I have picked my skin around my fingers and thumbs for at least 20 years. I’m in my 30s now. About 5 years ago, I subscribed to the website stoppicking.com. It was helpful in that it helped me identify the situations and emotions that made the picking worse, and it gave me some strategies. I could not continue the subscription for financial reasons.
I continue to pick, and it is probably the worst it’s ever been. I feel embarrassed. I know people notice my fingers! I want my fingers to be healthy. I have started a new job position where I will be superivising workers…I don’t want to hide my hands anymore. I have tried to quit many times over the years.
Here are the strategies I’ve used: 1) Band Aids (in emergency situations where I don’t want others to notice my fingers). I don’t like the sweatiness of a band aid. However, I found that the band aids with the added antibiotic ointment are soothing; 2) Cuticle Cream to soften the skin is ok in a pinch. 3) Hand activities, such as joining paper clips together and taking them apart. It keeps my hands busy. 4) Not looking at my hands. If I don’t inspect my fingers, I won’t be tempted to pick.

I think the key to quitting is finding a new, healthier habit to replace the picking with. Also, it’s important to address my reactions to stress. I read an article about a woman who also picks. As a child, she was constantly criticized and picked on by others. As she got older, she took over that role and began picking on herself, in the literal sense. That struck a cord with me. I am sometimes critical of myself. I do pick on myself emotionally and physically. When I pick, I’m looking for “imperfections” on my fingers, such as rough skin, loose cuticles, etc.

WHAT IF I TOLD MYSELF—I’M NOT GOING TO PICK ON MYSELF ANYMORE! I’M OK THE WAY I AM. I LOVE MYSELF TOO MUCH TO HURT AND DESTROY MY FINGERS. WOULD I ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO PICK MY FINGERS FOR ME? OF COURSE NOT! SO, FORGET THE BAND AIDS, CREAMS, ETC. It’s time for a new way of thinking. That’s what I’m going to try this time. Perhaps this simple affirmation is my way to success. So, I will keep you posted on my progress.

When I reach my goal, I will buy myself a beautiful new ring to show off my fingers.