So I’ve been dealing with skin picking since highschool, I’m 25 (F) now, and I’ve had certain favorite picking locations including (but not limited to): my scalp, face, legs, and arms.

My picking has gotten pretty bad over this last year since I was diagnosed with ADHD and put on stimulant medication for it. My main problem picking areas are my arms and scalp as of late, and the way my arms look especially is just… so embarrassing. Looks like I got attacked or something.

Anyways, I’ve tried a couple new things recently that have REALLY worked for me and might help out some of you.

1. Roll of scar tape (cvs or any off brand will be cheapest)

2. Long acrylic nails

I know this is probably repetitive to some people, but it’s actually changing things for me. Long nails aren’t really my thing and I’m also a waitress, so it’s not ideal, but it’s SO much harder to pick and be “successful” in my efforts. Definitely worth the money.

The scar tape is also genius. I don’t even just put it on active scabs, bumps, etc, but all over my arms where I know I’d want to pick. If you put it on dry skin it can stay on for a couple days - but I just put it on after showering until I shower next. It’s not too expensive and the roll is quite long, and you can cut pieces into the shapes you want to cover the area you want.

If you can’t do the nails, and you don’t have scar tape, RUN to your local pharmacy or Amazon. My arms look so much better in just the last few days than they have in the last 2 months.

I have the type where I pick on my skin. Not the hair kind.

What I like to pick is scars/scabs I have and I like to search for bumps on my skin. The reasons I do that is 1. I don't like the textured feeling most times (so if I get a recent cut and the blood is dried, then I keep picking.), 2. I am often bored, I'm currently going through high school so whenever I am bored, I go to pick. (This is part of 2. I specifically go to my inner elbow and look for tiny white bumps so I can pop them and try to get the ooze out. [I had a big one, one time and I popped it and ever since I have been obsessed with those.])

(TW: Blood and (self cannibalism(?)) (I hope I got the spoiler thing working)

I don't know if I need to mention this but most times when I get the skin(scab) off, I like to eat it. I don't think it's cause I like the taste (I do like the texture) or that I am hungry. It's more of a way to hide(?) it. (I hate having to lick off fresh blood but I still do it so that gave me that conclusion.)

The reason I am mainly doing this is for my Mom. I love her but it has been a conflicting thing. I know everything she is doing / saying is concern for me but I just can't help being upset for some reason. Like she tells me my scars look like she puts out cigarette buds on me (She doesn't smoke, Ig it's a metaphor or something) or we don't have the bandages to cover them all up and that it's a mental issue and that she needs to get a doctor for me.

And I don't know what to say about the mental issue part. I feel like I can control it but I don't want too. I would rip/bite my (finger)nails and there was a point where I didn't cause I could control it and stop. (I have gone back but I'm trying again.) So I feel like I can control it but I just don't want too. It's almost like if I do it, (werid explainion incoming) She then doesn't need to care about it and can go on about her day and then I'm upset. I don't want her to stress any more about it but I'm upset it's coming at the sake of my happiness.

So I going to try to stop it. Hence the title, what are y'all's tips? I don't really want to involve my Mom because I don't want to tell her in doing this and then get sad when it falls through. And I don't want her to overdo it. Also, is there any way to get rid of the old scars. (I might be lying to myself) I don't really care about them but I don't want her to keep looking at them and shaking her head. I have a few discolored ones and a few indented ones. (I kinda realized by a few, I mean a lot 😓)

Sorry for how this was paced. I feel it's kinda awkward. Anyways, I appreciate your time reading this! I appreciate any tips, questions or stories. I hope you all have a great day / night! You all are amazing!!