The exact cause of dermatillomania is not known. There is some research suggesting that it may have a genetic or hereditary component, but there isn't much to back it. There is also research suggesting it could have an environmental component. There are also several conditions that are commonly comorbid with dermatillomania, but none of these have to be present for dermatillomania to be diagnosed. Like most mental conditions, the most likely answer is that there are multiple reasons for why this condition can manifest.