Excoriation Disorder (Skin Picking)

Excoriation disorder, also known as skin picking disorder is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing distress and disrupting daily life. Clarity Clinic’s team of mental health professionals is here to help you understand the disorder and provide excoriation treatment options.

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Quick Reference

What Is Excoriation Disorder?
Who Is At Risk For Excoriation Disorder?
How Is Excoriation Disorder Diagnosed?
How Do You Find Skin Picking Disorder Treatment?
Why Choose Us for Excoriation Disorder Treatment?
Contact Us to Treat Your Excoriation Disorder
Excoriation Disorder FAQ

What Is Excoriation Disorder?

Excoriation disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the recurrent and compulsive picking of the skin. People with this disorder may pick at their skin to the point of causing bleeding, scarring, and infection. This condition often leads to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. It can also cause significant social, occupational, and functional impairment.

Excoriation disorder is classified as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, which means that it shares some features with OCD. However, while OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at preventing harm or reducing anxiety, excoriation disorder is focused solely on chronic skin picking.

Who Is At Risk For Excoriation Disorder?

Excoriation disorder affects people of all ages and genders, but it is more common in women. The exact causes of the disorder are not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be related to biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Some of the risk factors for excoriation disorder include:

Genetics: The disorder may run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
Stress and Anxiety: Stressful life events and anxiety disorders may trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of chronic skin picking.
Perfectionism: People with excoriation disorder may have high standards for themselves and engage in skin picking to achieve perfection.
Body dysmorphic disorder: This is a condition in which people are excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. Excoriation disorder may be a manifestation of body dysmorphic symptoms.

How Is Excoriation Disorder Diagnosed?

Excoriation disorder is diagnosed based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must exhibit recurrent skin picking that leads to skin lesions, along with one or more of the following:

Repeated attempts to stop or reduce the skin picking
Impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
Significant distress or impairment due to the skin picking
The skin picking is not attributable to a substance use disorder or medical condition

If you suspect that you or a loved one may need treatment for excoriation disorder it is important to seek a professional evaluation from a mental health provider.

How Do You Find Skin Picking Disorder Treatment?

There is no cure for excoriation disorder, but there are effective treatment options available. The most common treatments for the disorder include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the case of skin-picking disorder treatment, CBT may involve exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is a technique aimed at reducing the urge to pick the skin.
Medication: Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of excoriation disorder. However, medication alone is generally not as effective as CBT.
Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a safe and supportive environment for people with excoriation disorder to share their experiences and learn from others.
Self-help strategies: There are several self-help strategies that people with excoriation disorder can use to manage their symptoms, such as avoiding triggers, practicing mindfulness, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Why Choose Us for Excoriation Disorder Treatment?

At Clarity Clinic, we understand the challenges that come with excoriation disorder and the impact it can have on your life. That's why we offer evidence-based treatments and personalized care to help you achieve long-term recovery and improve your quality of life.

Our team of mental health professionals is trained in the latest therapies and techniques for excoriation treatment, including CBT and ERP. We work with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.

We also believe in a holistic approach to mental health treatment, which means that we consider all aspects of your life when developing your treatment plan. This includes addressing any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that may be contributing to your excoriation disorder.

In addition to our clinical expertise, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming environment for our clients. We understand that seeking treatment can be daunting, and we strive to create a safe and supportive space for our clients to explore their emotions and experiences.

Contact Us to Treat Your Excoriation Disorder

If you or a loved one needs skin-picking disorder treatment, we are here to help. Contact Clarity Clinic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our treatment options. We offer convenient online scheduling and teletherapy services to make treatment accessible and convenient for everyone. Take the first step towards a happier and healthier life today.

Excoriation Disorder FAQ