Excoriation statistics reveal the prevalence of this condition, as well as which other mental health disorders it commonly co-occurs with.
Even if you’ve never heard the termexcoriation disorder, also known as dermatillomania, you probably have known someone who tends to pick at their skin more than the average person. Excoriation (skin picking) disorder is a compulsivebody-focused repetitive behavior; people who engage in this behavior may not even realize they are doing it and may have a difficult time abstaining from it.Excoriation statisticsandskin picking disorder factsdemonstrate the prevalence of this condition, the way it manifests itself and what treatment options are currently available.
Prevalence of Dermatillomania
Excoriation disorder prevalencemay be more common than one would assume:
- An estimated2–5%of the population has excoriation disorder
- Excoriation is most common among kids between the ages of13–15 years oldbut can also affect younger children and adults ages 30–45
- Dermatillomania can be present in males and females, but it ismore commonin females
Common Body Areas Affected by Skin Picking
Skin picking can occur on any area of the body, but there are some common spots that many people with this condition tend to pick at frequently:
- Hands: The presence of hangnails and skin abrasions makesskin picking onthehandsan easily accessed point of focus for people with dermatillomania
- Arms:Skin picking onthearmsaccounts for20%of those with the condition
- Face: An estimated32%of people with dermatillomania pick at the skin of their face
- Legs: Approximately17%of people with excoriation disorder focus most of their picking on their legs
- Scalp: For22%of those with skin picking disorder, the focus is on the scalp
Skin Picking Risk Factors and Causes
Everyone picks at their skin occasionally for one reason or another. Butwhat causes excoriation, the more severe, compulsive form of skin picking? While there is no perfect answer to this question, initial research has indicated that excoriation isrelatedtoobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)and commonly runs in families.
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While the behavior may seem harmless enough, there arerisks associatedwith unmanaged dermatillomania, including:
- Shame and Embarrassment: People who experience excoriation disorder may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their skin’s appearance
- Avoidance of Social Situations: Embarrassment about the condition of the skin may result in social avoidance and increase feelings of isolation
- Avoidance of Medical Care: Those with dermatillomania are less likely to seek medical care when needed, as a result of the fear of having their condition discovered by a physician
- Skin Infection and Scarring: Skin picking over a prolonged period irritates and inflames the skin and surrounding tissue, which canresult in infectionif left untreated
Excoriation Disorder and Related Conditions
While excoriation disorder often exists on its own, it may also co-occur with OCD or hair pulling,trichotillomania. The co-occurrence of excoriation and trichotillomania is38%. Dermatillomania is sometimes a symptom that occurs in disorders that causenegative emotional distress. For example,skin picking andbody dysmorphic disorderreflect the relationship between perceived imperfections and the urge to pick at the skin to rid oneself of these perfections.
Anxiety-induced excoriationis rooted in self-soothing. People who struggle withanxietymay pick at the skin to relieve their symptoms without realizing it. Humans are hardwired to self-soothe, and some of the behaviors people engage in to comfort themselves are more subtle than others.Endorphinsare released in a variety of ways: pain and increased stress levels are two of the negative forms of release. Excoriation can result in the release of endorphins, which elicits feelings of euphoria and pain relief.
Excoriation Treatment and Prognosis
Excoriation disorder can be managed and successfully treated.Excoriation disorder treatmentsincludecognitive behavioral therapyand medications, such as SSRIs. The use of behavioral interventions, such as wearing gloves or using harmless fidget objects to distract one’s hands, are practical strategies for managing this condition.
If you or a loved one is dealing withco-occurring excoriation disorder and substance use disorder,reach outto The Recovery Village for support and treatment options.
