Why we pick our skin

Have you ever wondered why we pick our cuticles, bite our nails, or shake our legs when we feel restless? In English-speaking countries, this behavior has a name: fidgeting .

Often there is stress mentioned as a trigger for skin picking.

Fidgeting can be a coping strategy to deal with tension or stress. For some people, skin picking is a way to relieve stress or anxiety. It's like an automatic reflex that brings some relief or satisfaction when we feel restless .

Research shows that emotions come with a physical response and arousal. [ 1 ] Suppressed feelings can also make people prone to skin picking. Instead of processing and expressing these feelings, skin picking can serve as a coping mechanism to deal with emotional distress. I myself have noticed that in stressful situations where I express my emotions, I don't pick my skin.

Why can skin picking cause relief or satisfaction? Skin picking can provide sensory stimulation by creating tactile stimuli. These stimuli can trigger pleasant sensations and calm the nervous system, balancing both under- and over-stimulation. This means that skin picking occurs not only with tension and stress but also with passive activities: e.g. B. when reading, when someone is talking or when you are bored. [ 3 ] [ 5 ]

Differences between occasional and compulsive skin picking

It's important to understand that not all forms of skin picking are compulsive. While some people pick their skin occasionally without it becoming a significant problem, others develop compulsive behavior that interferes with their lives. Psychological professionals call this compulsive behavior 'skin picking disorder' or 'dermatillomania' .

The transition from occasional skin picking to compulsive skin picking can be gradual and varies from person to person. If the pinching becomes an uncontrollable urge that interferes with daily life, it may be a warning sign. The intensity and duration of the behavior are also important factors.

You are not alone. Skin picking is very common and human.

According to the Technical Health Insurance, around one in six adults chews or nibbles their nails. Children and young people are even more likely to be affected. [ 4 ] Often the skin picking sensation begins in youth with the onset of acne, while in others the tingling sensation occurs between the ages of 30 and 45. [ 5 ] For me, acne also started during puberty. After my skin improved during my studies, my cuticles started picking. It's important to know that you're not alone when it comes to skin picking. There are ways to deal with it and find support.

Sources:

[1] Planet Knowledge. "Emotions - guides through life". Available at: https://www.planet-wissen.de/gesellschaft/psychologie/emotionen_wegweiser_durchs_leben