Intro time, I guess.

[dorkymama]

I wasn't sure if I'd ever intro over here, because my "ailment" isn't something people think as being a mental disorder, but I've lurked for a while and decided "why not?" today.

So, I'm due in September. It's my first. I'm 29. I suffer from dermatillomania - the sister disorder to trichtotillomania - aka "compulsive skin picking", which is a form of OCD. I was diagnosed in college about 8 years ago, sought professional help very very briefly, and have since just accepted it as an inevitability that it's something I have to live with. Although I was diagnosed in my 20s, I've been like this my whole life. My mom used to make me wear gloves at night and to bed so I wouldn't pick at myself in my sleep. She'd also check on me daily to see if there were any new scars, holes, cuts, bumps, etc. that I'd picked at, and she wouldn't allow me to keep tweezers or nail clippers in my room or bathroom growing up.

Anyway, I know it's genetic - my brother and especially my sister pick at their skin, bite their skin, pull at "things" (it's really hard to describe... sorry...) just like I do. Two of my three nephews do it as well (my sister's kids) and my niece (brother's kid) does it, but not as badly. So, as I'm progressing through this pregnancy, I'm scared my kid will have this issue, too. It didn't help that on my first ultrasound, he/she had his hand in his mouth the entire time...

So, that's my story. I'm not sure where to go from here, but I hope to continue lurking around and learning more about you guys.

[Deleted]

Hi, Welcome to the board. I know several people with trichotillomania but have never met anyone with dermatillomania(that im aware of) One of my best friends underwent intensive behavioral therapy as part of treatment.

I think in your case, experience and preventative measures will go a long way. If your child were develop symptoms you will be able recognize the symptoms early on, which would allow you put quickly put a treatment plan in place.

Hopefully, as your LO gets older they do not exhibit any symptoms and your worries will decrease.

[lulu]

Welcome x

[helloamanda]

Hi There! I wanted to send you a welcome!

Also to second what @wallflwr926 said- IF LO starts to exhibit signs of dermatillomania then you'll be able to get a treatment plan in place early. Don't let the u/s worry you too much because that's what most of them do to soothe themselves. I still put my fingers in my mouth to soothe myself!

[yoshijo28]

Hi, welcome. I've had experience with minor skin picking (currently switched from that to pulling eyelashes/eyebrows) but have never gotten treatment for it (although medication for my OCD did help when I was on it). I hope your LO doesn't have this but you know what to look for if they exhibit any symptoms and can catch it quickly.

[icequeen]

Hi dorkymama! I think I remember one other woman on the boards with a similar issue, so please don't feel like you are a stranger amongst us. I hope you are doing great with your continuing pregnancy and I know it must be very difficult not to let the worries about genetics consume you. I worry about the same things with my own mental illness with my DD and for my future kids, if I am lucky enough to have more. We are a great group and have check-ins every week if you would like to participate, or ask questions at any time. We'll do our best to give you the support you need. (((HUGS)))

[dorkymama]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. I usually get confused, doubtful responses to my CSP. "Oh, that's not a disorder. You're just a nail-biter!" Ugh.

[Deleted]

Welcome!

[sko14]

Welcome

[bluerainfire]

welcome!

[Deleted]

Welcome dorkymama!