OCD Action

Stephanie
Member

Hey everyone
I know its a bit long but please read
Ok so ive just come across this site and im very happy that I did
So yesterday I went to Boots chemist because I was trying to get some stuff to help get rid off ingrown hairs (there on my legs and underarms due to waxing and this is what I pick at) So the woman there said there is no such thing. I asked her advice and told her I have compulsive skin picking and is there anything she can suggest that might help. So she went and asked them chemist guy then came back and said there is nothing to help they can only suggest I get some non itch cream and I see my GP. So today I saw my doctor, told her about the ingrown hairs, showed her what skin is left on my legs and said I think I may have CSP. This was her reply "there is nothing that I can give you for your ingrown hairs they will work themselves out and you will just have to not pick your legs". Like, she's meant to help me so now I really don't know what to do :(. I brought some Bio oil to help with scaring but as for the CSP I don't know what I can do to make myself stop :cry:. If anyone can help I would really appreciate it, like any tips. Thanks everyone

Fri Aug 27 2010 20:43:46 #
Unregistered

Hi Stephanie

According to my book,'OCD for Dummies' skin picking is not necessarily a compulsive disorder. It depends on how long you do it each day. People with CSP also tend to have little or no conscious knowledge of doing it. If this is the case with you, it suggests that:
1. You note: what time of day you skin pick; where you are at the time; what you are doing (ie watching tv)and how you are feeling at the time (ie happy sad, anxious, angry). You should also note how you feel after you have done the picking and decribe your behaviour ie how many hands you use to pick.
2.You practice progressive muscle relaxation every day.(ie you tense and then realax each muscle at at time). This also helps with OCD. I have tried it. You can buy a tape telling you how to do this on the internet.
3.You find an alternative response such as making a fist; squeezing a soft ball or squeezing the arms of your chair.
4. You reward yourself for your efforts.

Hope this helps.

Anne

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:08:43 #
Truddles
Member

Hi Stephanie,

Welcome to the forum.

I used to get ingrowing hairs when I used to wax or shave (now I just don’t bother with either ) and I used to very gently exfoliate the skin. But don’t pick as you're likely to cause an infection.

Have you read any of the information in this sites Resource Centre? You can access it via the ‘Support and information bar at the top of the page.
You need to go back to your GP and ask for referral to a specialist so that you can access treatment. There’s a GP card in the Resource Centre that you can down load and take with you.

Please don’t cry, we’re a friendly forum and do our best to help and support each other. Join in on the forum and try to keep yourself occupied. It’s not all serious posts we try to have a laugh as well.

Best wishes
Trudy

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:09:13 #
Unregistered

First off, Hi Stephanie and welcome to the forum. Secondly, I know how you feel, I have OCD but I'm ALWAYS picking at my scalp when I'm stressed (which ironicly, just stresses me out more because then I'm 'contamanated' and need to wash ) but lastly, there's absolutely nothing I can say that is of any help at all. Sorry, but I'm pretty useless, can't help it.
My specialty seems to be daft forum games really.... That reminds me, THE HILL IS MINE!!!

- Jess

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:10:57 #
Unregistered

Three posts in three seconds, not bad.

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:11:38 #
Truddles
Member

Hi Stephanie,

If it's causing you distress then you do need to ask for a referral in order to access the appropriate treatment.

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:17:44 #
Stephanie
Member

Hey thanks everyone for replying. I did try and get referred to a specialist where I live but theres a waiting thing which is like 18 months long. Im just glad there are websites like this to help people with the condition because you can imaging the damage you could do to your body in 18 months with no help.

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:37:27 #
Unregistered

Grrrrrrrr.............. Health 'service'! Grrrrrrrrrrr..................

Fri Aug 27 2010 21:46:03 #