Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
TL;DR: Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation Disorder, is a recognized psychiatric condition characterized by the repetitive and compulsive picking of skin that leads to tissue damage. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it is a treatable condition that often responds well to a combination of specialized psychotherapy and, in some cases, targeted pharmacological intervention. What should I prioritize after a Dermatillomania diagnosis? Your first priority is self-compassion; Dermatillomania is a disorder of the brain’s regulatory systems, not a lack of willpower.
4 people with Dermatillomania have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Which advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with Dermatillomania?
Advice for the newly diagnosed with Dermatillomania, written by people who have lived it. What they wish they had known on day one.
TL;DR: Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation Disorder, is a recognized psychiatric condition characterized by the repetitive and compulsive picking of skin that leads to tissue damage. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it is a treatable condition that often responds well to a combination of specialized psychotherapy and, in some cases, targeted pharmacological intervention.
What should I prioritize after a Dermatillomania diagnosis?
Your first priority is self-compassion; Dermatillomania is a disorder of the brain’s regulatory systems, not a lack of willpower. Focus on immediate harm reduction, such as keeping nails trimmed, using hydrocolloid bandages to cover picking sites, and identifying "triggers" like stress or specific lighting environments that lead to episodes of Dermatillomania.
How do I build an effective care team?
Because Dermatillomania affects both the integumentary system and mental health, your team should be multidisciplinary. An ideal team includes a dermatologist to manage secondary infections or scarring and a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Evidence-based treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically Habit Reversal Training (HRT) to redirect picking impulses.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): To manage the emotional distress associated with Dermatillomania.
- Pharmacotherapy: Use of SSRIs or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as directed by a psychiatrist.
Why is community support essential for Dermatillomania?
Living with Dermatillomania can be isolating due to feelings of guilt or social withdrawal. Connecting with others is vital; the DiseaseMaps.org community currently supports over 260 people navigating the complexities of Dermatillomania. Sharing experiences helps reduce the stigma and provides practical "real-world" tips for managing daily life that clinical settings may overlook.
How can caregivers support loved ones?
Caregivers should avoid shaming or monitoring behaviors, which can inadvertently increase the stress that fuels Dermatillomania. Instead, offer non-judgmental support and help create a home environment that minimizes access to picking triggers. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and validate the difficulty of living with this chronic condition.
Next steps
- Consult a psychiatrist specializing in BFRBs to discuss CBT and medication.
- Join the DiseaseMaps.org community to connect with 260+ peers.
- Track your triggers in a journal to identify patterns in your Dermatillomania.
- Visit the TLC Foundation for BFRBs for specialized resources and provider directories.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Excoriation Disorder
- The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) on Skin Picking Disorder
- PubMed: Clinical studies on N-Acetylcysteine for BFRBs
Posted May 17, 2017 by Jenna 350
Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Linda 4500
Had I been given this advice at a much younger age I might have saved myself several scars from stress induced picking compulsions.
Posted Oct 14, 2019 by lovetheaardvarks 3660
Posted Oct 14, 2019 by Brenda-Victoria 3600
