“Recognising triggers is important when trying to break the skin picking cycle,” says Dr Ahmed. “I suggest noting when or where you commonly pick. This way, thoughts, feelings, or situations that promote picking can then be identified and dealt with.” Though, she acknowledges that this can be difficult to do on your own, though, it may be helpful to enlist someone you trust to support you or seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Here, Dr Ahmed shares some tips for overcoming skin picking:

If a skin condition like acne, for example, is predisposing you to pick, seek appropriate medical treatment as a first option.
Cover your hands/fingers where possible, especially if these are what you use to pick and keep nails short.
Keep your hands busy to distract yourself from picking. This could include squeezing a stress ball, clenching and unclenching hands, moisturising or massaging. This less harmful behaviour should replace skin picking over time.
Try to resist picking for one minute when you get the urge, and gradually increase the time.
Formal cognitive behavioural therapy can be useful to break the skin picking cycle, this is usually accessible through a clinical psychologist or psychodermatologist (for example, habit reversal therapy).
Take a look at resources such as stoppicking.com, a paid online programme designed to help people stop picking, and Headspace, a mindfulness app to help manage stressful thoughts.

How to stop skin picking: what is dermatillomania and why do we get it?