Post by Chaumiere on Nov 25, 2006 16:26:24 GMT -5
I would like to start by saying that I appreciate the supportive environment that is being fostered here. I usually feel like some sort of outcast, but I can see that this is a more common compulsion that I previously thought.
Concerning healing wounds--the best thing to do is to not even let a scab form. Keeping the wound protected and ideally covered with something like neosporin, aquaphor, or vaseline will lessen the likelihood of scarring. The wound should remain moist, essentially. It will heal without forming a crust. In the event that a scab does develop, someone recommended gently buffing the scab with a fine emery board. I say, "gently buffing" for a reason; this can be dangerous as it is easy to cause lesions in the scab. The emery board can smooth it, however, which can help people who have largely tactile obsessions. An open wound should never be touched, but a closed one that is healing can be massaged periodically. This stimulates circulation in the very bottom layers of the skin, which are normally still in the process of healing long after the wound is closed. Also, Retin-A Micro (available by perscription) truly does help fade spots.
A word or two on keeping your head straight: do not be so hard on yourself if you slip up and succumb to your compulsion again. You need to be strong and determined; conquering your weaknesses really takes time. This compulsion is an uncontrollable mental disorder, even if it is a mild one. I acknowledge that it is part of me, and that I will always have to live with my tendencies. Also, do not try to convince yourself (as I did) that you have some sort of severe acne problem when you don't really have one--while your skin may be acne-prone, the biggest skin problem you have is probably the one you are creating. Acknowledging your problem is as important as people claim it is. Do whatever it takes, I say; I just plain leave the bathroom door open while I wash my face (I don't live alone).
Good luck to all of you.