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Scratching & impulse control


Guest jwsw

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Hi all, I used to have OCD when younger (the sorting, counting kind) but since about ten years my issue is more around my skin. I struggle not to scratch and even though I know it's a stress reaction and that the effects are bad, I struggle to control the urge. Does this still "fit" in this forum? Anyone else with similar issues? It's close to skin picking but I scratch, not pick.

I have had basic councelling therapy for two years and gone through many moisturiser and other medications, but the problem is ultimately that I need to be able to NOT SCRATCH. Simple, yet very hard. Any pointers in good directions for how to approach this?

Thank you.

J

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  • 1 month later...
Guest Johhny2Stripes

When those with eczema or other skin conditions have an urge to scratch they are told to make a fist and rub with the underneath of the hand to prevent damage to the skin. I know when my OCD was getting me down my doctor told me to put an elastic band on my wrist and when ever i felt an urge to do something to pull on the elastic and let it go presumably to break the cycle.

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This sounds like skin picking disorder. It doesn't have to be a case of picking. Scratching fits too.

There is a type of CBT called Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) that seems to be quite successful in treating skin picking disorder. You might want to look into that.

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