Excoriation Disorder
A condition involving recurrent skin picking that results in skin lesions, along with repeated attempts to stop.
Overview
Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder involves recurrent picking at one’s own skin, resulting in skin lesions, along with repeated attempts to decrease or stop the behavior.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include picking that leads to visible skin damage, significant time spent picking, and distress or impairment related to the behavior or its effects. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. It shares features with OCD and body-focused repetitive behaviors, and is associated with stress or anxiety in many cases.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Habit reversal training, a form of behavioral therapy, has evidence supporting its use.
Medication
Certain medications may be considered in some cases, generally alongside behavioral therapy. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Excoriation Disorder
Identifying triggers and using alternative behaviors learned in therapy can help reduce picking episodes.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people experience meaningful symptom reduction with behavioral treatment.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.