Coping Strategy

Description

Fist Clenching

Teaches users how to use the strategy taught by Azrin & Nunn (1973), whereby patients clench their fists for 1-3 minutes to aid in resisting an urge.

Hand Toys

Suggests a variety of different toys that can be purchased to keep hands busy during an urge.

Band Aids/Gloves

Suggests putting Band Aids/Gloves on the fingers/hands used to pick to 1) remind them that they are about to pick and 2) remove the sensations associated with picking.

Change Activity

Instructs the user to physically get up and remove themself from a situation where they are experiencing an uncomfortable urge.

Pleasurable Activity

Encourages the user to engage in a pleasurable activity such as a craft or hobby that will get their mind off of picking and to distract them from the urge to pick.

Keep Hands Away from Picking Location

For those people who report stroking or feeling certain areas of their skin, the program recommends that they keep their hands away and avoid looking at these areas altogether.

Relaxation

Teaches both deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation for use during times of tension or high stress.

Consult a Professional

Instructs participants to talk with dermatologists, astheticians, or nail technicians to help reduce urges to pick

Avoid Mirrors/Dim the Lights

Recommends covering up mirrors, dimming the lights, or standing 3 feet from mirrors to avoid visual triggers that can precipitate an episode.

Throw Away Skin Picking Tools

Suggests getting rid of items which can be a skin picking implement.

Thought Busting I

Reviews cognitive restructuring for thoughts about skin picking (e.g., “I am a failure because I can’t stop” or “My skin looks terrible”).

Thought Busting II

Reviews cognitive restructuring for thoughts about other things such as life stressors.

Change Posture

Instructs participants to change their posture if they tend to sit in positions that assist in their picking.

File Nails/Paint Nails

Instructs participants to file/paint nails to keep their hands busy and/or to care for their nails and areas surround nails (e.g., cuticles).

Barriers

Suggests the use of hats, bandannas, scarves, glasses, or other “barriers” to keep hands away from the skin.

Ask for Help

Instructs participants to ask people around them for help when they are experiencing an urge.

Use Ointments/Salves to Soothe the Skin

Suggests using ointments or salves to reduce physical sensations (e.g., itching, tingling, etc.) that exacerbate picking.

Chew Gum

Suggests chewing gum for those people who bite off the root or eat the hair after pulling it out.

Avoid TV

Recommends not watching television for people whose high risk times are while watching TV.