What is
Dermatillomania (Excoriation Disorder)?

Dermatillomania (Excoriation Disorder) or skin-picking disorder, is a mental health condition where individuals repeatedly pick at their skin, often to the point of causing damage.

What Is It?

It’s classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB) and is closely related to conditions like trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and OCD. While anyone can occasionally pick at their skin, dermatillomania involves a compulsive urge that is difficult to control and typically leads to significant emotional distress or physical harm.

Common Experiences

People may spend hours each day picking at perceived imperfections such as scabs, acne, or dry skin on various parts of their body, often the face, arms, or hands. Many report entering a trance-like state during episodes or feeling a sense of relief or satisfaction after picking, followed by guilt, shame, or embarrassment. The behaviour can be triggered by stress, anxiety, boredom, or even by touching or seeing certain textures on the skin.

How It Can Affect You

Dermatillomania can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Consequences include scarring, infections, and chronic wounds, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. People may hide their skin or avoid social situations, which can further isolate them and make seeking help more difficult. With the right support and treatment, including therapy, recovery is possible.