I need advice plz idk how to stop

[u/Panicking_Pansexual_]

I've dealt with this problem my entire life. I remember bonding with my best friend in preschool over the fact we both pick our nails. I'm 21 now and still struggle and idk how to stop because even when I try really hard I'll crack

I chew my lips til they bleed and peel the scabs off. I chew the inside of my cheeks, I have mounds on the corners of my lips which is my favorite chewing spot. I hate pictures of my hands because my fingers are always bleeding and have chunks out of them. My nails never grow past the tip of my finger before they're being bitten or ripped off.

Pimples on my face? Plucking them right off. Calluses on my feet? Don't need to exfoliate when I can just peel it off. It's so bad. I even use tooks like nail clippers to make a piece of skin I can pull on if I have no where to start from.

My boyfriend is constantly swatting my hand away from my mouth (I told him to do this if he catches me) cause I'm always biting my nails and skin on my fingers

[u/foomanthachoo]

Start getting obsessed with skincare and try to replace picking with that

Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize then moisturize some more

Instead of picking at your fingers, rub ointment into your hands

I get shellac on my nails to make them thicker. That's the only thing that helps me stop.

Dim lighting in your bathroom.

Get rid of your "tools." Tweezers, anything you use.

[u/purpledreamer1622]

It’s hard! I do better some days and am proud for them. Other days I try but largely fail to work hard at it (stopping) while also giving myself grace.

Use ointments and creams, Just Stop when you notice you’re doing it, use gloves, use fidget toys, remember why it’s important you reduce and prevent and keep trying.

It’s hard. Keep going, good luck

[u/Nearby_wonderer]

I’m struggling myself. I have psoriasis and I make it worse and spread it because I can’t stop messing with it. The worst for me is my scalp. Something I do when I have an urge is brush or comb my hair instead

[u/Young-Physical]

Gabapentim

[u/BeginnerEgg1291]

Do you have any triggers for picking? Is there a certain way you feel (like anxious) or something that happens that makes you more inclined to pick or chew or bite? I think it would be good to see if there's a pattern anywhere. And then from there have some activity you can go to besides picking. Preferably something that uses both your hands so you can't pick even if you wanted to. Do you like artsy stuff? Embroidery, crochet, knitting, wood burning, diamond painting, coloring, etc? Something you can tune into and get lost in so you're not even thinking of picking.

Also antibacterial bandages, hydrocolloid bandages, and waterproof bandages are your friends. So is Vaseline. At least for me, the urge to pick goes down tremendously if my scab isn't crusty. There's no satisfaction in picking off a scab that's moist because it slides right off.

Finally, If you have the resources, it would be good to find a therapist that specializes in obsessive compulsive behaviors. Normally skin picking goes hand and hand with having OCD, anxiety, ADHD, etc. having someone to talk to might help.

I wish you good luck on your journey. I'm in my mid 20s and still figuring these things out