PrincessPanic89
26-01-16, 18:21
I have an obsessive compulsive disorder where I pick at my skin. Spots, scabs, dry skin, dead skin, whatever I'll pick at it. I'll pick it even when it hurts because I can't stop myself and knowing there is something to pick at and not doing it drives me crazy. Part of my disorder involves me biting off the dead skin on the inside of my cheeks. I have done this for as long as I can remember but on many occasions my dentist has told me I need to stop as it can cause oral cancer.
Basically continuously removing the skin can cause the cells to mutate and mutating cells is what causes cancer. My biggest fear is cancer, my HA is cancer specific and always has been. But I physically cannot stop myself. It's like a battle of two mental health issues; dermatillomania vs HA. I very much doubt CBT would help, especially as often I don't realise I'm biting until it's too late. I do try and stop myself when I realise I'm doing it but my brain just won't allow me to.
Is there anything I can try or has anyone got a similar issue?
Basically continuously removing the skin can cause the cells to mutate and mutating cells is what causes cancer. My biggest fear is cancer, my HA is cancer specific and always has been. But I physically cannot stop myself. It's like a battle of two mental health issues; dermatillomania vs HA. I very much doubt CBT would help, especially as often I don't realise I'm biting until it's too late. I do try and stop myself when I realise I'm doing it but my brain just won't allow me to.
Is there anything I can try or has anyone got a similar issue?