OCD and skin picking

[Oizys]

Evening.

With the stress of multiple events that happened this year, I have begun experiencing a new kind of hell, skin picking. Only my feet. I have displayed some mild OCD in the past(handwashing), but my biggest issue is anxiety.

I am not sure who I need to speak to this about, my therapist or my doctor. I know it should be both, but who do I contact first? I've been keeping it hidden from both. Been going on about 6 months now, and as much as I am aware that doing it is what is causing me pain, I am only able to control myself to an extent and then I am back to open wounds and bruising.

I have been on the same tablets on the strongest dose for about 12 years now and I just don't feel like they do much of anything anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to go from here?

[geoff]

Hello Oizy, having OCD is terrible and trying to explain to people why we need to carry out these habits is virtually impossible because they don't believe we should be doing them, that's what makes it even harder.

If you are having trouble with picking the skin on your feet, the worse part is when you're wearing shoes and can't do it.

I'm not a doctor, but also have OCD and had it for a long time and also take medication, but it still doesn't stop the anxiety, whether or it's improved, I can't really tell, may be it has and from each new house I move into, I change these habits, but no one knows because I hide them so nobody can see.

Your best option is to talk to a psychologist who deals specifically with OCD and I would visit your doctor again and have your medication reviewed.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Petal22]

Hi Oizys,

Im really sorry you are going through this I understand.

I also have a lived experience of OCD, I can tell you more about my experience if you would like me to?

I have now recovered from this condition thanks to the health professionals that I saw.

My recovery started from seeing my gp I also saw a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist who diagnosed me. I also did a group therapy that was specialised on OCD.

I understand the anxiety that accompanies OCD mine was severe while I was in the grips of OCD.

There is hope and you can learn to manage your OCD with the correct help.

I have written two threads you may be interested in reading.

From someone who suffered OCD and recovered

Effective treatment for OCD Metacognitive Therapy

Im here to listen to you and offer you support any time…. I understand

[Guest_206]

Hi there Oizys,

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through with the skin picking. Can I suggest that you look up Body Focussed Repetitive Behaviours. I have Trichotillomania (hair pulling) which is also a Body Focussed Repetitive Behaviour. As you said, speaking with your therapist and your doctor will help.

Xg