Today is going to start day #1 of a 30 day challenge to no skin picking. For 8 years I have suffered from a disorder known as self injurious skin picking. I found out that I am not the only person suffering from this disorder when i visited the website www.selfinjuriousskinpicking.com.I decided to post a log here to see if there was anyone from acne.org that has skin picking issues. I began skin picking when i started getting break outs the summer before my sophmore year of high school in 2000. I would pick at my pimples and cause them to scab and then scar. I have suffered with this for 8 years and made my skin much worse than it actually is. I dont really have acne anymore, just an occasional pimple and some blackheads. but i pick at anything i can on my face making scabs everywhere. There are times that i get to busy and dont pick and my skin will clear up, but that doesnt last long i always find a way to pick again. I have tried everything and I am determined that i can fight this disorder. I am going to keep a log of my progress each day for 30 days and try the very hardest possible to keep my hands off my face. here is my plan-

1. In the am I will touch my face only to apply makeup after my shower
2. throughout the day i can only touch my face to reapply makeup
3. in the pm i will wash face with cetaphil cleanser and apply BP to any active spots/ I cannot pick at any active acne or blackheads.
4. I will log my progress each day

So heres to ending this battle and having the good skin that is underneath this crazy disorder.

GOOD LUCK

I'm totally behind you 100%! I have a habit of picking my zits too... Its not too bad anymore. In high school I used to be pretty compulsive about it. I don't get a lot of acne on my face- thankfully, even when I do, I dont get the urge to pick the zits on my face. But I do deal with a great deal of acne on my upper arms and thighs. And every once in a while, I will get into these compulsive routines of picking at them- especially if I notice any black heads or ingrown hairs. I've even caught myself using things like tweezers to help me dig out black heads and such... Its weird to think thats identified as a disorder! I myself have just started the "regimen" on my arms (today in fact)- my hope is that it will clear up body acne on my arms, which will then cure me of picking at them. After 30 days, I will add my thighs to the regimen as well.

Again! To you, I say good luck and I'm rooting for you!

If you don't mind, I'll do this with you. I really don't have any acne any more, but occasionally I'll see a clogged pore or something and just mess with it-- even though I know that's TERRIBLE haha!

I SO needed to read this today. I currently have 2 large spots on my face that started as tiny little pimples. They would be gone by now had I not picked them.

Hi there, I found the link to the 'picking' site extremely helpful. I'd like to know how you got on and whether you are still picking?!!

Yours,
Self-confessed Pick-a-holic.

I recieved laser treatments for 8 months and spent $8000. I was so happy with the results. I am so disappointed in myself. I completely ruined my face by picking these last two months. I can't look anybody in the face at work. My sons baptism is coming up and I am embarassed to meet some of my husbands family for the first time. I need to stop today!!!