Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder): Diagnosis, Explanation and Treatment

Dermatillomania (pathologic skin picking; skin picking disorder) is defined by picking one's skin (pulling, plucking, scratching) and feeling incapable of stopping. The behavior is experienced as gratifying, but also leads to distress and others find it difficult to comprehend the underlying motivations. This article aims to improve the clinicians' ability to reliably diagnose the disorder, to gain a better understanding of it and to guide clinicians towards an effective treatment