Almost all of us occasionally pick at our skin near the nail (the part of the skin at the root of the nail) or poke at a mole or spot on our face in a slightly aggressive manner. And almost immediately, we regret what we’ve done.
However, for some people, skin tightening becomes more than an occasional event, and it can be difficult to stop, even when it becomes harmful or embarrassing. Science has a name for the condition — skin-sucking disorder, which is a form of body-focused repetitive behavior.
Let’s understand what skin-sucking disorder means, its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.
What does skin-sucking disorder mean?
Skin picking disorder is habitual and recurrent pulling of skin anywhere on the body. It is formally known as Knockout Disorder. Shagging isn’t just a bad habit. This behavior becomes a compulsion, a repetitive, uncontrollable urge, and is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-V (DSM-V).
There is a world of difference in abrasion and the occasional picking of skin irregularities or blemishes, and it is a common practice that many people engage in from time to time. In a skin-sucking disorder, this behavior is chronic and leads to significant distress, dysfunction, and even severe tissue damage in many cases.
Read more: What are the seven different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Symptoms of the disorder
Skin sucking is associated with trichotillomania or hair pulling, which is another common body-focused repetitive behavior. Both conditions are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. These states are triggered by anxious and negative thoughts and triggered by highly stressful situations.
Skin sucking is considered a disorder when:
- Continuous skin sucking leads to permanent damage such as scarring,
- The individual concerned has tried and failed to stop such behavior,
- Skin picking disrupts regular functioning and causes severe distress in the individual, and
- The symptoms were not caused by any kind of medication or other medical conditions.
What causes this disorder?
The exact cause of skin sucking disorder has not yet been determined. However, a number of factors have been found to play a role in the occurrence of the condition. These factors include:
- Hereditary
- environmental f
- biological effects.
According to a study dove2-4% of the population suffers from a skin-sucking disorder.
Usually the individual begins to show signs in adolescence when skin diseases such as acne begin to appear.
Search published in direct science It shows that issues of emotional regulation, developmental disabilities, and childhood abuse or trauma may play a critical role in the onset of the condition during childhood.
treatment
Successful recovery from skin-sucking disorder generally depends on the individual’s willingness and desire to improve. Treatment options consist of various approaches, including:
1. Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help individuals deal with skin-sucking disorder effectively. Moreover, patients with this condition can also respond well to CBT.
Read more: Best online therapy platforms
2. Medicines
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally used in combination with psychotherapy to help deal with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Disclaimer: The above medicines should only be used after proper diagnosis and discussion with specialists. Unregulated use can be life threatening.
conclusion:
Treatment and recovery from a skin-sucking disorder can be difficult, but not impossible. With appropriate support and care, individuals affected by this condition can successfully recover and lead healthier lives. There is a need to raise awareness about these mental health issues in order to create a compassionate society where there is a safe place and support for those who are going through difficult times.
On your way to spreading awareness, let us help you learn about the most bizarre mental health disorders. to know more about it, click here.
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