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Sonyaperez Asked November 2021

How do I get my father to stop picking at his skin?

My father has been picking to the point where he’s bleeding really bad all the time. His arms, hands, legs, and feet are covered in scabs. He bleeds all over our house and I cannot get him to stop. I’ve begged, cried, yelled, and pleaded for him to stop and he just won’t. I’ve taken him to the Doctor, applied medicines and bandages to which he will just find a new place to pick at. I am at a loss and don’t know what else to do at this point. Has anyone else experienced this with a patient or loved one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Lizbitty Nov 2021
Anti anxiety meds might be great, but if not, and you’re desperate for a crazy idea, maybe try sewing some thin mittens on a cardigan?

againx100 Nov 2021
Yes, anti-anxiety med could possibly help.

Could you put gloves or mittens on him? Maybe surgical ones?

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Tothill Nov 2021
My former MIL was a picker, generally her face.

Dad picks at times too and because of being on blood thinners bleeds as well. The last time I saw him in person (2 years ago) he had crud under his mails from picking and had given himself a skin infection.

Both were unaware of what they were doing.

But on one episode of Dr. Pimple Popper, Dr. Lee mentioned that some people who present with scabs everywhere that they can reach are often doing it them themselves and it is more of a mental health issue than an itchy skin issue.

Has your Dad's doctor suggested anti anxiety medication to help?

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