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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
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I find myself biting or picking my skin a lot. I used to bite my nails and when I got an infection (nothing too serious) I stopped by just picking the skin around it and I find myself biting my skin of my fingers or rubbing my teeth over my nails. Now it seems that I'm doing it without really noticing.

April 13, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the question of skin picking and biting, with many sharing that they experience the same habits without realizing it,... Read more

Members connected over the question of skin picking and biting, with many sharing that they experience the same habits without realizing it, often linking it to anxiety, emotional pain, or untreated mental health conditions. Several members offered practical suggestions including anxiety medication, therapy, keeping lotion on hands, and a Pavlov shock wristband designed to help break habits. A recurring theme was the importance of not feeling embarrassed, seeking the right treatment, and understanding that these behaviors can be a form of emotional release that deserves compassionate care.

A MyDepressionTeam Member

Even though you are just biting at your fingers it could escalate. Picking and biting your skin is along the same lines as cutting. It's a form of emotional release. Medication and therapy should help along with some of the other suggestions offered here. You could try keeping lotions on your hands at all times to want to avoid sticking your fingers in your mouth but this probably won't stop the urge.

Although, it's nothing to be embarrassed about, keep in mind that doing these things will cause permanent scarring. I have a friend who has done this and has scars all over her arms and legs. This may be a deterrent if you find it embarrassing. Good luck to you, dear.

April 23, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Something hidden eating away at you. You can get help by talking it out with a good therapist. My ex did that a lot. It won't stop till you deal with it. Hope this helps.

April 16, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

The rubber band thing didn’t work for me... I couldn’t get it to snap hard enough to make me want to stop. I do recommend the Pavlov shock band! It helped me a lot with my sleep ( I have a lot of trouble waking up in the mornings) they have a Pavlov 2 wrist band that’s for breaking bad habits. It has different levels of shock but let me tell you .... it hurt me and I wasn’t at a high level

April 13, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

It sounds like maybe you have some bad anxiety...? Can you take any meds for it? I use to pick my skin some but my problem use to be I twirled my hair into big knots on my head. That’s how I would cope with things. I started anxiety meds and it stopped. NOW I do something even worse tho I grind my teeth and rub my tongue along the bottom of my teeth! It’s a side effect from another medication I am taking not anxiety.

April 13, 2019
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Thank you. I will ask about it

May 8, 2019

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