I have a new job in a mental health agency, and was on the net doing research for topics for future workshops. I read about "Self Injury", but didn't relate because they focused on adolescents and cutting disorder. I am 59 and have never cut myself. However, the article also mentioned skin picking, called "dermatillomania", which led me here. I couldn't believe that I was reading my own story, and that others did it, too! I just thought I had a nasty habit. It began with biting my nails as a child, (which I've pretty much overcome) but it has turned into peeling, chewing, and pulling at the skin on my hands, and sometimes feet.
My habit seems to be stress-related. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and, since I'm in therapy for those issues (my therapist never noticed or mentioned anything about my hands), I'm going to bring it up next session. I've also learned that it can be related to an inability to express anger, frustration and other feelings, which is me, again. Sorry for being so long-winded, but I'm soooooo thankful for finally admitting what I'm doing, and feeling supported by others who do, too.