know I'm not alone

[@autumnblueter2466]

@@lairalarson7886 ❤️❤️❤️ Hang in there!! :)

[@hipsterdolphingrandma3946]

It kinda feels good I’m not alone in this. I never opened up about this to anyone and just thought I was a disgusting person. I’m so glad I was informed on this. Thank you

[@hollygolightly6243]

You are not disgusting. 🤗You are not alone.

[@tracey9062]

I can relate to that. And no you’re not alone❤️

[@user-ss8lr6lt9r]

Same omg

[@mariella2884]

I remember starting to pull my hair out at 9...didn't know I wasn't alone until 23. I was so ashamed, so happy that many out here now can feel safe with more ways to understand this disorder.

[@Shelenamarissamooney]

Same! We’re all in this together

[@hulda4ever]

I reloaded my youtube page while picking at my lips and I thought it was a sign and I already saw this video and liked it ...

[@elizabethhueter3668]

Trichotillomaniac since 1978... except a Mohawk guy in the 80s thought I plucked my eyebrows (etc) to be cool, so I was no longer embarrassed by the habit; and so it doesn't affect me socially. Such an amazingly accurate and matter-of-fact description :) Thank you♡

[@coolkieyt]

I never knew this was an actual thing and I thought it was just my weird little behaviour. After reading these comments,I feel a bit better now that I know I'm not alone :] I will try to stop picking at my skin,I'll search up methods and ways to help. I'll record down the areas that I pick at and how they're doing everyday or so. Wish me luck!

[@theodorashokpeka]

Same. I wish you the best of luck!!!

[@clndk397]

I'll pray for you!! You can do this! God bless❤ You're not alone🙏🏽❤

[@jJust_NO_]

mine is not focused on my body though ive been listening to internal body movements but im into mental. im obsessed with my thoughts like i cant listen to my negative thoughts. its too much ive become paranoid of what i hear having a negative message. ii disect my stream of thoughts and i focused on negative ones trying to solve them. it has become a routine it feel my personality become so boring

[@usaroxx8085]

SAME

[@saralaidi7785]

@@theodorashokpeka di

[@Adelynthe]

I never knew these were actual disorders. I've been getting better about them both, but when I'm highly stressed, I'll pluck my hair out or pick at my face or hands. Thank you for educating us!!

[@sunsetanimator4187]

At one point it got really bad for my eyelashes, if u have a habit of picking at hair, go for the ends of your hair.

[@somepeep8944]

man

[@bbdigitallab]

When she was talking about hair pulling, I was surprised how closely it aligned with what I do. My beard is patchy because I pick at it.

[@lilytheplant_]

I didn’t know either

[@danielleknight7411]

Learn something new every day. I thought my hair pulling was just a weird habit I did, but now it makes sense. I have to comb through my hair, looking for certain textured hairs (wiry or super kinky/curly) and I will not stop until I have pulled it out. Even if it takes me hours and causes me to pull out "normal" hairs. And the closer I get to pulling out the one hair the more frantic I get to get it done. Ive done this so much over my life that my scalp does not feel pain like it should. I wouldn't say I'm ashamed of doing this, but it makes me self conscious when people notice me doing it.

[@MaidOfPasta]

I can’t stop plucking my face hairs with tweezers to the point where 1. I can’t leave my house without a pair on my person or I’ll get extremely anxious, and 2. I would rather have scars than hair on my face. It’s like I can never get rid of them all and I fully blame the beauty industry for giving me the inspiration. It’s the worst when I’m driving and I’ll blindly pick until I accidentally peel off dead skin from the last time I went too far

[@augustmurdoch738]

Me, biting my nails and picking my hair out as I'm watching this without realizing: 👁👄👁

[@deanrobinson711]

At least you're good at multitasking. I was pulling my chin hair out when I came across this video, but my eyebrows get the worst of it, I've literally pulled half of my eyebrows out on both sides while watching a movie, I couldn't believe it when I looked in the mirror. I'm really trying to stop because my eyebrows look to feminine, and people think I'm tweezing them to look like that.

[@zuffy09]

Did the algorithm reunite us thricotillomaniac & Co? If you're reading this, I hope you remember this doesn't define who you are and who you could be. Keep fighting!!

[@KristenZianourry2015]

I agree i had no hair for literally years as a teenager because of this illness and I finally have my hair back so never give up

[@emmajeanjumpinbean]

Yeah! I’ve been avoiding this video tho cuz I’m terrified it will trigger an episode

[@KristenZianourry2015]

@@emmajeanjumpinbean while I respect what the video is about i could never watch it while having the same illnesses they are talking about they would trigger me too muc

[@vanessamarie5333]

I’m still fighting and it just doesn’t seem to stop! I’m so blessed to have come across this channel. It’s so weird because it just popped up on my recommendations. Wish we could all make a group chat. I would be nice to talk to someone

[@caramelskin3776]

😿❤️

[@Arkani0007]

i've had trich for over 20 years, starting in high school. not sure why i started but it gave me relief from the mental abuse and other fun things that were going on in my life. had sores, bald spots (so many bald spots) i'd wake up with my pillow covered in ripped out hair sometimes. Ironically, the people who were causing me to seek relief with pulling were the ones most concerned about my sudden hair loss. They didn't believe it was picking, because how could I be right about something! I always wanted to just chop off all my hair but was forcibly stopped from it until I moved/escaped to the other side of the continent and did it, which helped greatly. Never did much with my skin unless it was a pimple or a scab then it was time to play, haha. I also found that learning to knit and crochet have helped my impulses that i'm aware of to not rip my hair out, though it still happens. Didn't help as much as the short hair but it's something. When I feel the urge to go on a picking bender I try and focus on my armpits - less damaged hairs and bigger goopier roots. plus, no one will see a bald spot of your pits, right?

[@shastalybrand695]

I really appreciate suppliments at the end. This whole video was strikingly helpful. Thank you.

[@rosilynn4620]

I have been picking at acne and scabs since the third grade. 13 years later and I still haven’t been able to stop. My entire face, both my shoulders, and ass cheeks are riddled with scars and dents from picking for hours. I avoid mirrors or else I’ll just hyper focus on any and all acne or bumps. It’s to the point that I hate leaving the house or doing /the thing/ with my partner because I look like a damn drug addict. Especially with how bad my face is. Reading these comments has brought me to tears as I finally don’t feel alone with the struggle of a heavily scarred body from this compulsion.

[@syvon3108]

You are not alone... I’m the exact same! Anytime I see a mirror I HAVE to pick my face💀 So many scars!!

[@Myliu903]

Oh my gosh, I have the exact same picking problem and the same areas you do. My body is also scarred. Can't wear certain things otherwise people do stare. It sucks. Especially when you see others with perfect skin. But you know what, and I say this for everyone here, there is still a beautiful soul underneath all the scarring.

[@regrettispaghetti2517]

Yo sameeee, can't wear nothing that shows my shoulders, back, or chest because it's all just scarred to hell

[@calamitychaela1994]

You might actually have parasites which can cause skin picking behavior. I'd look into it if I were you.

[@rosilynn4620]

@@calamitychaela1994 It’s actually an ocd and anxiety thing for me 🙃

[@clary3820]

damn this shit got me crying, everyone thought i was weird for pulling my hair out but i couldn’t stop or help it. im stilling struggling with it and have been for years not matter how much i stop doing it for a period of time i fall back and do it again. it’s getting rlly tiring sick of ppl asking me “why do you have hairs missing” and “what happened” bc it’s not easy saying it

[@foxiroonie91210]

I’m sorry you’re going through this, it’s not easy having these kind of disorders that are hard to explain to others. I hope this video brought you some peace that you’re not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed of!

[@missmack2328]

@@foxiroonie91210 yes its hard to describe. My mom makes fun of me for it but she's so apathetic so that's expected

[@shanthegem1644]

You’re not alone I’ve suffered with this for 20yrs. I feel even worse/more shameful about doing this as and adult!

[@elishahernandez8988]

It was very random coming across this video but I constantly pull my split ends apart and pull hairs out sometimes, and the thing she said about pulling it until you get the root out just right was insane to hear cuz I do this often.

[@loverboy6149]

do you thinlk buying a cheap wig from like a dollar store and using that to pull out the hair would help? and legit bring it with you everywhere you go and who cares with what ppl think. bc it help you idk tho

[@majakawalio2631]

Positive attitude and acceptance is so important to heal from this. Thank you for being so professionally informative without taboo. ❤

[@yvonned627]

Thank you for this video! Like most in the comments, I felt like no one else had this problem. It somehow helps that it’s a real thing and I’m not alone

[@masakasim8647]

I’m truly wondering, I am the only one who says to themselves “this is the last one” when pulling my hair. But then the ‘last one’ becomes the 2,000th one?

[@calycalyps0]

For me it's mostly pulling skin especially on my lips Like my hands will be covered in blood but i still can't stop Always say it's the last time lol

[@heathermcginley807]

Noo you aint alone I HAVE THE EXACT SAME THOUGHTS never will i ever pull the last one :(

[@masakasim8647]

wishing us all the strength to fight our urges 😔❤️

[@calycalyps0]

@@masakasim8647 we might I think the first step is to accept that we have the urge and while it is harmful to us everyone has their ticks So yeah we should learn to not do it BUT first learn to not be hard on our selves if we give in to the urge What slightly helped me (but i lost it 😔) was like this little skill thing on german it's called akku pressur plätchen It has little spikes that are sharp enough to stimulate but not sharp enough to actually hurt you Really gotta buy a new one Maybe it helps you guys

[@calycalyps0]

@@heathermcginley807 read my above messages Maybe it could help you

[@genericname9024]

Developed skin picking as an adolescent and often picked at my scalp until I bled. Was told by my doctor at the time that it was "just a bad habit" and "have you tried just NOT doing that?" This led to a lot of even more negative behaviors and self-loathing because I thought I just lacked discipline or was fucked up, and it wasn't until much later in life that I realized skin picking is actually a disorder. Thanks for the video!

[@lija_leza]

To be fair, she described my case of skin picking/biting nearly perfectly. However, the only difference between mine and the disorder is that I don't do it out of stress or anxiety, I know pretty well it's just a bad habit. That's probably why it's hard for doctors not associated with mental assessment to really tell if it's a disorder or bad habit, because they don't know if something triggers them to do it or if they just do it of their own accord. Best leave it up to professionals like this to give you info!

[@brooklynmedina7913]

I did the same thing. Now I pick at my arms. Its embarrassing. Nobody would want to cut my hair cause they thought it was some kind of skin disease

[@thewintermole]

I often pick at my scalp rn in my life and I don't even know where it's come from. Sometimes I'm able to stop myself from doing it for periods but then I go right back into it, I don't even know where I developed this 😭

[@ellenl.5581]

@@thewintermole I thought "bad habbit" just me my scalp. One time a friend said she saw me driving . I have a common car so I asked her how she knew it was me. She said I was fiddling with my hair. I'm 72 been a problem forever. Oh dear.

[@dreampinkreel]

I did this during a short amount of time for I used to have psoriasis because of stress… well this is only anecdotal compared to what I did with the rest of my body however I never told anyone about it out of fear. My parents kinda are aware cause they saw the scars (on my face mainly) but they only made fun of me and belittled me.

[@nanjacks913]

Thank you for this post! When I was young, I thought something was wrong with me for "pulling" knowing I'm not alone helps.

[@hipkitycatzt7614]

Thank you for sharing on these types of behaviours. I experienced intense picking behaviour when I was suffering a drug addiction. I am covered in terrible scars and was hospitalized for a blood infection that almost killed me. I had so much shame about this and couldn't stop. After getting clean I have realized the behaviour was present before and now, only not to the same degree. I see now how this is something that is in my family also. I now have some information that gives me direction and a some peace of mind. Keep up the good work sharing on these issues, much appreciated

[@linaemmanuel5886]

My career as a waxing therapist really helped me with this behavior. I’m still pulling hair but not mine and I get paid. My clients always happy with my work!

[@Young3blu]

Haha sis here for this!! But not mine and I get paid!!

[@palettetowne3676]

I should get into this profession

[@chibitamashi8893]

That is awesome! Turning it into a career

[@MelissaMayhem99]

I would love to become an esthetician for this exact reason, mess with other people's skin all day and extractions but not my own! Have you ever watched Jada Kennedy's vids?? They are superb 👌

[@TameiraChrishae]

I’m doing this soon😭 tired of picking my own hair

[@tatyanarodiles8592]

i thought everyone did this and just didn’t talk about it 😦

[@SophieZA]

me too! I need to talk to my psychiatrist about this

[@tash2166]

Lol

[@modisedaeswatiniprincess6944]

Right wtf 😹🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Demi.d3mi]

Who doesnt do this

[@pash9956]

Why the mask? I believe young people using social media have been poisoned.

[@hensan93]

Thanks Dr! After watching your video, I try to notice stress when I want to pull a hair. It helps me to shift my focus from finding the "perfect" hair to pull out to understanding my condition to reduce the act.

[@natalierullmanward9137]

Gosh everyone, I'm sorry this happened to us. May we all be blessed with healing, love and light.

[@oliviapoopedherpants7341]

I’m literally freaking out rn because she just described word for word exactly what I do when I pull my hair. I always thought it was just a really weird thing that I do. I had no idea it was an actual mental disorder and other people have it too. I don’t know what to do now...

[@elishahernandez8988]

Me too! The part about pulling a certain way to see/ feel the root is me!

[@lorawithan0]

I'm 41 and been doing this since I was 2/3 years old, my mum noticed my bald patch and there's photos. I stopped for ages but in the early 90's it started again and hasn't ever stopped. It's beyond my control.

[@oliviapoopedherpants7341]

@@elishahernandez8988 yess omg I thought I was so weird

[@creuvette29]

See a therapist x). Behavioural therapy seems to work.

[@oliviapoopedherpants7341]

@@creuvette29 i would but im so young and i would hate to have to tell my parents that I need therapy

[@fk2844]

I feel good picking my lips, I feel even better when I start bleeding. The pain feels good. I've been doing this since I was 6-7 and I'm in my late 20s now...

[@sean-ov2vp]

I pick at my lips till they bleed too

[@valhicks19]

Same same and same except I'm in my early 20s

[@jalomalo9136]

i know it’s wrong but i bite at my lower lip til it bleeds and pick at my thumbs and sometimes squeeze it when i know it’ll bleed… i’ve gotten better but i still catch myself doing it

[@PopRoxzGoBang]

Medicated lip balm helps heal the little cuts and makes it less tempting to pick since it keeps the lips super moisturized and prevents dry spots

[@aniv3045]

I do this to, I bite my lips all the time

[@Teds_Wig_Emporium]

KZbin must have been wired into my mind today, as I was going to read up about this exact issue! Thank you for explaining it so well! 👍🏻❤️

[@mgmassey174]

Bless you. I wondered why that behavior was my reaction to severe child abuse. Came to the conclusion that it's anxiety from being trapped. Have stopped years back. Wish we had people like yourself in my area. We're short of intelligent doctors in our tourist town. All the best

[@alexandria3583]

when you mentioned finding a certain hair texture or seeing the root it made me feel so much less alone knowing that other people do the same thing

[@muddyotterspottery569]

Yes! Totally. To hear that described in such detail, but without any judgment was very comforting to hear. I felt that I was not alone with this.

[@SVURulez]

Same! I always thought it was just satisfying because I hate my body hair.

[@Lora2788]

You're not alone lovely

[@m.donez8]

I finally feel seen, I didn’t know other people did this too!

[@rebeccacooke2707]

Same, girl. I've done this for years, looking for thr root. Makes me feel more understood.

[@UnauthorizedThing]

Hearing her explain every little detail with hair pulling is exactly how I do it... this video made me feel so less alone in beginning to deal with my OCD

[@emilycatherine446]

Same! Just wish I could stop... Been pulling strands from the back of my head for as long as I can remember.

[@kavyasundar7240]

Oh geez I've been pulling on a lot of my chin hair and the small hairs around my face since middle school. I did pick up on my eyebrow hair and eyelash hair but thankfully I stopped doing. I haven't really diagnosed myself as I feel it's more of a habit though

[@davisholman8149]

Ty - please don’t feel embarrassed or shameful - we humans are complicated creatures. You got this!👍

[@Skittleztheif]

I use to have terrible problems with picking and popping pimples when I was stressed or overwhelmed or even worse I did it out of BORDEM but my acne has never been better since I’ve started actually trying to stop picking but honestly just trying to put yourself in less stressful environments has helped me the most

[@roochiee]

this video is so helpful! i’ve been struggling with picking my fingers for going on a decade now. i’ve genuinely lost sleep because i couldn’t stop picking. i’ve been told “it’s just a bad habit and you should stop” when i’ve always tried to tell them it’s more than a habit it’s a compulsion.

[@vishva8kumara]

It's almost like a coping mechanism. Pain or whatever it is a sensation strong enough to relieve anxiety. That relief feeds the need to pick deeper when in anxiety.

[@cb4017]

yes very true

[@vishva8kumara]

Been doing this since 10. Have OCPD

[@cb4017]

@@vishva8kumara now we are on the path of healing... big virtual hug your way

[@thestupidgenius6866]

Yea. I notice I usually do it during school times and not as much during the summer.

[@jillwilkerson2032]

Most people think trich is about the distraction caused by pain. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! Pulling out a tiny hair doesn’t hurt. It’s the ritual of doing it that puts me in the “zone” which is peaceful.

[@safaebergor3959]

I'm just impressed with how she can explain something so good and for 8 minutes straight without needing to cut or edit any part.

[@urmommasucksadamdriverstoe1817]

She did edit tho. You can see some parts where it’s edited. But yes, she explained it perfectly

[@sinikivi4591]

Cause she reads from a script just like everyone else, from pc screen. You know.

[@289rory]

@@sinikivi4591 Actually, no. Not everyone reads from a script. Otherwise, there’d be no need for edits. The minimal editing is proof.

[@HANA-mw1rf]

There are cuts.

[@louern123]

Yes !! Amazing

[@blankfacesuk988]

I just wanted to post a tip for anyone suffering that has really helped me. It is not a cure but it does give you the opportunity to reduce picking and make better decisions. So I get acrylic nails but I always go for an almond shape or a blunted dagger-type shape but always get tips (there's probably a name for this). The thick acrylic is too smooth to pinch the skin and it helps you take time to stop picking. Although I still have issues when I don't have nails, my skin looks as good as it can when I get nails. This also helps with ezma, which I no longer have. woop woop, 3 years, no flares. Just because I made my nails look pretty.

[@our.hallway]

I agree, getting my nails done helps me stop from having access to my eyelids to pull my eyelashes

[@katherineblakely7142]

Omg, I'm a scalp picker and also discovered that acrylic nails are too thick to allow me to "pick" well enough to satisfy me and is the only l only thing that has deterred me. Never did nails at salon until my early 30s, and I'm 59 now. This was such a great message. 😊

[@ironmaven1760]

​@katherineblakely7142 this is true! Because we pick close to the scalp acrylic nails DO stop us from gripping the hair.

[@keijinistheworst]

im so sick of picking my skin.

[@hayley9088]

The way in which Dr. Marks has described Trichotillomania has to be one of the best descriptions I've heard. Especially touching on how gratifying it is in the moment. People seemed to misunderstand that It never really hurt me when I would pull out hair. Instead it brought relief akin to scratching a mosquito bite.

[@KatinakittykatPatterson]

Oh my God YESSSSS I just put the tweezers down for this but it always starts off as an itching sensation and I end up pulling the hair out and it feels soooooo soothing and comforting for me and the scratching too. My dad used to work on his eyelashes and he would sometimes even let me go at his hair/lashes with the tweezers....

[@melissacoffey7938]

I completely understand this! It actually sums up what I feel when I pull out the hair. I love this explanation because it shined light on my thoughts, but it didn't make me feel like a freak for getting satisfied from this.

[@LexxiKitty]

@@KatinakittykatPatterson I get this incredibly annoying itching sensation on my eyelashes ; I can't scratch the itch so only pulling gets it away. First time I've felt validation in how I feel on the subject, this video is important for people like us!!

[@Gabriela-jg1bd]

Ok literally same, it feels so relieving when I pick an eyebrow hair from the root, and when I get all the blackheads on my face even if my face is red and bumpy from all the picking, it just really soothing

[@galeagrubb8175]

I thought I was the only one who did this knowing that it's not brings me comfort but also after watching this I know there's something wrong with me.

[@yannilgonzalez9274]

I’ve been skin picking for years and have actively avoided watching this video. I’ve damaged my legs and my private area because I try to pick in places ppl won’t see. I was attacked in 2018 and haven’t been able to control it since. Due to the pandemic I work from home and literally pick all day. It’s terrible 😢 I wouldn’t wish this on a soul. I have yet to find a therapist to really help me with this and now with all the damage I feel super ashamed. Thank you for making this video to help me understand myself a bit more. I won’t stop trying, until I stop picking.

[@CaressaKyara]

You’re not alone❤️

[@michellemurphybrown9751]

I've done it to for yrs, and honestly I think or thought I did have it somewhat under control,but I think I just tell myself that. Because I still do it all the time. I just don't know how to stop,so I tell myself it's not as bad as others so it's ok or things like that,but it's not.

[@yannilgonzalez9274]

@@michellemurphybrown9751 I do the same thing and have kinda given up talking to people about it. I literally can’t stop and I too have periods where I’m like okay I’m in control but really I’m not.

[@Evajeanfreedom]

Sending hugs ❤

[@franceskirton7655]

I feel gutted after watching this video, but slightly better after reading the comments - it's really nice to know you're not alone. I used to do both hair pulling and skin picking, but I've managed to stop pulling my hair out now. I started when I was a child, no real triggers I can think of, apart from possibly a high achieving father and sister, and me being much the youngest, and not very good at anything. I'm never likely to seek help for this, I can live with it, and it doesn't really impact my life, its just my secret part, that nobody else knows about.

[@klnmn3722]

I’ve picked the skin around my fingernails for almost 20 years, since I was a kid. Used to bite nails and skin too - wearing nail polish for a couple weeks fixed that. It’s not so mild that I think it will ever go away without intervention, but also not severe enough to be overly disruptive. It’s really just the “most disruptive” thing I do among many other anxious behaviors. I’m constantly moving around, touching things. If it’s not skin picking, it’s scratching (lightly, just random itches), wiping my nose, running my fingers through my hair, moving back and forth, something. The picking is so deeply ingrained at this point that the payoff of stopping just doesn’t feel worth the effort yet. I’m getting there, though - it doesn’t look good in business settings.

[@averagechristian6069]

I am the same. All of the above. I constantly need to fidget, pick, touch, brush my hair, anything. I don't always notice but I'm embarrassed in social and professional settings. It's so hard to stop and the thought of trying sounds like so much energy. Growing up I was always just told to stop. If it was that easy, I would! Anyways sorry you experience it too but glad to not be alone.

[@AutumnsRemains]

I'm really glad to have been able to see this represented in the mtv Real World series and took steps at the time to stop myself from being too harmful on my skin. Having eczema and allergies do not help, but I can say I do not chew my inner mouth til bleeding nor chew my nails at all. I also haven't had sores on my head in a very long time. Most of the picking is concentrated on loose hair, acne, and the subsequent scabs created by picking at the acne. I'd say I'm doing well and it does greatly ease my anxiety. I also have untreated childhood ocd which I feel has now bled into these rituals instead of the previous 'everything must be even' one which really dominated a good couple years of my childhood and am so glad to have grown out of. It manifests at times but to be honest, having both hands busy help a lot

[@sweetfloralwaves3148]

I never thought all these years that my picking skin on my lips, hands, body was a disorder. I do go through periods where I won’t pick my skin then something triggers it and then it takes months to stop because I’ll start doing it with out realizing it.

[@caomunistadoggo4129]

It happens exactly the same way with me

[@Brontesister1]

I sort of did know but was still shocked to hear it in this video! My skin-picking only began about 5 years ago after a very painful time in my life but it wasn’t healthy skin to start with. There were little breaks in the skin that attracted me to do it. I also chew the inside of my mouth when I’m feeling stressed or anxious or even, subconsciously, when I’m just watching TV. Sometimes to the point where my gums swell and my skin on the inside of my cheek is really raw. I hate myself for it and always tell myself never again. But it’s true, I’m unable to stop all these things! Also, as I was listening to the part about hair pulling, I remembered that i used to do that as a child!!!

[@IrieRogue]

Indeed, almost like I'm possessed. I'll begin doing it subconsciously, and before I know it I have a hole in my skin :/

[@violettas5154]

Same here! I'm 19 now and I'm trying to stop picking my arms, face, chest, and back. It's so hard though because I want to stop but it feels like I can't :(

[@ahoward3503]

I would defiantly ask someone if it is a diagnosable disorder, because you may be able to find ways through therapy to cope with whatever is triggering you. There is a difference between just being "fidgety" and having one of these disorders, so monitor it and make sure to let someone know if you feel it is a problem. Good luck.

[@hobojoe27]

i have extremely dry lips, and for as long as i can remember ive picked at them. i will often do it until they bleed, because i hate the feeling of uneven textures on my lips, but this just results in more chapping and uneven textures. i’ve noticed i usually only do it when i’m extremely focused on something, so i don’t worry too much about it. if i try hard to keep chapstick on hand at all times, i can break the habit, but it takes effort and i can’t be mindless about it..

[@HippieChild05]

I do this as well. It wasn't until a few months ago I finally figured out that it was a stress response from 30 years of narcissistic abuse.

[@Orchidlettux]

Yes, I knew everyone did it at some point but to me I do it so often that just before it heals I pick it again

[@Layra151301]

Girrrllll same. Before bed trying putting aquaphor healing ointment. It's changed my life!!! I put it on before bed and sometimes during the day.

[@miljananisavic6998]

SAMEEE this popped up while I was picking my lips, I want to stop but I just can't stand the texture

[@ThexRosario]

I have this since I was a child and even lipsticks for healing didnt help, because it just got even worse with it. For about a year now I use skin- and baby creme for my lips and it actually helped, cause the healing process isn't dry anymore. Pls guys try this out!

[@spookysomeone]

thank you, this video gave me the tools and the courage i needed to speak to my psychiatrist about my skin-picking :)

[@oopsallie]

wow you are spot on with everything to the playing with the hair between your fingers 😮😮 i always thought i was alone

[@kerigordon2092]

I felt like she was reading me perfectly, and I’ve never been diagnosed with OCD, ADD or ADHD. I do however, suffer from anxiety and depression, though the two doctors I’ve seen can’t decide which is more prevalent. I’ve always picked at scabs, even as a child. Like, I don’t eat them, but just the knowledge that the scab is there irritates me to no end because my skin isn’t as smooth and beautiful as I want it to be. I also scratch at my skin when it doesn’t really itch. But if my hand or arm start itching and scratching won’t help, I’ll resort to biting.

[@Mandz-mj2xv]

I have ADHD and on spectrum and I pull out eyebrows. I'm getting better find it mad this was suggested as I've never searched for it???

[@CC-tc1yi]

I have the exact same experience. Covered in tiny spot like scars from picking my arms and legs because of ‘lumps’ on skin which I believe are proteins. Love to pull hairs out (thankfully not on my head or eyebrows, but on my legs and eyelashes). I’ve not been diagnosed with OCD, but I also have severe anxiety, panic disorder and depression.

[@kerigordon2092]

@Mandz1888 Neither did I. It just showed up in my recommended the other day.

[@damiyandamiyan4628]

Wats making u feel better?

[@Mandz-mj2xv]

@@kerigordon2092 its strange maybe I've googled it or sumin? I'm getting better and there growing back, had too get steroid cream at one point. Its stress infact I think I know what its linked too now. Need too chill lol

[@Zevanix]

The amount of times I've been told "stop picking your skin", "stop biting the skin off your lip", or "stop pulling out your eyelashes" (my most common) is astonishing to me

[@tajsandhu7914]

This is exactly my two problems! Picking and biting my lips and pulling my eyelashes out.

[@myraaksvlogs8907]

Same! Before I saw the video I was just biting my bottom lip. I stop when I taste blood and that’s how I realize that I was biting my lip. Same with cuticles and bumps. I’ll see blood and realize what I’m doing so I remind myself to stop. I have to get my nails done so I won’t pick at my face or body. It’s embarrassing when I move on to my husband’s back. He always says it’s time for you to get them redone. 🥺

[@jeanettey711]

I eye lash pick so much!

[@myraaksvlogs8907]

@@jeanettey711 I bet you don’t even feel pain? Huh? For the longest time I thought I was going nuts. I’ve been like this since my teens. It sucks when you pick your face so much it looks like I’m on drugs. I don’t go out until it gets better. Ugh

[@neawilliams7204]

My mom 100% and I still do these things as an adult 😗

[@alishaparker315]

I just want to say thank you for doing this vid it’s a real eye opener tbh💐💐💐

[@SpiritualWiFi]

I had a hair pulling client and hypnosis helped her. She has now done hair transplantation and meditates regularly. Thank you for explaining this to the public.

[@katia8733]

the fact that this is the first time I've heard someone acknowledging my hair pulling so perfectly has me crying, I feel so validated rn because since I started that behavior no one has ever related to me and I always felt bad for doing it

[@Echofrost5]

Agreed

[@xoprettywinqsxo]

I hope you don’t feel alone (if you did) and I hope you get better 👏🏾

[@bastardsire]

I feel you. I used to get yelled at by my guardian as a kid for pulling my hair. I look for the very textured hairs at the back of my head. I would rip out alot of hair at the back, causing thinning and small spots and different lenghts of hair growing at different times. I still do it, I've been trying to stop. I don't really WANT to pull the hair out, because then I won't be able to find the same texture of hair. I just can't help that feeling of the hair running under my fingernail is really soothing. I also pick all the skin off my lips, nearly every day because they are dry and it feels nice while I'm doing it and hurts later. I've had people ask me alot why I'm always touching my hair like that and I also feel really happy to hear someone describe it perfectly. It sucks to feel out of control while doing it, but I'm glad I'm not the only one

[@katia8733]

@@xoprettywinqsxo tysm I really appreciate it ♡

[@katia8733]

@@bastardsire YESS I do exactly the same and I remember being laughed at bc of that in high school, now I still do it too but not as frequently as I used to back then, and my hair has suffered the consequences :( I'm still trying to cover the bald spots and I've just realized why my hair is so thin rn when it used to be thicker

[@kodamaakemi9758]

Okay, I don’t know how KZbin knew to suggest this to me, but this makes me feel so much better to see all these people in the comments say that they struggle with this too, and that I’m not alone in this. I think I started hair pulling in the fifth grade, but I didn’t know this extended to picking eyelashes and eyebrows, which I think I started doing even younger than that. I also didn’t know this extended to picking hair from animals, as sometimes my cat, who is very fluffy, will have a clump of loose fur visibly sticking out and I feel the need to pull at it. And with it extending to picking stuff from things, I used to be really into plucking all of the hair out of pipe cleaners until they were just wires.

[@aponimashallah]

Frl 😂 cuz I’m picking on my lashes rn

[@amariebloom]

Same

[@--Fullsun]

Me too

[@brigetrussell6782]

I’m glad it’s a comfort! A little of my story: when I was at my worst I would pick the skin off of the bottom of my feet to the point they would be bleeding and it would hurt to walk. It was a miserable time. BUT with age and therapy it’s gotten so much better!

[@ShaneDouglas713]

Same here

[@CakeDaggertooth1987]

I didn't know this was triggered by obsessive compulsive disorder. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏

[@worldpeace12.7]

i didnt even know this was a thing but yeah, you hit the nail on the head. thank you for bringing this to my attention. i will replace my impulsive habits with positive self soothing habits, now that i am better informed. once again, thank you.

[@cassandra.wladyslava]

I pick/scratch at my scalp. I’ve been trying to stop because it’s preventing me from bleaching/dyeing my hair. For me one of the worst parts is having people (AKA my family members) catch me doing it and chastising me for it because it bothers THEM. When I’ve explained that that just makes me feel ashamed and stressed and want to pick more the response has been stuff like: “No one can MAKE you do anything/No one is physically taking your hand and MAKING you pick at your scalp” or “You shouldn’t blame me for your problems.” etc… It’s very frustrating.

[@kailaniclarke4718]

I pick at my scalp too! I've never met anyone else who does. Strength to you my friend, I hope things get better for us :)

[@cassandra.wladyslava]

@@kailaniclarke4718 It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance! 😊

[@nela6628]

omg i can relate!! my family sees me picking at my scalp till it bleeds and tells me to just stop cuz they dont want to watch me do it. so stupid! its almost like i wouldnt be doing it if i could just stop.

[@boxofbugs2292]

right!! like they get upset at ME whenever I'm pulling my hair or picking my scalp because it makes THEM uncomfortable. How do you think I feel?

[@foofoo_lover985]

i do this same thing but it’s only when i’m bored or stressed so no one has ever caught me and to be honest i didn’t even know other people did this. i thought it was just a weird me thing 😅

[@_VoidlessNyx_]

I for many years pulled the hair out of my head because of my anxiety and stress but now I have not pulled my hair out for over a year and I'm proud of it

[@igitha..._]

Congratulations!!!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@stephaniealessandra1710]

How did you stop?

[@toponebiggestlosers]

good job! thats amazing!

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

Congratulations!

[@SpaceCadet2569]

Well done. One day at A time. Wishing you well

[@stephaniedomingue8996]

I have psoriasis. It's a double edged sword. I have to pick all my plaques off constantly so I'm constantly in a flare up. As a kid in school, I would compulsively pluck out my eyebrows and even pull out my hair. Yes, I have really really bad social anxiety. Thanks for not making me feel alone anymore. I would constantly get fussed at for pulling out my eyebrows, but I couldn't stop myself...

[@mind-brainstudio927]

I was so surprised that you mentioned hypnosis. Thank you for at least acknowledging it. There's so much that can be done by a skilled hypnotist to help people with their mental health issues.

[@cacarolcahh]

I was subconsciously picking my skin when this got recommended to me and I am diagnosed with excoriation disorder. KZbin's algorithm sometimes does some great yet creepy moves.

[@voicetrainingbytris3458]

I was literally thinking earlier about looking for ways to stop doing this earlier. I never did, just thought about it. My upper arms are a disaster right now and I need to stop.

[@aviedunn8909]

i think i definitely have it but idk how to tell my parents...haha 😛

[@GenesisCamille]

Yup - 15 minutes before I came across this, I was skin picking.

[@milkwithpulp1]

I know this is irrelevant but our cats are the same cat. Your cat looks exactly like mine

[@thebutterflylady4904]

@@voicetrainingbytris3458 I do it only on my nose and I have been doing it since I was 12. I am 39 now and still do it. I never knew so many people have this problem too. I thought I was alone. I need to stop too.

[@mosulemanji]

It is strange. We are all living in this shared consciousness

[@johnd.2803]

I think the consciousness is good. It’s when we allow demons or things that shouldn’t be allowed to trespass enter (through open doors or what have you) that needs to come out so we can get a sound mind again. It can be REALLY powerful or really bad. You have Elon musk that built what he built. One person one mind (I get that it’s not just him but see). Or you can have another person with OCD that can’t stop washing their hands. One person one mind. We just need to take the bad out, and heal once again. The mind is resilient. We can all bounce back

[@theweirdestfish9962]

this is a helpful video! I often pick at the skin on my wrists and I pretty much always have scabs on there from it. I've usually written it off as "Yeah that's just something to do when I'm bored" or "that skin was annoying", but I think at some point it passed a point where I couldn't stop, every spare second is given to getting big sheets off, or even drawing blood sometimes. It helps to know that yes, this is a problem, and yes, I should put a more conscious effort into dealing with it. I'm fortunate I don't have it the worst out there. While it's something that has happened for a while, it isn't debilitating, and I can sometimes force myself not to do it. To those who it is a huge problem for, even though it may take a while, I believe there are ways to deal with it and make it less bad for you. It will get better

[@julier1616]

Thank you SO MUCH for doing a video about hair pulling ❤️🙏

[@heavenlypeakessentials8093]

I’m in tears. I needed to come across this video. I’ve been picking at my skin for I don’t even know how long without awareness of the negative emotions driving this habit. Fear of failure & non-acceptance causes a lot of anxiety for me. Thank you for sharing this information. 🙏🏾 I can heal from my past & let go of negative emotions.

[@notsarahatall3164]

I normally don't comment like this, and please let me know if it's creepy - But oh my god, you are so freaking pretty! 😍

[@holly1612]

I’m the exact same way. Started crying when I saw this suggested to me, when I’ve been praying for help!! 🙏💙💙💙

[@holly1612]

I already had cellulitis .... that was 2 years ago and still going

[@Sea_witch_]

You're so gorgeous don't ever feel alone or unloved. Remember your inner child, give it love as you would if they were right in front of you, embrace it and forgive each other. It'll all be ok i promise 💜

[@LuxxMa]

Samee❤️

[@adriennebrailsford6291]

I pick at my skin in a mindless uncontrollable way for extended periods of time. I feel a release of sorts but, immediately shameful and stupid after. I won’t show my face without makeup. /makeup is actually one of the few things that keep my hands out of my face, along with avoiding mirrors and people who will point out my scarring and not get off the subject. When mask wearing became recommended for COVID precautions , I was so happy. I felt free (not having to wear make up and the social distancing). I don’t want to have to not wear a mask in public anymore.

[@kychristina]

You can always wear a mask! I plan to keep them around for life now

[@depressedquesadilla5362]

i feel you 100%

[@blubbblubb6239]

I also first felt relieved by wearing a mask in the beginning to cover my skin without makeup. However since I am sweating below them, more pimples arise, which is triggering me more again... :-(

[@nbucwa6621]

I can relate. I want masks to stick around forever.

[@nbucwa6621]

@@blubbblubb6239 yeah I have the same issue

[@user-kp8xk1gb4z]

I thought I was the only one!!! Omg thank you for that video!!