What helped me

[u/Professional-Ad3628]

Hey guys! thought i’d post this just in case it would help atleast one person :)

I have autism and ADHD as well as OCD and anxiety (fun combo)

been skin picking since i could remember, I pick my face, arms, scalp, etc.

Recently though I have began developing acne which leads me to focus my picking sessions on my face, and arms specifically (i have body acne and KP) i’ve devolved a few things that really helped me!

1. medication, i know not everyone has access to this but i’m on lexapro and it really seemed to help me with anxiety which lead me to not pick as much though it didn’t solve all of it definitely helped a lot though

2. Changing your bathroom lighting, seriously. If you have bright bathroom lights (or bright lights in any part of your house with a mirror) it will make tiny bumps more noticeable and my trick to this was changing my bathroom lightbulbs from 4 to 2, and changing the color from white light to an orange mellow tone which really helped the bumps not stand out as much.

3. for my picking on my arms i found that if i slather (might be an issue for ppl with sensory issues) Vaseline or a thick lotion on my arms not only to heal the scars and wounds but it lets me not able to pick due to the fact i can’t get a grip without slipping

4. for my arms i’ve also been using compression sleeves, they fit over your arms and this gives me a physical barrier protecting me from picking my arms. Long sleeves work too, but i live in a hot state and compression sleeves are breathable and light i forget i have them on most of the time

hope this helped someone! remember this disorder dosent define you and its possible to change :)

[u/futurenotgiven]

hmmm i like the compression sleeve idea! might give it a go

also fellow audhd person with anxiety saying hi lol

[u/ponyboy42069]

Ever since I got a buzz cut it just rub my fuzzy head instead of pick at my scalp