OCD skin picking, formally known as Dermatillomania or Excoriation Disorder, is a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) often linked to OCD because it involves compulsively picking skin, causing damage, stress, and shame, typically triggered by urges, anxiety, or boredom, and is treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (especially Habit Reversal Training) and sometimes SSRI medications, though it's distinct from OCD as it's less about intrusive thoughts and more about tension relief thr

Skin-picking (excoriation) and hair-pulling (trichotillomania) are often categorized as OCD-related disorders. And for some people, they are. But in my experience, these behaviors can have different roots. For many, they function more like emotional regulation tools—similar to other forms of self-harm. When that’s the case, traditional OCD treatments might not be effective. Everyone’s experience is different, and the “why” behind the behavior matters. As always, Instagram isn’t therapy. If you o