Understanding and Breaking the Picking-Acne Cycle: A Guide to Preventing Breakouts.
Understand and manage the picking-acne cycle for healthier skin with Proton Health.
Key Takeaways
As we all know, most people pick at their skin from time to time. But if you find yourself unable to stop picking your skin to the point of causing cuts, bleeding or bruising, or you do this as a response to anxiety or stress, you might be dealing with something known as the picking-acne cycle, or skin picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder. This disorder is closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorders and can be especially problematic when associated with skin conditions such as acne or eczema.
Recognising the symptoms is the first step towards management. Frequent behaviours include picking moles, freckles, spots, or scars in an attempt to "smooth" or "perfect" them, and even doing so unconsciously or while asleep.
Unveiling the Picking-Acne Cycle
The picking-acne cycle comprises four key stages: clogged pores, inflammation, skin picking, and skin damage.
Clogged Pores: Acne primarily occurs due to excess oil production and dead skin cells, which clog pores and initiate the cycle.
Inflammation: These clogged pores lead to skin inflammation, making the skin appear red and swollen.
Skin Picking: For those with dermatillomania, inflamed skin tends to trigger the urge to pick, attempting to "smooth" or "perfect" the skin.
Skin Damage: Picking the skin can exacerbate inflammation, risk infection, and potentially cause scarring. Furthermore, this process can lead to even more clogged pores, creating a vicious cycle.
