Skinpick - Dermatillomania App

Dermatillomania, or Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder manifests itself in two types of picking: automatic and focused. Automatic picking is picking that occurs without the person being aware of the urge to pick prior to engaging in the behavior and so picking often occurs without him or her realizing it. Focused skin picking on the other hand, is when there is a clear and distinct irresistible urge to pick, resulting in the person purposefully engaging in picking.

In both instances, in order to apply skills and strategies to tackle the behavior, it is important for the individual to be aware of when they tend to or are most at risk of picking. Picking usually follows a pattern and by identifying the pattern of picking one can anticipate when the urge to pick is most likely to occur. One of the strategies used to gain awareness of the behavior is keeping a picking log.

This app allows you to document your picking urges and episodes. Each time you experience an urge to pick or have a picking episode, you can add an entry to the journal. After a while of using the app, you will have gathered enough data to start seeing patterns in your behavior: whether you pick at specific times of day, due to certain circumstances, etc.

It can be very valuable as a stand-alone journaling tool, however you can expect best results when you use it as part of a therapeutic process with a therapist, preferably CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).