Have you ever heard of excoriation disorder? This disorder may be more common than you think and is related to the compulsive act of picking and scratching one’s own skin. Causing marks and scars, excoriation disorder can cause physical and psychological discomfort, reducing the quality of life for many people.

But, first and foremost, it’s important to understand that excoriation disorder is not just a simple ‘habit’ or ‘vice’, but a mental health condition that needs to be treated with seriousness and respect. In this article, we will address all the details about this problem that affects the lives of so many people. Want to find out more? Keep reading!

Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we firmly believe in the mantra that: “Anything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help”. We work to promote the emotional and mental health of our clients using clinically proven hypnosis techniques.

With this perspective, let’s explore what excoriation disorder is, its causes, the symptoms that indicate the presence of the problem, and how anxiety is linked to this condition. We will talk about possible treatments, how hypnosis can help overcome this problem, and the techniques that can be used. Are we ready for this journey?

What is Excoriation Disorder?

Understanding excoriation disorder paves the way for those who wish to help people in this situation using clinical hypnosis techniques. So let’s go!

In simple terms, excoriation disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to pick, scratch, or pinch one’s own skin, causing lesions. It is one of several Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCDs) and is also known as dermatillomania or self-injury compulsion.

This repetitive and compulsive behavior can cause serious and visible damage to the skin, manifesting anywhere on the body, but more commonly in easily accessible areas such as the face, arms, and legs. The person tends to repeat this act regardless of the damage it causes to the skin or the discomfort it may cause.

It is important to mention that this disorder goes beyond simple “habits” or “vices”. It is a mental health condition that requires professional diagnosis and specific treatment strategies.

Certain repetitive behavioral patterns can result in feelings of pleasure, gratification, or relief when scratching the skin, but can also lead to pain, injuries, and severe scars. Most of the time, individuals with this disorder feel ashamed and try to hide the excoriations with clothing or makeup.

It is clear to us at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis that working with clinical hypnosis in cases of excoriation disorder can offer a complementary and very beneficial approach in overcoming this challenge.

Symptoms of Excoriation Disorder

Identifying excoriation disorder can be a challenge, as each person has their own way of self-injuring. However, there are certain common symptoms that can help recognize this problem.

The most obvious symptom is the compulsive need to pinch, scratch, or rub the skin, even when it results in wounds or scars. This usually occurs during periods of stress, anxiety, or boredom.

Another important symptom is the presence of skin lesions, which can range from mild scratches to deep wounds and scars. The most commonly affected areas are the face, arms, legs, and scalp, but any part of the body can be targeted.

A warning sign is the person’s attempt to hide or disguise the lesions. They may avoid situations where the lesions can be seen or wear clothing that covers the affected areas.

Upon noticing these symptoms in yourself or someone close, it is important to seek professional help. Although excoriation disorder may seem like a simple compulsion, it can lead to physical and psychological complications if left untreated.

Causes of Excoriation Disorder: Understanding the Origins

When addressing the causes of excoriation disorder, it is important to understand that there is no single origin. The condition can be triggered by a variety of factors, often combined. The most common is stress and anxiety, which lead the person to scratch their own skin as a way to release tension.

Many individuals with excoriation disorder have a history of other mental health disorders, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, indicating that there may be a genetic or biochemical predisposition to this self-destructive behavior.

Additionally, some studies suggest that excoriation disorder can be triggered by trauma or stressful events. For example, a person may start scratching their skin during a period of mourning or after a traumatic experience, such as an accident.

The onset of the disorder often coincides with puberty, indicating that hormonal changes may also play a role. However, more research is needed to fully understand the causes of excoriation disorder.

Ultimately, it is essential to remember that every mental disorder is the result of a complex interaction of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. The important thing is to seek professional help to deal with this problem appropriately and effectively.

Relationship between Excoriation Disorder and Anxiety

When we talk about excoriation disorder, it is almost impossible to dissociate it from anxiety. Anxiety often acts as a trigger for this self-injurious behavior. But what is the cause of this connection?

The answer lies in how our body reacts to stress. When we are anxious, our body releases a large amount of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can cause a series of physical reactions, including muscle tension, increased heart rate, and excessive sweating. For some people, the act of excoriating their own skin becomes an attempt to release this accumulated tension.

Furthermore, anxiety itself can lead to an altered perception of reality. And this is where excoriation disorder comes into play. People with this disorder tend to excavate their skin to achieve some type of emotional relief or sense of satisfaction. Unfortunately, this is a maladaptive coping strategy that results in more anxiety and discomfort in the long run.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that this complex relationship between anxiety and excoriation disorder is not the rule for all cases, and each person may have different triggers.

Understanding this link between excoriation disorder and anxiety is the first step in developing effective and personalized treatment strategies, which may include clinical hypnosis techniques.

How to Identify Excoriation Disorder: Warning Signs

When dealing with cases of excoriation disorder, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs. While the occasional urge to pick at the skin may not be cause for concern, repetitive and compulsive behavior is noteworthy.

Common Signs:

Firstly, those with excoriation disorder spend a lot of time picking at their skin or dealing with its consequences. They may spend hours a day on this activity, often without realizing it.

Psychophysical Elements:

Those who suffer from the disorder often have large scars or wounds as a result of these actions. In this case, the most evident sign is usually skin lesions or visible signs of irritation.

Social Isolation:

Another indicator is the social isolation that frequently occurs. Shame and fear of judgment cause the individual to withdraw from social activities and avoid showing their skin, often affecting their social interactions and quality of life.

These signs help differentiate excoriation disorder from habitual and less harmful picking behaviors. However, it is crucial to remember that only a mental health professional has the capacity to diagnose this disorder.

Diagnosis: When and How to Seek Help

When you notice that the process of self-injury becomes a habit and the mind seems to be in a cycle of anxiety, impulsivity, and temporary relief after the act, professional help should be sought to treat excoriation disorder. The first step is an evaluation by a mental health professional, which can be a psychologist or psychiatrist. This professional has the ability to conduct a comprehensive assessment that will analyze the symptoms and all areas of the person’s life.

Through this diagnosis, the professional will be able to determine the severity of the excoriation disorder and the most appropriate treatments. It is not recommended to try to deal with this disorder without professional help, as this can worsen the situation and lead to serious health complications.

It is also important to share this situation with family members or trusted individuals so that they can offer support during the treatment process. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength and determination to overcome the disorder.

Understand that excoriation disorder is a serious condition that requires professional monitoring. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you will begin the path to recovery.

Possible Complications of Excoriation Disorder

The complications that occur due to excoriation disorder are primarily physical, but they can also involve damage to the patient’s emotional health. The compulsive practice of picking one’s own skin can cause serious wounds and, in some cases, result in skin infections. Inadequate treatments or the absence of them, combined with constant picking, can lead to an infectious condition.

Furthermore, skin excoriations end up generating marks and scars that negatively impact the person’s self-esteem, leading them to avoid social situations out of shame for their marks or fear of others’ observation. This can result in a social isolation scenario, culminating in psychological problems such as depression.

It is worth emphasizing that because excoriation disorder is often associated with situations of anxiety and stress, the damage caused to mental health goes beyond apparent aspects, requiring a holistic therapeutic approach that considers all facets of the patient and their condition.

Therefore, the complications resulting from excoriation disorder amplify the complexity of the condition, highlighting the importance of appropriate treatment conducted by qualified professionals.

Treatment for Excoriation Disorder: The Role of Hypnosis

In the treatment scenario of excoriation disorder, hypnosis has emerged with a significant role. Utilizing focused attention and the ability to respond to suggestion, hypnosis is a powerful tool to address the relationship between the physical behavior of scratching or picking and the patient’s emotional state.

Hypnosis can help patients gain greater awareness of their impulses to scratch, allowing them to face these impulses more effectively. Additionally, hypnosis can be used to teach individuals new ways to relax and reduce stress, often a catalyst for the scratching period.

Focused attention, altered consciousness, and predisposition to accept suggestions become a powerful combination to help patients find ways to overcome the disorder.

One of the main benefits of hypnosis is its ability to facilitate access to automatic thoughts and behaviors, commonly playing a central role in excoriation disorder, and aiding in changing how people interpret and react to their environment.

By working with a qualified hypnotherapist, patients can learn to use hypnosis to identify and treat the underlying roots of their behavior, providing an effective path to recovery.

Overcoming Excoriation Disorder with Hypnosis Techniques

Have you ever thought about how hypnosis can help overcome excoriation disorder? Then get ready to find out!

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that, when used ethically and scientifically, can assist in the treatment of various psychological disorders, including excoriation disorder.

People with this disorder often cannot control the impulse to scratch themselves, leading to severe skin damage. Using hypnosis techniques, it is possible to induce focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, helping the patient relax and redirect their thoughts.

The first step is hypnotic induction, where the hypnotist guides the patient into a state of deep relaxation. During this process, therapeutic suggestion occurs, where recommendations are given to the patient to help them deal with the impulse to scratch.

Additionally, hypnosis allows access to automatic thoughts and behaviors, facilitating the review and change of these mental routines. This process contributes to overcoming the self-destructive impulses common in this disorder.

But remember: hypnosis is a complementary tool in the treatment of excoriation disorder; it does not replace conventional therapy or medical follow-up. It is always important to seek the advice of a qualified health professional.

After all, with the right combination of treatments, overcoming excoriation disorder is not only possible but within everyone’s reach!

Prevention: How to Avoid Relapses

Preventing relapses of excoriation disorder can be as crucial as the treatment itself. It is not uncommon for people who have had a successful recovery to experience relapse episodes during periods of high stress or anxiety. Therefore, understanding how to avoid such situations is essential.

First and foremost, it is essential to maintain a healthy living environment that promotes well-being and tranquility. Reducing stress and insecurities in frequent environments can make a big difference. Including relaxing and enjoyable activities in your routine, such as meditation, physical exercises, and hobbies, is an efficient way to reduce tension and keep triggers at bay.

But maintaining constant contact with your therapist is perhaps the most important prevention strategy. They can guide you on the best strategies to deal with difficult moments and minimize the chance of relapse. This also includes continuing to use hypnosis techniques to manage stress and anxiety, even after the treatment phase has been completed.

Constant education about excoriation disorder is also fundamental. The more you understand about your disorder, the greater your ability to prevent and deal with possible relapses. Remember, there is no shame in suffering from excoriation disorder, and relapse does not mean failure, only that the coping strategy needs to be adjusted.

Conclusion: Overcoming Excoriation Disorder and Helping Others Do the Same

Throughout this article, we have unraveled various aspects of excoriation disorder, a mental health condition that affects countless people in our society. We explained what this problem is, the signs to look for, its possible causes, and the challenging symptoms related to anxiety and stress.

We also offered a detailed view of how scientific hypnosis can be a robust tool in treating this disorder. Whether by providing greater awareness of the impulses for excoriation, teaching new ways to relax and reduce stress, or facilitating the change of automatic thoughts and behaviors. Hypnosis is undoubtedly a valuable resource for those dealing with this disorder.

Finally, we discussed the importance of seeking professional help and sharing the struggle against this condition with trusted individuals. The prevention of relapses, through a healthy lifestyle and a conducive environment, was equally highlighted.

If you want to learn more about how scientific hypnosis can be a powerful weapon in the treatment of excoriation disorder, we invite you to explore our evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses. Enhance your career, become a more prepared professional, and help those who suffer from this condition. Click here and take the first step on this new journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hypnosis effective for treating excoriation disorder?

Yes, hypnosis has shown very promising results in the treatment of excoriation disorder. It can help the patient gain greater awareness of their impulses to scratch and teach new ways to manage stress and anxiety, which often trigger this compulsion.

2. Can cognitive-behavioral therapy also be useful in treating this disorder?

Certainly, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used in combination with hypnosis and has proven to be very effective in treating excoriation disorder. CBT helps patients identify and change thought and behavior patterns that lead to compulsive scratching.

3. How common is excoriation disorder?

Although many people are not familiar with the term, it is estimated that about 1.4% of the world’s population deals with this disorder. Many cases go undiagnosed due to the fear and shame associated with compulsions and the resulting lesions.

4. What are the first steps for someone who suspects they have this disorder?

If you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive skin scratching, the first step is to seek help from a mental health professional. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide a diagnosis. From there, a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs will be developed.

5. Is there a cure for excoriation disorder?

Yes, with appropriate treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, hypnosis, or a combination of these elements, patients can completely overcome excoriation disorder. The important thing is to seek professional help as soon as the condition’s first signs appear.