I self diagnosed excoriation as an addiction. I’ve stopped licking or biting my lips under all circumstances and have started applying a cream at night to both my lips and my finger tips. Although, I still haven’t figured out a solution to supplement my willpower in scratching the skin inside my nose :( I’m scared I’ll end up like those people who snort lots of cocaine and lose the gap between their nostrils.
Discovered that trigger warnings are keeping me from overcoming hyper-vigilence (actually diagnosed for this one!), not protecting me!
Actually I really appreciate that suggestion! I hadn’t considered it. I always appreciate recommendations!
It may also be useful so that I rub my eyes less. My optometrist said to avoid that since I’m losing my 3D perception.
As of the end of the sentence, I intend to look up capsaicin and similarly purposed agents, and the appropriate dosage and application. Then I’ll look up safety considerations if the information is indicative, and availability.
I am not a therapist. At all. And I have no experience specifically with excoriation. BUT.… If you haven’t tried forming replacement habits yet, spend some time on it. When your hand starts moving towards your head, instead of stopping it, direct it to a ‘safe spot’ on your cheek, shoulder, neck—anywhere where it will do less damage. I would recommend the hair behind your ear, as it gives you something to fidget with, but your needs may vary.
As a random thought, would something like this help? This may not be the best example, but various mechanical barriers are available, including things like this and beyond.
I self diagnosed excoriation as an addiction. I’ve stopped licking or biting my lips under all circumstances and have started applying a cream at night to both my lips and my finger tips. Although, I still haven’t figured out a solution to supplement my willpower in scratching the skin inside my nose :( I’m scared I’ll end up like those people who snort lots of cocaine and lose the gap between their nostrils.
Discovered that trigger warnings are keeping me from overcoming hyper-vigilence (actually diagnosed for this one!), not protecting me!
Have you considered coating your fingers with capsaicin to make scratching your mucus membrances immediately painful?
(Apologies if this advice is unwanted—I have not experienced anything similar, and am just spitballing).
Actually I really appreciate that suggestion! I hadn’t considered it. I always appreciate recommendations!
It may also be useful so that I rub my eyes less. My optometrist said to avoid that since I’m losing my 3D perception.
As of the end of the sentence, I intend to look up capsaicin and similarly purposed agents, and the appropriate dosage and application. Then I’ll look up safety considerations if the information is indicative, and availability.
Oh, dear. Please don’t try this at home. You’re likely to end up with a pain rating of 10 on this guy’s scale.
I am not a therapist. At all. And I have no experience specifically with excoriation. BUT.… If you haven’t tried forming replacement habits yet, spend some time on it. When your hand starts moving towards your head, instead of stopping it, direct it to a ‘safe spot’ on your cheek, shoulder, neck—anywhere where it will do less damage. I would recommend the hair behind your ear, as it gives you something to fidget with, but your needs may vary.
As a random thought, would something like this help? This may not be the best example, but various mechanical barriers are available, including things like this and beyond.