Excoriation disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to compulsively pick at their skin. This can result in skin damage, scarring, and infection. If you are experiencing symptoms of excoriation disorder, it is important to get help from a professional. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about excoriation disorder including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
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What Does Excoriation Disorder Mean?
This is also known as dermatillomania or skin-picking disorder is a mental disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pick at one’s own skin, resulting in skin lesions and damage.
People with excoriation disorder may pick at their skin for any number of reasons: to relieve anxiety or stress, to satisfy an urge or compulsion, to improve their appearance, or to simply feel the sensation of picking. Picking can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly seen on the face, scalp, hands, and arms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Excoriation Disorder?
It is tough to tell if someone has excoriation disorder because the symptoms can be subtle. The main symptom is skin picking, which can look like a rash, scab, or blister. Other symptoms include:
Depression
People with this disorder may also feel depressed. This can be because of the physical pain and scars from picking, or from the social isolation that often comes with the disorder.
Obsessive thoughts
People with excoriation disorder may have obsessions, such as a fear of dirt or germs. They may also have compulsions, such as the need to clean their skin multiple times a day.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common symptom of excoriation disorder. This may be due to the fear of picking, or the fear of judgment from others.
Trouble Sleeping
People with excoriation disorder may have trouble sleeping. This can be because they are anxious about picking, or because they are in pain from picking.
Isolation
People with excoriation disorder often isolate themselves. This may be because they are embarrassed about their disorder, or because they do not want to be around people who might trigger their urge to pick.
Social Withdrawal
It can cause people to withdraw from social situations. This may be because they are embarrassed about their disorder, or because they do not want to be around people who might trigger their urge to pick.
These are some of the symptoms of excoriation disorder. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. This is a treatable condition, and there is hope for recovery.
What Are The Causes Of Excoriation Disorder?
The cause of this is not known. However, it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For example, people with family members who have OCD or Tourette’s syndrome may be more likely to develop excoriation disorder.
Brain Chemistry
Changes in brain chemistry may contribute to this disorder. For example, people with the disorder may have lower levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.
Genetics
Excoriation disorder may be passed down in families. If you have a family member with the disorder, you’re more likely to develop it.
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or divorce, may trigger excoriation disorder. Treatment for excoriation disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can help reduce the urge to pick at the skin.
Therapy can help people learn how to cope with stress and manage their condition. If you have this disorder, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can help improve your quality of life and prevent complications, such as infection. With treatment, most people with excoriation disorder are able to significantly reduce or eliminate their symptoms.
How Does Excoriation Disorder Develop?
This happens in both children and adults. It usually starts during the teenage years, but it can start earlier or later in life. It can almost begin at any age:
After Some Kind Of Rashes, Skin Infection
If you’ve had a skin rash or infection, you may try to pick at your skin in order to make it go away. As a result, you’ll get a scab or irritation that will cause more picking, which can lead to more harm.
Because Of An Obsession
For some people, the urge to pick is so strong that they can’t resist it. They may be obsessed with their skin and the way it looks. Picking can become a habit that’s hard to break. The urge to pick can be triggered by:
- Boredom
- Anxiety
- Feeling tired or stressed
- Seeing someone else picking up their skin
What Are The Ways To Treat Excoriation Disorder?
There are some ways that people with Excoriation Disorder can find relief and treatment. Here are some of the options:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is a type of therapy that helps people change their thinking patterns and behaviors. It can be helpful in treating the disorder because it can help people learn how to cope with their urges to pick at their skin.
If you want help with excoriation disorder, then book a consultation with our experts today through our website of Mantra Care. During the consultation, you will be able to ask any questions that you may have about different conditions and get helpful tips on how to deal with them.
Medication
There are some medications that can be helpful in treating this disorder. These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotic medications.
Hospitalization
In severe cases of Excoriation Disorder, hospitalization may be necessary. This is usually done so that people can get the proper medical care and treatment that they need.
Support Groups
There are also support groups available for people with Excoriation Disorder. This can be a helpful way for people to share their experiences and to get support from others who understand what they are going through.
If you or someone you know is struggling with this disorder, please know that there is help available. There are many resources out there that can provide assistance and support. You don’t have to suffer alone. Seek out the help that you need so that you can start on the road to recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a serious mental illness that can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with this disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. With treatment, people with excoriation disorder can learn to manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives.
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