A NIGHTMARE

[rachaelskate]

My boyfriend will be here tommorow

Everything was getting better, and I got a facial, and it felt good and my skin looked a lot better

Then i went and did spray on tanning and it made EVERY mark on my face brown, Does this happen to everyone?
It looks like I have 20 more spots than I did!

When will it go away?!

I also have some streaking, I want to take a shower, but I feel like it will get worse
what do i do?!

[Me2]

I would shower for sure. Some of that stuff might wash off. I would also lightly exfoliate and then moisturize....Followed by NOT picking!

I hope it all works out and you have a really hot time with the BF!

Fay

[rachaelskate]

thanks for responding fay

I really cannot control my picking.

I dont't know what to do, it seems the worse my skin gets the worse I pick.

Does this happen to you? or anyone else?

[Me2]

You sound so sad!

It can be very frustrating to be out of control. We all understand about that. I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time right now, especially when you are going to see your boyfriend. I am sure that you are lovely and loveable, inside and out. A big hug to you!

I hope you don't mind me saying what is working for me. I have found a medication that actually helps! It is called Seroquel. There is another medicine like it called Risperidol that works for others. I have been picking for 18 years and this is the first time I have felt even close to normal. My psychiatrist feels that CSP is a combination of OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. That is whay Seroquel (an atypical antipsychotic) works. Many skin pickers have a semi delusional idea that something is very wrong with their skin, and they must deal with it. We all have the odd black head, etcetera, but we can't convince ourselves that they are normal and will go away on their own.

It took me a long time to try this medicine. I was afraid of the label "antipsychotic". Skin pickers are not psychotic, but many of us, I believe, have unrealistic ideas about our skin.

At the psychiatrist's I always have to fill out a diagnostic questionaire for OCD. I usually come in at "Severe". Yesterday, I was "mild". I am now able to go into the bathroom and decide not to pick, or sometimes, it doesn't even cross my mind. I am not completely perfect yet, but I am doing so much better.

I first heard about Seroquel from a board member called Moon. Do a search on her name and you will see what she has to say about Seroquel. I am going to post this as its own thread, but I wanted to respond to you.

Good luck Rachel.

Fay

[anonymousartist]

Oh no! Damn that tanning lotion! You know what though? I am always the one to do something at the last second that turns out totally stupid looking, from frying my hair by accident to getting nailpollish all over things. It never fails. Sometimes you gotta just say "fuck it" and move on. You'll get past it. I think you're putting a little too much emphasis on being perfect for your boyfriend when really you should allow yourself to just be excited and happy that he's coming. Relax. Take a saltwater bath with some good music maybe (unless this is something that causes you to pick. Could help heal your skin though).

But you're definitely not the only one. Just remember your boyfriend's not perfect either and he's coming to see you, not your flaws. It'll be ok. And if that tan is still there -- well just laugh it off the best you can.

--Beckka

[kimj]

Hey...don't worry about the self tanner...I've used that and it fades really fast. someone already said this, but try exfolating. That gets rid of the top layer of skin that the self tanner has dyed...just be gentle or you might hurt your skin.
When your bf gets here you probably will be excited and foget all about it anyway...also you mentioned you have been doing well so congrats to you! Have fun.