Excoriation (skin-picking)

Excoriation Disorder—sometimes called Dermatillomania—is a condition where someone repeatedly picks at their skin or different parts of their body. This picking goes beyond occasional habits and can cause skin damage, emotional distress, and get in the way of daily life.

It’s considered a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) and has similarities with OCD and impulse-control challenges. The picking can feel really hard to stop, even when the person wants to.

• Automatic Skin-Picking:
  This happens without really realizing it—like while reading, watching TV, or driving. It’s often linked to boredom or feeling low-energy.
• Focused Skin-Picking:
  This is more conscious and intentional. It’s often triggered by anxiety, stress, or the urge to remove a perceived “flaw.” It usually includes rituals like examining, squeezing, or digging at the skin.
• Mixed:
  Many people experience a mix of both automatic and focused picking.

• Face (especially around the mouth, chin, or cheeks)
• Scalp
• Arms and legs
• Shoulders, chest, or back
• Cuticles and fingernails
• Feet or toes
• 
  

Some folks focus on picking at scabs, acne, or things they see as imperfections, while others may pick at healthy skin.