1 reply to this topic

[cindy_sue]

So I had my first appointment with my dermatologist on wednesday. Went along with no make-up on (COMPLETE TORTURE) and got an absolute bollocking for my skin-picking.

I've been prescribed Roaccutane and am due to start a 4 month course as soon as my blood tests are done and dusted.

I understand that my skin will be very very fragile etc whilst on the medication and that I really really need to stop picking at my skin.

The dermatologist just didn't listen though. I try!! I really do try!! But it's a compulsion. I'm sure I do it my sleep for example.

This isn't a message asking for advice in particular. I'm going to have a look round the site for tips etc. I just needed to vent as to just how frustrating this is. I've finally been prescibed a drug that could kick this problem skin which I've had for 8 years now. But I could mess it all up my not stopping this stupid stupid habit. ARGH

[MiBFTo]

It's a shame your derm didn't seem to recognize that picking is a compulsive addiction, and has to be treated that way. You don't tell an alcoholic to just not drink, you have to give them the tools to avoid it. Your derm should have at least acknowledged that there are certain elements that contribute to the compulsion to pick, and helped you with those.

It's been probably ten years since I've been to see a derm regularly, but when I did, I remember he acknowledged that picking is appealing for at least one treatable reason: the itch!! Acne, especially partially healed acne, is incredibly itchy and difficult to keep from scratching/picking. He gave me a cream to rub on those spots that didn't necessarily help the healing process, but softened the tightened skin and made it less itchy.

Like you, I have a compulsion to pick, but it did help some. Perhaps next time you go you could ask about something like that.