Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation Disorder, is diagnosed primarily through a clinical psychiatric evaluation rather than through blood tests or imaging. A provider will assess if your skin-picking behavior causes significant distress or impairment in your daily life and ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another medical or mental health condition. How is Dermatillomania officially diagnosed? There is no specific laboratory test for Dermatillomania.
3 people with Dermatillomania have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
How is Dermatillomania diagnosed?
How Dermatillomania is diagnosed: tests, specialists and the diagnostic journey, told by patients and reviewed against medical sources.
Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation Disorder, is diagnosed primarily through a clinical psychiatric evaluation rather than through blood tests or imaging. A provider will assess if your skin-picking behavior causes significant distress or impairment in your daily life and ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another medical or mental health condition.
How is Dermatillomania officially diagnosed?
There is no specific laboratory test for Dermatillomania. Instead, clinicians utilize the diagnostic criteria found in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). To receive a diagnosis of Excoriation Disorder, patients must typically meet these criteria:
- Recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions.
- Repeated attempts to decrease or stop the skin picking.
- The picking causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition (e.g., scabies or dermatitis).
- The behavior is not better explained by symptoms of another mental disorder, such as delusions in a psychotic disorder or body dysmorphic disorder.
Which specialists diagnose Dermatillomania?
While patients often start with a dermatologist to treat skin infections or scarring caused by Dermatillomania, the formal diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. Because Pathologic Skin Picking is frequently misunderstood, many patients face a long "diagnostic odyssey," often being misdiagnosed with simple acne or allergies before receiving the correct psychiatric evaluation.
What is the differential diagnosis for Dermatillomania?
It is vital to rule out other conditions that mimic Dermatillomania. A specialist will differentiate this condition from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trichotillomania (hair pulling), and dermatological conditions like chronic eczema or pruritus. If your initial doctor dismisses your concerns, do not be discouraged; seek a mental health professional who specializes in body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
Next steps
- Consult a psychiatrist or psychologist experienced in body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
- Keep a log of your picking episodes, including triggers like stress or anxiety, to share during your clinical evaluation.
- Join the DiseaseMaps.org community to connect with over 260 members who understand the challenges of living with Dermatillomania.
- Request a referral to a therapist specializing in Habit Reversal Training (HRT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5-TR criteria for Excoriation Disorder).
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) regarding Compulsive Skin Picking.
- The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (bfrb.org).
- International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) resources on skin picking.
Posted Sep 14, 2017 by Linda 4500
To be diagnosed the condition can not be caused by recreational drug use or alcohol use. This is a separate condition. It cannot be caused by a psychotic episode or otherwise be explained by another mental disorder. If the skin picking is deliberately done to cause harm, it is classified as self-harm and not dermatillomania.
Many people pick at their skin. Most do not have dermatillomania. Dermatillomania is defined as a compulsive need to pick at the skin that has caused "clinically significant stress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of function."
Dermatillomania can be diagnosed by your doctor. Many people see a licensed therapist and/or a dermatologist for treatment. Some people are given a written or oral test asking about the impact of their picking to determine the best diagnosis or treatment options.
Posted Oct 14, 2019 by lovetheaardvarks 3660
Posted Oct 14, 2019 by Brenda-Victoria 3600
