Dermatillomania means “Skin Pulling Madness,” also known as:

Dermatillomania aka Skin Picking Disorder is currently classified as an “Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorder” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM-V officially lists it as Excoriation Disorder, although it is known by numerous names, which interferes with it's understanding and awareness. As an organization that serves the people, we continue to use the name Dermatillomania and Skin Picking Disorder, to help bridge the gap between medical studies and everyday search-engine fueled information.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria include:

• Recurrent skin picking that results in skin lesions
• Repeated attempts to stop the behavior
• The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment
• The symptoms are not caused by a substance, medical or dermatological condition
• The symptoms are not better explained by another psychiatric disorder

What is Skin Picking Disorder?

This mental illness is characterized by the repetitive picking of one’s own skin, which we break down into two main groups: “scanning” and “focused”. Individuals who struggle with Skin Picking Disorder/Excoriation squeeze, pick, touch, rub, scratch, flick, scrape, pop or dig into their skin in an attempt to improve perceived imperfections, often resulting in tissue damage, discoloration, infection, or scarring. Scanning picking is often more mindless with finger energy taking over whereas Focused picking is more often when an individual is fixated on an area, often spending hours picking the spot without realizing.

What is a BFRB?

Skin Picking Disorder/Nodule Excoriee is classified as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB). BFRB's are self-grooming behaviors in which individuals pull, pick, scrape, or bite their own hair, skin, or nails, resulting in damage to the body. Many people are more familiar with its sister disorder, Trichotillomania - Hair Pulling Disorder.

When is Picking a Problem?

Research indicates that 2%-5% of the population picks their skin to an extent that causes tissues damage and impairs quality of life. This is when human grooming behaviors exist at a compulsive level, creating a level of severity that may be life pervasive.

Facts about Dermatillomania /Pathological Skin Picking   

• 75% of people affected are female
• The behavior typically begins in early adolescence, although Skin Picking Disorder can begin at any age
• There is no cure for Skin Picking Disorder/ Acne Excoriee
• There is hardly any funding, medical studies or research behind the disorder
• Remission rate is around 13%

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