Excoriation disorder

Excoriation disorder, more commonly known as dermatillomania, is a mental disorder on the obsessive–compulsive spectrum that is characterized by the repeated urge or impulse to pick at one's own skin, to the extent that either psychological or physical damage is caused. The exact causes of this disorder are unclear but are believed to involve a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, including stress and underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with excoriation disorder may also experience co-occurring conditions like depression or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and may include medications. Without intervention, the disorder can lead to serious medical complications.

Signs and symptoms

Episodes of skin picking are often preceded or accompanied by tension, anxiety, or stress. During these moments, there is commonly a compulsive urge to pick, squeeze, bite or scratch at a surface or region of the body, often at the location of a perceived skin defect. When picking, one may feel a sense of relief or satisfaction. In some cases, following picking, the affected person may feel depressed.

The region most commonly picked is the face, but other frequent locations include the arms, legs, back, gums, neck, shoulders, scalp, abdomen, chest, and extremities such as the fingernails, knuckles, cuticles, toenails, etc.