Excoriation Disorder (Excoriation Disorder) | 마음스캔 심리학 용어사전

Details

Overview

Hi, I'm Mindy. Today, let's talk together about Excoriation Disorder.

Excoriation Disorder is a condition in which a person cannot control the urge to repeatedly pick, scratch, or squeeze their skin, creating noticeable wounds. Also known as Skin Picking Disorder, it is classified under Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in the DSM-5.

Key Concepts

The core of this disorder is that the person wants to stop picking their skin but cannot. Many people begin picking their skin unconsciously, and by the time they realize it, a wound has already formed. It can start when feeling tense or anxious, or it can happen automatically during moments of spacing out.

In the moment of picking, a person may feel temporary relief or satisfaction, but afterward they experience shame, guilt, and frustration when they see the wounds. It begins to affect daily life as well — wearing long sleeves or using makeup to hide the marks.

This disorder shares a similar mechanism with Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and often co-occurs with anxiety disorders, depression, and OCD.

This May Apply If You...

Find yourself repeatedly picking at small hangnails or pimples on your skin

Try to stop picking but find it very difficult

Avoid short-sleeved or short clothing because of the wounds

Notice that skin picking gets worse when you're under stress

Feel self-blame after picking, yet the cycle repeats

How Can You Cope?

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) — When the urge to pick arises, practice a substitute behavior such as clenching your fist or holding another object in your hand.

Identify Your Triggers — Keeping a record of when you tend to pick can help you understand patterns and prevent them.

Create Physical Barriers — Try using bandages, gloves, or stickers to interrupt the automatic behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Working with a professional counselor, you can systematically change behavioral patterns and thought processes.

Practice Self-Compassion — Don't blame yourself for setbacks. Recovery doesn't have to be perfect.

A Word from Mindy

That frustration of wanting to stop but not being able to — I truly understand. This is not a matter of willpower; it is a state that needs support. Starting with small changes is more than enough. Be gentle with yourself, and let's move forward, one step at a time.

💡 Real-Life Example

This describes a pattern where a person unconsciously picks at the skin around their fingers whenever they feel stressed, cannot stop until it bleeds, and then repeatedly experiences self-blame after seeing the wounds.

Want to talk more about "Excoriation Disorder"?

Mindy is here to explore this topic with you and offer personalized advice

Related Psychological Tests

Explore tests related to this topic to understand yourself more deeply