I don't know what to do

[u/Pure-Air-6995]

This has been an issue on/off my whole life. It always seems to relapse during the winter. They hurt so bad, i can't cook, i can't bend my thumbs, and I have no idea what triggers this behaviour. My life is going great, I'm super confident, great job and relationship, no complaints. It's almost like I black out when I'm picking at them and am just brought back to earth and snap out of it when they start hurting this bad. I have a nail appointment tomorrow with family i'm just so ashamed and never know what to say when people are so shocked and ask what happened to my thumbs. Genuinely feel like it's out of my control. Open to any advice. Only thing ive used in the past is band-aids with medical tape over them (also diagnosed ADHD).

[u/caelenkuzenko24]

My fingers end up looking pretty similar especially in the winter!! I know how uncomfortable and painful it can be, and I have felt the embarrassment 100%. The thing that’s help me the most is having fake nails, it doesn’t stop it completely but not being able to pick with my finger nails (as fake nails are too thick) helps a lot! I’m sorry you’re struggling with this and hope you find some relief!

[u/quinacridone-violet]

Working Hands cream or Corn Huskers lotion to prevent the initial cracking that might be happening due to cold.

[u/spacegh0st665]

Certain stimulant medications triggered this really bad for me (if you’re also medicated) it gets so out of control over winter for me with all the hand washing (health anxiety / ocd) and the second I’m spacing out and sensory seeking on my hands, i will always find something to pick at. Trying to heal is so hard because of the way my skin feels just triggers it more.

Try to just keep everything bandaged when you can. Moisturize often. Slather your hands in thick lotion and put on cotton gloves before bed. I wish i could help with the mental side of things but i can’t stop this awful habit no matter how embarrassed i am :(

[u/Parking_Ad6412]

I have this same issue and weirdly I pick my skin exactly where you do. What I have tried to do which I guess somewhat helps is choose which finger I want to pick since I have been picking at both. It might not be the best solution but so far one my thumbs is healed while the other is still something I’m trying to manage.