Alternative Picking Object Ideas?

[dmmoore3]

Greetings,
I have a 9 year old daughter who has OCD and is currently on medication (Luvox). Her OCD is well under control thanks to a CBT program that she underwent at Duke. She is currently in a program at Duke to address her compulsive skin picking. She seems to be doing a bit better but has recently taken to biting the tips of her fingers. Her provider at Duke has suggested giving her something else to pick to as per the following instructions. The reason for my email is to see if someone has suggestions for the item I can give her to try (like picking at a nerf ball or something).

"Habit Reversal involves interrupting the chain of behavior that leads to picking or biting, through the use of a physically competing response. Basically, the person is encouraged to touch, squeeze or play with small objects when they notice the urge to pick or bite. Examples of this are koosh balls, nerf balls, playing with clay, making tight fists, grabbing the nearest object tightly with both hands, playing “cat’s cradle” with string, shelling peanuts, playing with jewelry, or (in a pinch) sitting on your hands until the urge goes away. Ideally, it should be something that’s mildly pleasurable and doesn’t require a lot of concentration. It can’t be imposed on Mackenna; we simply have to keep trying stuff until something clicks. (And remember we want to have one of whatever it is in the book bag, in her desk at school, in all the family cars, in her bedroom, in the bathroom, etc.)"

Thanks,
Diane
Mom to Mackenna (9)

[Dee13]

Knitting, crocheting, macramé, dancing or some other physical activity. Playing with jelly creatures, like the jelly fishing worms.

[mstsnahdc]

Grab some raw corn on the cob. "Picking" the corn has a good zit-like feel to it. A little popping satisfaction without scarring your skin.

[Kameko]

Clementines! Like, the fruit. Once you peel them, look closely at the skin. It's covered in these tiny little bumps, like clear blackheads. You can squeeze them and they'll pop just like acne. Best of all, the juice that squirts out smells really good.. so it's kind of like perfume if you get it on you.

[Guest]

I recommend trying smooth textured cool rubbing stones, bubble wrap and clay. Those work best for me, although nothing has provided complete relief for me....yet.