Why Do I Keep Picking My Skin? Let’s Talk About Excoriation Disorder
Most of us have picked a scab or squeezed a pimple at some point. It’s one of those things we know we should not do, but sometimes we just cannot help ourselves.
But for some people, it goes much deeper than a bad habit. It becomes a constant, overwhelming urge that leads to open wounds, infections, and scars that feel impossible to hide. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with Excoriation Disorder, also called skin picking disorder.
Let’s talk about what that really means and why it matters.
What Is Skin Picking Disorder?
Skin picking disorder is when picking at your skin becomes repetitive, intense, and hard to stop. It could look like picking scabs, squeezing pimples, scratching at dry skin, or trying to remove what feels like tiny imperfections — even when there is nothing actually there.
This behavior is part of a group called Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which are closely related to obsessive compulsive tendencies. The picking often feels impossible to resist, even if you desperately want to stop.
How to Tell If It Has Become a Problem
There is no one-size-fits-all sign, but here are a few questions that might help:
- Do you spend a lot of time picking at your skin each day?
- Do you have visible scars, wounds, or infections from picking?
- Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed of how your skin looks?
- Do you avoid certain social events or places — like the gym or beach — because of it?
- Have you tried to stop but just cannot?
If these sound familiar, know that you are not alone — and you deserve support.
