Compulsive picking in children is a mental health condition and skin picking disorder also known as excoriation disorder in which a child picks at their skin repeatedly to the point of causing damage.
Compulsive picking in children or skin picking disorders are often driven by anxiety or stress.
And no matter how many times or attempts at trying to stop the skin picking, the child cannot resist the urge to continue picking at their skin.
When a child continues to pick at their skin it can lead to infections, scarring and even significant distress.
Skin picking is a type of body focused repetitive behavior.
Skin picking disorder or compulsive picking is also related to OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder in which the child or other person cannot stop themselves from carrying out a particular action and it can also be triggered by boredom, stress or anxiety.
Some kids also pick at their skin because it makes them feel good and many children don't even know they are doing it.
Skin picking or excoriation disorder can be treated with medication, therapy or both.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify and replace harmful behaviors with healthier behaviors and can include habit reversal training that teaches the child to engage in a harmless behavior instead when they feel the urge to pick.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps children learn to be mindful of their disorder.