Dermatillomania can be hard to talk about. Let's draw about it.
This is a rolling collection of art by individuals who have suffered with Skin Picking Disorder.
Acting as a visual portrayal of their journey, these drawings help other sufferers understand they're not alone.
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Esther A., 14, USAThis painting was called Cotton Candy Cognizance and it was the first canvas I painted at the beginning of spring break, and quarantine. It was about my stress and insecurities, somewhat regarding dermatillomania, OCD and the anxiety I feel around my age group. Being tall, black, and having spots cover my face and speckle my arms and legs, I find my self constantly self conscious and wanted to make a piece that reflected that. -
@Myrecoverydoodles, Ella Yorke, 18, Great Britain -
Carelys Piñero Guzmán, 19, Puerto Rico -
Taylor Stuck, 20, New York -
Chance Horner, 17, FloridaI've had derma since I was a kid, probably 6 or 7. It started with just picking scabs and slowly spiraled from there. Now over a decade later at almost 18 I still struggle with derma daily but I hope one day it won't be so bad. -
@Xxlunakittyxx, Arianna Cupelli, 20, IllinoisMy art was apart of a 3 piece set of mental disorders that I suffer with. I've had dermatillomania since I was 5 and have struggled with it. I didn't find out what I had till 2019 and by reading, listening to people's stories, and educating myself, I have learned to forgive myself and understand its apart of me. My goal with this piece was for people to understand the importance of the mirror and look ever so closely to all the details put in. Even the frame repeats "Pick it". -
Kayla Rodak, 30, New Jersey -
Kiera Hagen-Brenner, 26, California
This is a five-page comic I drew in 2019 based on a journal entry when I felt I was at my worst. Comics and writing have always been my chosen medium for self-expression, especially when sharing my personal stories. Unfortunately, when I posted this on my main Instagram account, some relatives saw it and requested I take it down as it creates a "bad image" of me (especially for potential employers). I felt devastated that they asked me to do that, but I did as they said and deleted it from my page, despite the outpouring of support I got from others.
I wish we lived in a world where we could feel safe sharing our vulnerabilities. Not only would we feel like we are not alone and are part of a larger community, but I truly believe it could save lives. It hurts deeply when the people you love tell you to hide your imperfections instead of embrace them.
In sharing my comic again, I hope I can encourage others to speak about their weaknesses, their insecurities, and I also hope it encourages people to be more accepting of others who are different than them.
