Dermatillomania synonyms

Dermatillomania, officially classified as Excoriation Disorder in the DSM-5, is a body-focused repetitive behavior characterized by the compulsive picking of one's own skin. It is frequently referenced by various synonyms including Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP), Pathologic Skin Picking (PSP), and dermatillomania, all of which describe the same underlying clinical condition.

What are the common names and synonyms for Dermatillomania?

Because Dermatillomania has been studied across different medical disciplines—including dermatology and psychiatry—it has acquired a wide array of labels. Commonly used terms include Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP), Excoriation Disorder, Pathologic Skin Picking (PSP), and Neurotic Excoriation. In older dermatological literature, you may also encounter the term "Acne Excoriée," a descriptive label often used when the picking is focused on perceived skin imperfections or acne lesions.

Why does Dermatillomania have so many different names?

The variety of names reflects the evolution of our understanding of the condition. Historically, it was often viewed as a purely dermatological issue or a symptom of another psychiatric disorder. The shift toward the official clinical term "Excoriation Disorder" in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) represents a move to categorize Dermatillomania as a distinct obsessive-compulsive related disorder. This unified nomenclature helps clinicians provide more consistent care for the 260 members of the DiseaseMaps community currently navigating this diagnosis.

What is the official medical classification?

In modern clinical practice, the name preferred by medical professionals is Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder. This term is used to ensure accurate billing and standardized treatment protocols. Other identifiers include:

• ICD-11: Classified under 6B23 (Body-focused repetitive behavior disorders).


• DSM-5: Categorized under Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.


• Orphanet/GARD: Often indexed under Dermatillomania or Excoriation Disorder.

Next steps

• Consult a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).


• Connect with the 260 peers at DiseaseMaps.org to share experiences and coping strategies.


• Discuss evidence-based interventions like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with your healthcare provider.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician with any questions regarding a medical condition.

References

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).


• Orphanet: Portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs.


• American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).


• The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.