http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ Where fingerfreaks share en Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:52:03 +0000 http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1371#post-1666 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:32:14 +0000 TrudyM 1666@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>All great suggestions! Thanks, Pat! :) </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1375#post-1665 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:44:51 +0000 lolita100 1665@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>You should know this man: <a href="http://tiny.cc/u0stm" rel="nofollow">http://tiny.cc/u0stm</a> </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1373#post-1663 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:42:19 +0000 lolita100 1663@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>How he should come to her: <a href="http://tiny.cc/gf0rd" rel="nofollow">http://tiny.cc/gf0rd</a> </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1371#post-1661 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:26:55 +0000 paffah 1661@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi my name is Pat and I am compulsive nail picker. (hi pat). I am 50 years old and I really want to stop. Why do I want to stop? Because I am tired of the eat hands look and how embarrassed I am all of the time about it . It's time to stop. I don't like it,I don't need it and I am in charge here. I want to stop. Here is my plan.</p> <p>1.I mostly bother my finger in the car. I have gotten it down to this time only. I need to have lotion in the car and drive with gloves at all times.</p> <p>2. Get a manicure every two weeks to prevent me from bother my fingers. I have embarressment of how my hands look at the salon and the incentive to keep them looking good.</p> <p>3. Go to hypnosis for treatment. This actually helped the last time for 6 months and then I relapsed. I can use the extra help.</p> <p>4. Pray. Ask God for help in stopping.</p> <p>5. Distract yourself. Have toys to play with in the car.</p> <p>6. Believe in yourself. This is not an insurmountable problem. People have quit. You can too.</p> <p>7. Get on line support. Done.</p> <p>8. If you relapse,try again. This is like weigh watchers. It is a lifelong process. Change your life and you will quit.</p> <p>Thank for listening,<br /> Pat </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1370#post-1660 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:44:21 +0000 TrudyM 1660@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hello Everyone! My name is Trudy, I am 46 years old and I have been picking my fingers since the age of 4...possibly longer, but that is as far back as I recall. I also pick my feet from time to time. Picking has always been a coping mechanism for me. When I'm anxious or worried...I pick. OFTEN I have bleeding fingers and am sporting bandaids. I have had Dr's ask me if I have eczema cause I pick around the cuticle. My thumbs have been a life-long favourite and both of my thumb nails grow crookedly and have for decades. I have seen therapits and counsellors over the years...some think my picking is nothing more than "habit". Others have seen it as a part of OCD and tried to help me manage it. I have to honestly say that I doubt I will ever stop picking! I don't like the scars, blood and pain sometimes, but it does seem to help when I'm stressed. I pick without even realizing I'm doing it. My Dad used to pick his fingers and my Mom was a nail biter. I have two sisters who pick too, but not nearly as bad as I do. I was stunned to find this page while looking online a couple days back. Its a comfort to me to know there are so many others out there like me! Maybe after 42 years it is time to think of quitting!? Thank you for reading and I appreciate being able to read others posts as well. It is a comfort to have a support system :) </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1198#post-1659 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:01:27 +0000 haiparu 1659@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi Bre, still here. You too? Discovered a sort of icky way to "moisturize" if a finger emergency comes up. It's gross, I warn you, but it works if you have really oily skin like I do. I noticed a blip of some sort (real or imagined!) on a finger and all I could think to do was rub the spot briefly on my forehead. There was enough natural skin oil there to make me feel better about the blip and leave it alone. Might work in a pinch for anyone. (I hate carrying a purse or bags, or else I'd have lotion "on hand" -- so I like the idea of using what's there.) :)</p> <p>I've been getting out and socializing more than ever, having fun but also adding stress (social anxiety?) and this brings fingers to the fore. Catch myself starting to rub a useful spot. At least I'm not outright picking.</p> <p>O, guitar pickers -- I was afraid I'd start picking at new callouses, as old ones were gone. Recently took back up the ol' Martin. Good news, if you are re-starting too: the new callouses did not peel this time! I don't know why, but anyhow there was no added temptation to pick. Whew. Hurts enough developing callouses in the first place, let alone to pick them off and try to play with raw skin. ooof. </p> <p>Best New Years Wishes to all,<br /> Laurie </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1134#post-1654 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:01:46 +0000 Djm12 1654@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>While I was in grade school this habit developed, relationship stress and the stress of being a university student intensified it. I am finding that my fingers and toes are slowly healing as I settle into my new life as an engaged woman and a young professional. My fiancé has been most helpful. Since our relationship began be has given me a pretty hard time about my fingers. Motivated by concern for me, he has been helpful<br /> in making me feel a sense of urgency in stopping this bad habit. Perhaps that is an understatement of the issue, but I am approaching this as a psychological addiction rather than a disorder. I hope to have fully healed fingers by February. Will update throughout the winter. Happy holidays to all :) Enjoy the semester break, Bre. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1134#post-1636 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:35:10 +0000 smackiebo 1636@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>My problem is mostly tactile - I feel the uneven skin and it makes me pick. I don't really look at my fingers when I do it - I mostly go by how they feel. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1227#post-1635 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:32:36 +0000 smackiebo 1635@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Thanks for your words, Bre. I have also had the issue of not being able to sleep due to the pain in my fingers. There are nights that I literally have to sleep on my hands so I don't pick myself to sleep. If there are any loose pieces of skin, sometimes they get snagged on my pajamas or sheets and that causes them to open and bleed. I did visit my PCP about it probably 6 months ago or so. She said to try to be more conscious of when I do it and if it was still a problem to go back. I am in therapy - mostly for anxiety and depression - but I haven't brought this up to her yet - although I'm sure as she watches me in therapy, she can see that I'm doing it. </p> <p>There are times that I can't even hold a pen/pencil to write because it hurts too much. It's embarrassing and I'd love to stop, but it's been a bad habit/compulsion for like 24 years now! And, like I said, it's only in the last year or so that I've really connected it to being a red flag for bigger issues. I'm thinking of another visit to my PCP is in order.... </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1198#post-1629 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:26:51 +0000 Bre 1629@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>:)</p> <p>Glad I have you to refer to when I think "Is it possible to kick this habit/disorder? Yes, I know someone who's done it." </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1134#post-1628 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:24:56 +0000 Bre 1628@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Bearsfan,</p> <p>Thanks for the reply. I will take your advice about gloves, and I agree, my problem is largely visual. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1227#post-1627 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:22:55 +0000 Bre 1627@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hello, thanks for sharing your story here; I'm glad this space has made you feel less alone, as it should.</p> <p>Honestly, I don't know whether to still take this disorder as seriously as I used to anymore. I don't know if it's that important for me to eradicate it from my life. The therapist I am currently seeing tells me that she's much more worried about other things, and that if the worst self-inflicted pain I'm indulging in is CFPD, she'll keep that low on her priority list. However, if I'm honest with myself, it does get in the way of my life. I'm in college and I've skipped class because my urge to pick was just so strong I had to go back to my room and pick. I've picked so extensively (with my trustee nail clipper) that the pain keeps me from falling asleep (on several occasions) and that blood flows freely from my fingers. I spend at least 40 minutes every time I pick. At least. So it's getting in the way. And aiding my anxiety.</p> <p>Recommendations: don't let this disorder define you, and don't let it manage you. Manage it. Even if you can't stop quite yet, make sure YOU are managing IT and not the other way around. Don't be too hard on yourself if you have setbacks. Keep your fingers moisturized. Wear bandaids. Wear gloves, even when you're inside. Treat the pain and aid the healing with Neosporin. Identify what your triggers are. Read the e-book "Skin deep." See a therapist (who actually thinks this is a disorder worth talking about). </p> <p>Best wishes! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=42#post-1626 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:16:02 +0000 Bre 1626@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>@grasshopper: "Thank you for your stories and thanks too that I can write mine somewhere--until yesterday I didn't even know I had one."</p> <p>Powerful. I'm glad you found this site. Keep us posted on any progress or setbacks, hope I can help some. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=206#post-1625 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:14:39 +0000 Bre 1625@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>I'm not sure that there are drugs to help with this (if there are, let me know!) and most people think they're pretty much alone in having CFPD, so I doubt there are many support groups existent anywhere, but keep looking! I have heard that suggestion, wearing gloves around (and I'm planning on doing that for this week, because I have finals and can't afford to spend hours picking). What exactly triggers this episodes? If it's seeing dried skin, or skin is rubbing against material, gloves and keeping your hands and fingers moisturized is a good idea. I also have recommended on here Neosporin (+bandaids) for quicker healing and pain relief, if that's ever a problem. Also, Haiparu has posted the Skin Deep e-book a couple of times that gave her the knowledge to stop picking. I'm still in the process of reading through it and it has been super insightful. I just don't know if I'm completely read to stop just yet. </p> <p>Hope that helps some! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=42#post-1577 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:34:57 +0000 grasshopper 1577@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Right, so yesterday I put in finger picking, just thinking can I find something to stop this and after a few more keywords and Wikipedia assistance, up popped this board.<br /> I’m 35, I pick incessantly at my fingers and think it started in childhood but probably before that.<br /> I was simultaneously shocked and relieved at knowing there is a name for this, and I used to do cheek-bite and scalp-pick too, but managed to stop biting my cheeks aged 21 and my scalp mid-late 20s. Sometimes I have anxiety dreams I’ve started biting my cheek again, and I am so relieved when I wake up and haven’t, but have to then shut the thought off about it, so I don’t start fiddling with tongue in my cheek and get tempted. If I accidentally bite my cheek, I am very aware of avoiding touching it with my tongue. </p> <p>I'd never connected the three habits, but I have increased in my finger picking I guess as I’ve managed to stop the others, as I now do use clippers and tweezers and scissors and cuticle trimmers. Sometimes a needle. How strange denial is, in believing I was using tools to ‘clean up’ the skin better, instead I have more access, can lose hours digging at the skin and harming it more minutely. Tweezers especially drag off hard skin even when I know I know it’s not healed, I convince myself the raw fresh skin will look better than the discoloured scab: that is until I see the fringe of white skin next to the pink that’s now going to harden and will scratch or be scratched on the side of my other finger, will catch on certain clothes. And I pick some more.<br /> That feels awful to write but good to release.<br /> I have managed to stop picking a few times over the years, but only for days not weeks – usually during then immediately after a holiday when I’ve been distracted but within a day or so of being back I’ve unconsciously scraped at a finger with my nails, and consciously damped down my disappointment at myself.<br /> I rub the side of each finger with the other so often I do it without even realising, watching tv, sitting talking, as I feel for hard skin then scrape at it or look down and apply my focus. Even if I’ve resolved to stop, I can end up doing it again within minutes and feel frustrated when I do click what I’m doing, that I hadn’t even noticed and ‘caught’ myself doing it. It is getting too natural when how is it natural to pick and gouge. I had definitely compartmentalised that others could even see it, sometimes.<br /> Anyway, why now – well, I’m 35 and when I was a teen I remember a friend of my mum’s about the age I am now, she must’ve been mid-30s, and she picked and bit her fingers. I recall once her showing me the ripped away cuticles around most of her nails and black little scabs and shiny pink skin by the sides and telling me I shouldn’t let my fingers get like hers, and I nodded deciding I wouldn’t - couldn’t - let mine get like that. My fingers at that stage had always pink, torn skin but not really broken skin – had biting my inner cheek and picking my scalp occupying my time too, though that’s with hindsight.<br /> But scroll on twenty years and nine of my ten fingers have broken skin in multiple places, and it’s only luck not judgement the other finger isn’t. I keep itching to just rip off those hardening skin tags, make it all smooth, as I can never make it... And eating the skin (I’m disgusted to admit it, but I know I do it) is part of it although I don’t always do that. Sometimes when I don’t, just remove it, is more when I kid myself I’m doing more ‘clinical’ picking and once this is all cleaned up I’ll be able to stop doing it, clean slate etc: it always ends up worse, of course.<br /> Reading all of these stories moved me and is the start of me acknowledging it is a problem, and an impersonal condition that has no interest in my wellbeing. That may sound odd, but it is a relief to know it is not just a personal flaw that should be borne accordingly. I see so much more from this, and know it has to change.<br /> I’ve given in five times the past two hours, but even that is better than two hours of continuous picking and scraping.<br /> Thank you for your stories and thanks too that I can write mine somewhere - until yesterday I didn't even know I had one. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1192#post-1569 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:34:34 +0000 bandage75 1569@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>anyone live in vegas and want to start a support group locally? </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1568 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:33:26 +0000 bandage75 1568@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>has anyone been diagnosed as having adhd? i was told i might have that? and Ritalin would help? any feed back? </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1557 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:03:49 +0000 haiparu 1557@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi again, yobeth1 and all,</p> <p>I don't know why you switch hands, but I do know it's great that you notice that. They used to call stuff like that 'symptom substitution' and I was worried I'd come up w something worse than finger picking when I tried to stop. But I don't think that happened, luckily. In an old post, I mentioned past trauma too (and probably have SA too but I work hard to make myself socialize unless I'm already really drained. From socializing!) My therapists (2, both fairly brief courses of sessions with 20 year span in between) did not want to touch the trauma issue, but SA was ok. Go figure. Mostly it was about esteem and how to set interpersonal boundaries... Boundaries are helpful when dealing with people socially! : )</p> <p>I'd like to make an endorsement for this web site now. Recently I checked the main home page after many months, and discovered a whole new set of helpful and interesting articles by the moderators (I'm assuming, at least by "somebody.") At the bottom of the front page, along the right-hand margin, there's a double carat "&lt;&lt;" to click on, and see previous items of interest and help. Just mentioning, in case anyone hasn't gone there in a while.</p> <p>Happy December. : /</p> <p>Laurie </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1192#post-1552 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:05:39 +0000 yobeth1 1552@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Any update on your support group? </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1547 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:39:38 +0000 yobeth1 1547@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Thank you all for your posts. I do feel better that I'm not the only one who picks their finger pads. Luckily I have not been asked to give my thumbprint as I doubt I have much of a fingerprint left too. </p> <p>I believe my main cause of picking is due to my social anxiety (SA). However, my therapist doesn't seem to want to work with me on that. She specializes in trauma. I'm trying to deal with the SA myself and I'm not doing very well. </p> <p>I notice when I am aware I'm picking and try to stop, it's like an automatic connection that my other hands starts picking. I don't even think about switching hands, it just happens. Do you know why this is?</p> <p>I see my therapist tomorrow. I will bring up this issue again. Thanks for the encouragement! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1267#post-1546 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:19:55 +0000 distillery_hillary 1546@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Thanks for responding :) I never press on my fingers to create even more pain because once I'm in pain, it sucks. The pain really bothers me. That's why I don't believe (for me) that it should be categorized as "self-inflicting." On the other hand, there's a reason I keep doing this to myself. Habit maybe? I don't know. All I know is that I don't like it, so hopefully I will become more aware of it, now that I know other people have the same problem. I found out this info on dermatophagia two days ago. Even since then, I've become completely conscious of my behavior every time I pick. As a result, I have picked less. The reason I even looked this up is because I I was bored the other day :P </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1267#post-1543 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:57:26 +0000 java_johnny 1543@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>For sure, thanks Hillary!<br /> I guess I'm just saying that we shouldn't let something like this destroy our self-esteem. I feel comfort in knowing that there's such thing as "dermatophagia" and that plenty of other people do it, just as I do. Yeah, it hurts, it bleeds, I experience the same feelings as you. </p> <p>I also wonder if it might be a subconscious masochistic thing, because I'll pick and create sores on my fingers, then later find myself pressing my fingers together, deliberately inflicting pain on the sores that I have created. I pick consciously, but pressing on my sores I do subconsciously... like I said, I'll find myself doing it without thinking about it. Does anyone else do that? </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1267#post-1541 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:16:41 +0000 distillery_hillary 1541@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hey Johnny. I as well suffer from dermataphagia. I am currently 21, and have always picked my fingers since I could remember. I can relate with what you are saying about it not being a substantial habit worth quitting. However, I definitely feel somewhat shameful. Probably because I'm conscious (to a degree) that other people notice me picking constantly. Also, I pick until there's blood and pain. I, without a doubt, do get pleasure from this. I always have. Otherwise, I wouldn't continue to gnaw at my fingers. I read your post about picking at your fingertips, and I pick there as well. I pick around my nails, as well. As I can relate that this issue is a bit drawn out, I as well wish I could stop. It's affected my self-esteem (or what's left of it,) and to be honest, it physically hurts. On the other hand, I feel comforted that I am not the only one dealing with this. I as well never get sick. When all of my friends and family are ill, I never do. It's pretty bizarre that possibly this could be why. And if so, then this "problem" can't be such an issue. I have never tried to treat myself, and I will definitely try. However, I guess it is what it is. I could face a lot worse health problems instead of this. All in all, I enjoyed your insite and I hope you enjoy mine :) </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1537 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:05:15 +0000 java_johnny 1537@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>yobeth1, </p> <p>you are not alone!!! See my post below yours, "Confessions Of A Dermatophagiac" to see some pictures I have posted... I massacre the pads of my fingers, especially my thumbs. The pictures I have posted are somewhat tame, not even bandaidable (scarred to the point that they need to be covered by band-aids in an effort to prevent public humiliation), but I often chew and pick the skins off of my fingers until it's sore and bleeding, which becomes callused and leads to more picking. </p> <p>Don't worry about it! You aren't crazy... unless I'm crazy with you... but I'd like to believe I'm otherwise mostly normal and down to earth. Good luck with whatever you are pursuing with this site, but don't fret about your quirk, you are not alone! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1267#post-1536 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:59:19 +0000 java_johnny 1536@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>After reading many of the posts in this forum, it feels that a lot of it is "confessions" (even my own first post) and have the sentiment of shameful feelings and seeking to cease the behavior.</p> <p>I guess I'm just wondering if there's anybody who has found this site who might be in the same boat as myself... I'm ashamed of the massacre I make of my hands and make efforts to hide it; however, I'm not ashamed enough to stop. It's something that I've always done and really, for whatever reason, I love to do it! Why stop? </p> <p>I'm the guy that rarely gets ill. You'd think for having my fingers in my mouth all the time, gnawing away, I'd be introducing germs constantly and therefore sick more than average. This is not the case! I theorize that because I'm always sticking my germ-ridden fingers in my mouth and introducing foreign pathogens, my immune system is actually stronger than the average person because it's always in constant exercise. Maybe it's just coincidence or I'm just very lucky, but if that theory is correct, then maybe that's a point in favor of "dermatophagia is good for you!" </p> <p>Maybe it's all a stretch, but mentally speaking, I'm a happy little finger muncher. I have tried to stop, wearing gloves and other methods, but at the end of the day it's just not me! I think the only times I tried to stop was when I was trying not to be me and impress a girl that I liked, which never worked out anyway. </p> <p>So, why not embrace it instead of shunning it and feeling shame about it? I say that, but as mentioned, I do feel shame, I'm just asking, "why?", rhetorically I suppose. Everyone is different, and I understand that some people want to stop. To each their own and I respect the people that are trying to quit. Before I found this site, I thought I was a weirdo. Now that I've found it, I've realized there are plenty of others just like me, which doesn't make me all that odd after all.</p> <p>Anybody else out there that's not on a mission to quit? </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1533 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:09:15 +0000 bandage75 1533@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>yobeth1,</p> <p>i actually do the same with my thumb pads and the middle finger pads. and i also tweeze the sides of my fingers. i used to do the bandage thing but like you said it comes off as soon as you wash your hands. it sucks cause i work in the public and i know i'm being judged and it looks like crap. but at least i have nails and my hands arent a complete mess. i am 36 and female and this only started this year. i think its a form of ocd or anxiety, which i take stuff for that but as soon as the skin grows over i feel myself re picking at it. ive tried the liquid bandage and that works but looks worse. i might try acupuncture? well good luck and your not alone. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1531 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:17:46 +0000 haiparu 1531@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi yobeth1,</p> <p>Thanks for finding this site and posting. You'll find lots of good ideas and sympathetic pickers here. I used to pick fingers as far around in all directions as I could stand it (the pain.) One thumb pad was picked so many times for so many years that they could not get a fingerprint of that thumb. (Boy was I embarrassed! I was a healthcare worker and in recent years the state of California started a new requirement for fingerprinting in order to renew or get a license to practice.) I think, too, there used to be a thread of posts by guitar players who picked their callouses on finger pads. I, too, am a guitar player, in fact the style I play is ironically called finger picking. : ) </p> <p>It's none of my business, but if you ask me... maybe you and your therapist could try to pinpoint what's going on inside your head, or outside in your environment, when you can catch yourself picking? At least this is what I had to do, so I could try to deal w each issue until I stopped picking. I still sometimes rub where I used to pick, and can pretty much always pinpoint a big stressor going on, if I catch myself. Several posts here include the writers noticing wanting to pick, just reading and posting to this site. I am one of those, too. It's a nervous sort of topic, imo.</p> <p>Facing it head on seems like a good idea, and that's what helped me. It's brutal, so be gentle... </p> <p>Best of luck,<br /> Laurie </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1253#post-1520 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:13:38 +0000 yobeth1 1520@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi, in reading these blogs and website, sounds like most people pick their cuticles or bite their nails. I pick the pads of my fingers (your fingerprints). Am I the only one? Glad you have so many layers of skin or I would be down to the bone.</p> <p>Is picking your finger pads the same cause (impulse etc) as picking your cuticles?</p> <p>My therapist said to try band aids but they didn't even last an hour before I pulled them off. Half the time I don't even know I'm picking my fingers. </p> <p>Any advice and information you can give will be greatly appreciated! Thanks! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1186#post-1502 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:03:02 +0000 bandage75 1502@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>java_johnny<br /> i totally agree with what you said. your nails looked like mine about a year ago. but i take these hair.skin and nail pills that made me have nails. as far as the skin picking i'm the same way. its enjoyable but i know it looks like crap. esp. when i'm a girl and work in the public. plus putting on moisturizer when your skin is all callus and rough sucks. i'm not depressed i just enjoy tweezing and peeling the skin off cause i like to see it grow back. i'm going to try to upload pics. i'm not so computer savvy so it might take a day or too. so i'm willing to try to stop but its hard when i see it grew back.<br /> ya i have all kinds of bandages and they are in every purse and even i tried liquid bandage. that is ok but it just makes it look like shit. well i just wanted to say there's a girl in las vegas enjoying peeling her fingers. i havent started on my toes but it might be next lol.... </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=206#post-1501 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:50:02 +0000 bandage75 1501@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>so i'm still tweezing my fingers and mainly thumbs and sides of fingers. it sucks cause i dont stop till its bleeding and sore. and like i said i work in the public and i'm sure it doesnt look too attractive. its almost callused up. i dont touch my pinkie's, its funny. but i do it when i'm bored or stressed out. not sure if there is a support group in my city or a drug to try. i have tried cuticle oils and that seems to heal but once it grows back i'm at it again. i have mild anxiety and ocd, but has never been treated and i dont think it messes with my life. anyone live in las vegas with the same problem and have any solution? also this really has gotten bad id say this year. as far as the picking of the skin. i feel like since skin grows back that i like taking it off and let it grow back. i and i have nails so my hands dont look that gross. i'[m thinking i should wear gloves around the house? any ideas would be greatful...thanks </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=206#post-1493 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:39:13 +0000 smackiebo 1493@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>I use the clippers exclusively to aid in the picking. I used to think it was helping by "cleaning things up" but then I found myself using them to dig in at my cuticles and sometimes creating new things for me to pick at. I have found sometimes that if I know I am going somewhere that doesn't have nail clippers (work, friends' homes, etc.) that I get a little panicked on the inside. Nail clippers definitely do not help me - I think they just facilitate it more. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=42#post-1492 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:28:51 +0000 smackiebo 1492@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>When people ask "What happened to your fingers?" I always say I got a paper cut. It's such a lie, and I'm sure they can tell, since the cuts are not perfect like a paper cut - also, with the high number of cuts I have, I would have had to have had one heck of a battle with a LOT of paper! </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1227#post-1491 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:13:19 +0000 smackiebo 1491@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>My name is Sarah. I'm 31 year old and I live in NH. I have been a compulsive picker since I about 4th grade or so - I know because in my 3rd grade school picture, my fingers look fine but in 4th grade they clearly have been picked at. I used to bite my nails as well, but was able to stop that habit sometime in high school. But for some reason, the finger picking has stayed with me throughout my life. My toes have never really been a problem; however, I do pick at my heels to the point of bleeding as well.</p> <p>I never knew that this was a serious sign of underlying issues until recently. I also thought I was the only person on the planet that did this; after all, none of my friends or family members do. But through visiting my PCP and through therapy, I am learning that I have serious issues with anxiety, depression and self-esteem that cause me to unconsciously pick. People always tell me, "stop," but I can't. 99% of the time, I don't even realize I'm doing it. I've had manicures in the past to try to stop, and to some degree it helps - however, I can't afford the upkeep and sometimes I purposely take off the fake nails because I can't pick with them on. Nail clippers are a dangerous thing for me to have, but I have found I get very panicked when I go places where I do not have access to one. </p> <p>Of course, I'd love to stop. I am a teacher and students have told me that I do it when I teach and that they have seen me pick and bite until I bleed. Obviously, it looks terrible and I'm sure it's incredibly unhealthy and unsanitary, considering all of the open wounds I have on my fingers and how many germs must be able to enter my body because of them. But I don't know how to in a way that is affordable and effective. </p> <p>I'm glad I found this forum, though, because already I feel less alone. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=1134#post-1474 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:46:26 +0000 bearsfan 1474@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Bre-- </p> <p>When i was at university I struggled with this all the time. Always hiding my hands in class because was ashamed at how much thumbs and fingers looked. </p> <p>Have recently hit rock bottom and now am wearing gloves around the clock to let my thumbs heal. Was able to heal my fingers with bandaids and tape . Here's the interesting thing I've discovered---I think this problem is largely visual. Once one of my fingers completely heals, the urge goes away. It's ONLY the loose piece of skin that causes me to want to pick it. </p> <p>I don't know what is behind that, I just know that if we can all get them to heal, and start with a clean slate, I think it will be incredibly easier to just maintain, and fight the small urge, than it is when we have full blown scabby fingers.</p> <p>I would encourage you to get a cool pair of gloves and OWN! the problem--tell your friends you are streesed out and want to stop biting your fingers. I think you'll be amazed at how non judgemental and supportive they will be. </p> http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/topic.php?id=42#post-1473 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:41:23 +0000 bearsfan 1473@http://www.fingerfreak.com/forums/ <p>Hi Twb,</p> <p>I hope you get this. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing with us. I too am a serial picker and have recently hit rock bottom, so I started wearing black gloves and have pledged to not take them off until my thumbs heal. I was able to heal 8 of my fingers with tape and banddaids but it took a LONG TIME.</p> <p>I can relate to you a lot bc I also have a mom who is kind of a hoarder, and it really stresses me out. </p> <p>What I can suggest to you is to get some gloves for the short term, I find that this problem is a very visual one---when I don't see my fingers in bandaids, I don't have the shame and I don't have the urge. I find that less people think it's wierd I'm wearing gloves than when I was always wearing banddaids....</p> <p>Especially since it's winter time now people don't even think twice. Even if they think I have OCD and am a germaphobe it's better than a bunch of banddaids and answering the same old question "what happened to your fingers..." I can't stand that. People always thinking they need to butt into your business when I would never ask that.</p> <p>Anyway, be encouraged that you can take control of this---the gloves really help! You will be amazed every day how much they will heal if you keep them on! </p>