On the flip side, some people find that having long, fake nails helps them stop picking because it’s harder to get a good grip on your skin. If you do go for fake nails, choose rounded or square ones so you can’t jab them into your skin or scratch yourself easily.
If there are certain times you know you’re likely to pick (like at night when you’re going to bed), put your gloves on as a preventative measure until waiting until you actually start to pick your fingers. No gloves around? No problem! Grab a few bandages and wrap them around your fingers to make it harder for you to pick your skin.
You can find fidget spinners and stress balls that are small enough to keep in your pocket during the day. That way, you can take them to school or work with you. Have a garden that you like to work in? Go outside and distract yourself by weeding or pruning your plants.
You could also try keeping a daily journal, which is beneficial both for keeping your hands busy and also to organize your thoughts.
Plus, having slick, slippery hands can make it harder to get a grasp on your skin and pick at it, so it’s a win-win. Vaseline is a great over the counter skin barrier repair moisturizer which can help occlude the skin and allow it to heal. [6] X Expert Source Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 18 August 2021. The best time to apply a moisturizer is overnight. Keep the finger covered with a bandage or tape to avoid further picking overnight. [7] X Expert Source Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAADBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.
If you have any open wounds or scabs, cover them up with bandages until they heal. It will both protect them from infection and also keep them covered so you don’t pick at them absent-mindedly.
Say something like, “You might have noticed that I like to pick at the skin around my fingers a lot, but I’m trying to stop. If you see me doing it, will you just let me know? That way, I can break the habit a little easier. ”
Try to get enough sleep, too. Experts note that when you’re tired, you might zone out more often, which can lead to skin picking without you even realizing.
Skin picking is also sometimes caused by boredom, so make sure you bring plenty of things to keep your mind busy with you when you’re out and about. You might warn yourself in your head by saying something like, “I’m feeling pretty anxious right now, and I know when I’m anxious I tend to pick. I’m going to keep my hands in my lap and make sure I don’t pick at my fingers while I sit here. ”
All medications come with side effects, so talk to your doctor about the benefits vs. the risks before you start on any meds.
