You didn't say if the person has allergies or a skin infection. Have these things been checked on?

You didn't say if the person has allergies or a skin infection. Have these things been checked on?

The picking is a nervous habit. No allergies or skin infections involved. Had that been the case I would have mentioned this in the description because those details would be pertinent to receiving suggestions that could be meaninful. You are very through to ask. Have you dealt with this type of situation? What is the image associated with your account?............an angel?...........with a child in it's arms?

The picking is a nervous habit. No allergies or skin infections involved. Had that been the case I would have mentioned this in the description because those details would be pertinent to receiving suggestions that could be meaninful. You are very through to ask. Have you dealt with this type of situation? What is the image associated with your account?............an angel?...........with a child in it's arms?

My mom used to pick at her brown sport. I put a tube of antiseptic with pain relief (OTC) and pointed that out ever time she started picking. That seemed to work...either that or she forgot about it. She has dementia.

My image is sort of my avatar...sort of a sad flying creature capable of flying away from where I am, I guess. I fancy myself an artist on occasion. Her arms are resting on her knees...no child.

My mom used to pick at her brown sport. I put a tube of antiseptic with pain relief (OTC) and pointed that out ever time she started picking. That seemed to work...either that or she forgot about it. She has dementia.

My image is sort of my avatar...sort of a sad flying creature capable of flying away from where I am, I guess. I fancy myself an artist on occasion. Her arms are resting on her knees...no child.

Thank you...........I will provide her with an anticeptic ointment that includes a pain reliever and see if that helps. Appreciate your taking the time to reply!!

Thank you...........I will provide her with an anticeptic ointment that includes a pain reliever and see if that helps. Appreciate your taking the time to reply!!

My grandfather picks at spots on his head, his arms, back of his neck. He says its just a habit, I guess like me biting my nails. It will scab up at times, but it has never caused any harm so I don't really harp on it. Though my grandpa doesn't have dementia, so he could tell me if he is in pain.

My grandfather picks at spots on his head, his arms, back of his neck. He says its just a habit, I guess like me biting my nails. It will scab up at times, but it has never caused any harm so I don't really harp on it. Though my grandpa doesn't have dementia, so he could tell me if he is in pain.

Thanks for your reply. She does not have dementia as well. The big concern is that the open wounds could become infected.........she pets the dogs. One open wound on her leg just kept draining clear colored puss for days and would soak the bed. I live on a farm so it just gives me yet another job to care for her wounds. Also, she is on blood thinners so it is dangerous in the sence that it is difficult to stop when bleeding occurs. I haven't mentioned also that it is very unsightly to see all the scabs and red scars.

Thanks for your reply. She does not have dementia as well. The big concern is that the open wounds could become infected.........she pets the dogs. One open wound on her leg just kept draining clear colored puss for days and would soak the bed. I live on a farm so it just gives me yet another job to care for her wounds. Also, she is on blood thinners so it is dangerous in the sence that it is difficult to stop when bleeding occurs. I haven't mentioned also that it is very unsightly to see all the scabs and red scars.

Unsightly is probably an under-exaggeration. :(

Can you call her doctor and see if there is something you can give her?

I think a lot of obsessive behaviors that come with dementia have to be ignored...but I don't know about this one...as you said, infection and cellulitus, if not worse, could be right around the corner.

Unsightly is probably an under-exaggeration. :(

Can you call her doctor and see if there is something you can give her?

I think a lot of obsessive behaviors that come with dementia have to be ignored...but I don't know about this one...as you said, infection and cellulitus, if not worse, could be right around the corner.

To clarify......she does NOT have dementia. Medical professionals just say to redirect attention when possible and keep wounds dressed. It's just that with the farming chores I just don't sit with her EVERY moment and while I'm away she has the opportunity and does not disipline herself altho she tells me she will not pick. She tries..........and it is getting better. I just thought I'd see if anyone else has any techniques I had not thought of. Thank you again..........God be with us all and give us strength and the insight we need to help others.

To clarify......she does NOT have dementia. Medical professionals just say to redirect attention when possible and keep wounds dressed. It's just that with the farming chores I just don't sit with her EVERY moment and while I'm away she has the opportunity and does not disipline herself altho she tells me she will not pick. She tries..........and it is getting better. I just thought I'd see if anyone else has any techniques I had not thought of. Thank you again..........God be with us all and give us strength and the insight we need to help others.

It is a nervous habit for want of a better thing to do. If she can still walk, let her do small things as watering small plants near her reach, removing foreign bodies fron the grains, counting colored pebbles, or playing cards.

Her time should be occupied. Or you could give her small gadgets for rolling her palms as a form of exercise.

Relearn how to pray. Just about anything to make her mind and fingers occupied.

If she will pick on er body, it might become infected and condition worsen.

It is a nervous habit for want of a better thing to do. If she can still walk, let her do small things as watering small plants near her reach, removing foreign bodies fron the grains, counting colored pebbles, or playing cards.

Her time should be occupied. Or you could give her small gadgets for rolling her palms as a form of exercise.

Relearn how to pray. Just about anything to make her mind and fingers occupied.

If she will pick on er body, it might become infected and condition worsen.

My mother, who has dementia, is constantly picking at something. Any scab she has will become a target and she will bleed all over her clothes. Now she is picking at the outside of her nose constantly. I keep telling her to stop, that it will cause a sore, and she stops temporarily but when I'm not looking, she'll start again.

My mother, who has dementia, is constantly picking at something. Any scab she has will become a target and she will bleed all over her clothes. Now she is picking at the outside of her nose constantly. I keep telling her to stop, that it will cause a sore, and she stops temporarily but when I'm not looking, she'll start again.

Thank you for your reply..........I believe the diagnosis is accurate and your suggestions are helpful. I will try them. I single handedly run a farm so finding the time to keep her occupied is the challenge for me but I will make the effort to try your suggesions. Again, thanks for this helpful reply.

Thank you for your reply..........I believe the diagnosis is accurate and your suggestions are helpful. I will try them. I single handedly run a farm so finding the time to keep her occupied is the challenge for me but I will make the effort to try your suggesions. Again, thanks for this helpful reply.

Could you get her to knit or crochet? Or do one of those looms we had as kids, where you make a potholder? Something to keep her hands busy is what I'm thinking of...Or get her a set of worry beads or a rosary to play with in her hands...good luck, it sounds like you're doing your best to find her something to do instead of pick.

Could you get her to knit or crochet? Or do one of those looms we had as kids, where you make a potholder? Something to keep her hands busy is what I'm thinking of...Or get her a set of worry beads or a rosary to play with in her hands...good luck, it sounds like you're doing your best to find her something to do instead of pick.

She used to knit but the arthritis makes that too painful now. She is quite depressed so it is a struggle to get her to do constructive things as she has no incentive (Dad died a year and a half ago and she just doesn't want to live without him). I'll look for something out there to keep her hands busy at a gentle pace. Thank you for your rely....it keeps me thinking.

She used to knit but the arthritis makes that too painful now. She is quite depressed so it is a struggle to get her to do constructive things as she has no incentive (Dad died a year and a half ago and she just doesn't want to live without him). I'll look for something out there to keep her hands busy at a gentle pace. Thank you for your rely....it keeps me thinking.

My Mother picks incessantly and has for years. She although has very small (centimeter areas), round, scabs appear and she picks and they bleed. We discovered that this is a skin virus that is common in the elderly. She has always had a nervous habit of picking even when she is not aware of it she picks. These scabs gave her a reason to express her nervous habit.

Often times I have discoverd that anyone doing anything kind of obsessivly w/o awarness, the underlying cause is deeply rooted within the mind. Perhaps a painful past, regret, emotional suppression, fears, anger, etc, even guilt that is sleepeing dormant. Clearing the mind opens the heart and often all scabs will disappear. Healing occurs.

hope this helps. Blessings to you and Mom Julie

My Mother picks incessantly and has for years. She although has very small (centimeter areas), round, scabs appear and she picks and they bleed. We discovered that this is a skin virus that is common in the elderly. She has always had a nervous habit of picking even when she is not aware of it she picks. These scabs gave her a reason to express her nervous habit.

Often times I have discoverd that anyone doing anything kind of obsessivly w/o awarness, the underlying cause is deeply rooted within the mind. Perhaps a painful past, regret, emotional suppression, fears, anger, etc, even guilt that is sleepeing dormant. Clearing the mind opens the heart and often all scabs will disappear. Healing occurs.

hope this helps. Blessings to you and Mom Julie

You said she's depressed; have you had a clinical diagnosis of this? If so, perhaps some type of depression medication could be tried. They can take about 2 weeks before a difference is noticed, but it can come more quickly, too; it depends on the person. I have depression and am on medication for it, and it's like the difference between night and day. If she already has bad arthritis pain (as it sounds), that can increase untreated depression; not to mention the fact that depression can cause pain of its own. It makes you not want to try to do anything to help yourself because you feel like nothing matters. I sympathize with your difficulties; we want to keep our parents healthy, but we have our work to do as well, and you must have TONS running a farm by yourself!! Does she have any friends nearby she could visit? Maybe this could help her direct her attention outward, focusing on other things than herself. I really feel that if her depression could be worked on, the picking would slack off or stop. Hope this helps; take care and try not to wear yourself to a frazzle. God bless you and all our farmers. Keep posting when you can; we care.

You said she's depressed; have you had a clinical diagnosis of this? If so, perhaps some type of depression medication could be tried. They can take about 2 weeks before a difference is noticed, but it can come more quickly, too; it depends on the person. I have depression and am on medication for it, and it's like the difference between night and day. If she already has bad arthritis pain (as it sounds), that can increase untreated depression; not to mention the fact that depression can cause pain of its own. It makes you not want to try to do anything to help yourself because you feel like nothing matters. I sympathize with your difficulties; we want to keep our parents healthy, but we have our work to do as well, and you must have TONS running a farm by yourself!! Does she have any friends nearby she could visit? Maybe this could help her direct her attention outward, focusing on other things than herself. I really feel that if her depression could be worked on, the picking would slack off or stop. Hope this helps; take care and try not to wear yourself to a frazzle. God bless you and all our farmers. Keep posting when you can; we care.

How did the Dr. treat the virus?

How did the Dr. treat the virus?

The depression is being addressed with a couple of anti-depressent medications. She has become too weak to take her out (except the Dr.'s office visits). She is on oxygen and becomes weak if she exerts herself even to go from one room to another or to get in bed. She is frail and will perhaps not live too long, but til her body gives out it is my mission to do all I can to keep her comfortable. The sores do not heal quickly because the circulation to her extremeties is poor. Keeping open wounds dressed with gauze keeps her from picking the worst. Thanks for caring enough to post. I will continue to apply all the appropriate techniques.

The depression is being addressed with a couple of anti-depressent medications. She has become too weak to take her out (except the Dr.'s office visits). She is on oxygen and becomes weak if she exerts herself even to go from one room to another or to get in bed. She is frail and will perhaps not live too long, but til her body gives out it is my mission to do all I can to keep her comfortable. The sores do not heal quickly because the circulation to her extremeties is poor. Keeping open wounds dressed with gauze keeps her from picking the worst. Thanks for caring enough to post. I will continue to apply all the appropriate techniques.

You're obviously a very caring, loving daughter. It sounds like you're doing about all you can do, given your mom's health situation and frailty. My heart goes out to you -- I'm sending you a big virtual hug. Please keep us posted on how your mom does.

You're obviously a very caring, loving daughter. It sounds like you're doing about all you can do, given your mom's health situation and frailty. My heart goes out to you -- I'm sending you a big virtual hug. Please keep us posted on how your mom does.

I'm an RN with fifteen years home health experience as well as a family caregiver. I agree with the ideas of keeping her busy, but wanted to add something that might help also. It sounds crazy, but we used it often in home health. Sometimes any of us will "worry" a rough place until we create an actual wound. The thin skin of a senior means that it can tolerate less touching before it breaks down. Therefore, if you keep the skin super-hydrated there is less chance of roughness to start the "picking" cycle. One product that is amazing for this purpose is Crisco. Just coat her arms lightly with Crisco every morning before you start your farm chores. Her skin will be so soft that she will be far less interested in picking at it. And all the extra activities to keep her occupied also allow the skin to heal. It won't take many days to heal, but then be sure to keep her skin soft and smooth with lotions (or Crisco) so the picking doesn't get started again.

Lyn

I'm an RN with fifteen years home health experience as well as a family caregiver. I agree with the ideas of keeping her busy, but wanted to add something that might help also. It sounds crazy, but we used it often in home health. Sometimes any of us will "worry" a rough place until we create an actual wound. The thin skin of a senior means that it can tolerate less touching before it breaks down. Therefore, if you keep the skin super-hydrated there is less chance of roughness to start the "picking" cycle. One product that is amazing for this purpose is Crisco. Just coat her arms lightly with Crisco every morning before you start your farm chores. Her skin will be so soft that she will be far less interested in picking at it. And all the extra activities to keep her occupied also allow the skin to heal. It won't take many days to heal, but then be sure to keep her skin soft and smooth with lotions (or Crisco) so the picking doesn't get started again.

Lyn

Excellent suggestion but even better due to it's healing properties is Vitamine E Oil.........I've found it to be improving the skin condition, providing healing qualities and it keeps the skin from drying out so she has nothing to pick at. It's a bit more expensive tho but it goes a long way and has the Vit E properties. Olive oil might also be an alternative in a pinch.....I hear it's good for a hair treatment. Thank you for taking the time to post!

Excellent suggestion but even better due to it's healing properties is Vitamine E Oil.........I've found it to be improving the skin condition, providing healing qualities and it keeps the skin from drying out so she has nothing to pick at. It's a bit more expensive tho but it goes a long way and has the Vit E properties. Olive oil might also be an alternative in a pinch.....I hear it's good for a hair treatment. Thank you for taking the time to post!

Hello. Just a suggestion....it could very well be Psoriasis.

Hello. Just a suggestion....it could very well be Psoriasis.

The Dr. had no treatment for Mom's virus. I used some essential oils that are Theraputic grade (you cannot buy in stores), either "young living oils:, or "tisserand", will do great. Lavender, Thyme, young livings "Thieves" blend, or oregano, these are all anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal either dab it on the spot (you will have to dilute Thyme with olive or grapeseed oil), or have her smell it, best to apply on with an oil like grapeseed. For example put 4 to 5 drops of Lavender into 4 ozs of oil and put it all over her skin.

Blessings JUlie

The Dr. had no treatment for Mom's virus. I used some essential oils that are Theraputic grade (you cannot buy in stores), either "young living oils:, or "tisserand", will do great. Lavender, Thyme, young livings "Thieves" blend, or oregano, these are all anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal either dab it on the spot (you will have to dilute Thyme with olive or grapeseed oil), or have her smell it, best to apply on with an oil like grapeseed. For example put 4 to 5 drops of Lavender into 4 ozs of oil and put it all over her skin.

Blessings JUlie

Hi,

My mother (84 and very clear headed) has had a picking problem for many years, sometimes worse than others but most always present. It affects her entire lower face and sometimes up around the eyebrows and at least several times a year causes severe infections.. I have taken her to Dermatologists at a prestigious University Hospital, had blood work done, Allergy Specialists, Neurological exams, Psychological exams... every test and and specialist that related or even some that didn't relate. Homeopathic doctors, yoga, meditation ... all pretty much to no avail... All had a different diagnosis, but mostly they all came to the same conclusion; it was mostly psychological. A catch all phrase I have learned over the years to mean "we have no idea what is wrong, so it must be her.." I used to get really upset with her thinking that surely she could control this behavior, keep busy, sit on her hands, where gloves. we've tried steroid cremes and pills, antibiotics, antihistamines, bio feed back....again all to no avail. Last year I changed doctors - I was really unhappy with all her aliments being in her head and also "we don't do hospital visits"... we are blessed in my area to have a Geriatric center that just deals with older patients and they deal with the whole patient not just the symptoms. They made some insights that didn't necessarily help the problem but gave us an understanding of why it might be occurring. Two reasons... first is the compulsion to pick which is both neurological and psychological.. second, the nerve endings of an elderly person are much more sensitive because of the thinness of the skin, but unfortunately they are also slower at sending these signals to the brain. So the urge to touch is very pronounced but the message that the touch is happening is slower.. causing her to touch more and more often and wearing down the skin tissue. Also the brain also has a hard time distinguishing between pain and pleasure .. some brains actually cross those wires and the brain reads the pain of picking as pleasure. Also we can't leave out the control factor.... like teens who cut themselves, anorexia, choking disorders, your parent, like mine may be feeling a definite lack of control over their lives. THIS they can control, whether it be conscious or unconscious. I have found that loving reminders, a gentle touch of my hand on her arm, a finger to my face across the room when I see her picking unaware, help way more than bugging her. Building up her feelings of self confidence helps too. But nothing is perfect and flair ups are generally going to happen, I try and help her get through them as best as I can and keep an eye on the redness to make sure that, as one person mentioned before, no cellulitis sets in. Hope this helps.

Hi,

My mother (84 and very clear headed) has had a picking problem for many years, sometimes worse than others but most always present. It affects her entire lower face and sometimes up around the eyebrows and at least several times a year causes severe infections.. I have taken her to Dermatologists at a prestigious University Hospital, had blood work done, Allergy Specialists, Neurological exams, Psychological exams... every test and and specialist that related or even some that didn't relate. Homeopathic doctors, yoga, meditation ... all pretty much to no avail... All had a different diagnosis, but mostly they all came to the same conclusion; it was mostly psychological. A catch all phrase I have learned over the years to mean "we have no idea what is wrong, so it must be her.." I used to get really upset with her thinking that surely she could control this behavior, keep busy, sit on her hands, where gloves. we've tried steroid cremes and pills, antibiotics, antihistamines, bio feed back....again all to no avail. Last year I changed doctors - I was really unhappy with all her aliments being in her head and also "we don't do hospital visits"... we are blessed in my area to have a Geriatric center that just deals with older patients and they deal with the whole patient not just the symptoms. They made some insights that didn't necessarily help the problem but gave us an understanding of why it might be occurring. Two reasons... first is the compulsion to pick which is both neurological and psychological.. second, the nerve endings of an elderly person are much more sensitive because of the thinness of the skin, but unfortunately they are also slower at sending these signals to the brain. So the urge to touch is very pronounced but the message that the touch is happening is slower.. causing her to touch more and more often and wearing down the skin tissue. Also the brain also has a hard time distinguishing between pain and pleasure .. some brains actually cross those wires and the brain reads the pain of picking as pleasure. Also we can't leave out the control factor.... like teens who cut themselves, anorexia, choking disorders, your parent, like mine may be feeling a definite lack of control over their lives. THIS they can control, whether it be conscious or unconscious. I have found that loving reminders, a gentle touch of my hand on her arm, a finger to my face across the room when I see her picking unaware, help way more than bugging her. Building up her feelings of self confidence helps too. But nothing is perfect and flair ups are generally going to happen, I try and help her get through them as best as I can and keep an eye on the redness to make sure that, as one person mentioned before, no cellulitis sets in. Hope this helps.

Excellent insights......thanks for taking the time to share.

Excellent insights......thanks for taking the time to share.

Hi, I am wondering if she is taking anything with Tylenol in it (acetaminophen). Too much of that (or something like that) can cause intense itching (i think it overwhelms the liver). My Mom was given too much pain meds (with that in it) at the nursing home (she was there for re-hab), and I saw sores show up on her leg and face, and asked what had happened. It almost looked like a fall. After a couple of days, they caught her digging at herself. She had caused these ugly sores, but couldn't tell us she itched--she just dug in when it hit. I had them remove one of the meds, and she quit doing it.
Maybe this doesn't apply to your case, but just in case it does, I want you to be aware of it.
Good luck!

Hi, I am wondering if she is taking anything with Tylenol in it (acetaminophen). Too much of that (or something like that) can cause intense itching (i think it overwhelms the liver). My Mom was given too much pain meds (with that in it) at the nursing home (she was there for re-hab), and I saw sores show up on her leg and face, and asked what had happened. It almost looked like a fall. After a couple of days, they caught her digging at herself. She had caused these ugly sores, but couldn't tell us she itched--she just dug in when it hit. I had them remove one of the meds, and she quit doing it.
Maybe this doesn't apply to your case, but just in case it does, I want you to be aware of it.
Good luck!

Hi again,
I just saw the post by someone who suggested Crisco to soften and moisten the skin. Dry skin can also cause itching and discomfort, but instead of crisco, I would suggest caster oil. I just got some after reading some good stuff about it, and it makes the skin sooo soft, and would be much better for her. It has no scent, so you could add some scented oil like lavender to help her relax. Or any scent she might enjoy. Just massaging it in gently might be a routine that would take her mind off of her picking. good luck

Hi again,
I just saw the post by someone who suggested Crisco to soften and moisten the skin. Dry skin can also cause itching and discomfort, but instead of crisco, I would suggest caster oil. I just got some after reading some good stuff about it, and it makes the skin sooo soft, and would be much better for her. It has no scent, so you could add some scented oil like lavender to help her relax. Or any scent she might enjoy. Just massaging it in gently might be a routine that would take her mind off of her picking. good luck

I just think it's SO wonderful that we can all share our ideas and suggestions in a format like this board. The wisdom and experience that is shared is invaluable!!

I just think it's SO wonderful that we can all share our ideas and suggestions in a format like this board. The wisdom and experience that is shared is invaluable!!

I'm having a problem with my mother constantly scraping her face with her fingernails to keep the bumps from popping up, which she says are bugs eating her alive. She is also washing her face 5+ times a day.She thinks the age spots on her arms are bugs too and they keep moving to different areas.She doesn't think it's a skin problem, but something inside her and in her blood.

She's had several blood test, skin doctors and regular doctors. When they tell her to quit picking, or that there's no bugs,and that she might be doing it to herself, or that it's just overly dry skin, she never believes them.

I've gotten angry a couple of times( which I know I shouldn't)and told her to quit the nonsense and stop picking. She'll get mad and say's if she doesn't scrape the bumps off, her whole face and upper body will be covered. She'll cry because nobody believes her and she wishes she were dead.

She's constantly wanting to know when she can see a REAL doctor that will make them go away.I don't know what doctor I can see that will understand her dementia and actually at least ACT like they are examining her and go along with the illusion or try to help in some way.

This mysterious "rash" started after her dog and son passed away in Jan.'09. Then her husband(my dad) passed away 2 months later. That's why she's staying with me now.She couldn't live by herself, because she can't do bills,cook or clean house. She's very forgetful, and repeats herself a lot and never remembers where things go.Some days she seems pretty good and other days she's confused.

The bad part is, she doesn't think she has anything wrong with her in the "mental" department, and is mad at her one last son because she claims he told my Dad she was crazy and needed pills.(She takes Aricept.) I tell her if she doesn't think she needs the pills to quit taking them, but she always takes them.

I wish I could find some way to get her to stop picking. I keep stalling when it comes to taking her to another doctor.I never get a chance to talk to the doctor before her appt. to clue him in to what's going on. It drives me nuts, because I know she's doing it to herself.

I'm about ready to do some research on meds and see which ones to eliminate. Might be what's doing the illusions.I don't know what else to do and I'm getting tired of listening to it.

I'm having a problem with my mother constantly scraping her face with her fingernails to keep the bumps from popping up, which she says are bugs eating her alive. She is also washing her face 5+ times a day.She thinks the age spots on her arms are bugs too and they keep moving to different areas.She doesn't think it's a skin problem, but something inside her and in her blood.

She's had several blood test, skin doctors and regular doctors. When they tell her to quit picking, or that there's no bugs,and that she might be doing it to herself, or that it's just overly dry skin, she never believes them.

I've gotten angry a couple of times( which I know I shouldn't)and told her to quit the nonsense and stop picking. She'll get mad and say's if she doesn't scrape the bumps off, her whole face and upper body will be covered. She'll cry because nobody believes her and she wishes she were dead.

She's constantly wanting to know when she can see a REAL doctor that will make them go away.I don't know what doctor I can see that will understand her dementia and actually at least ACT like they are examining her and go along with the illusion or try to help in some way.

This mysterious "rash" started after her dog and son passed away in Jan.'09. Then her husband(my dad) passed away 2 months later. That's why she's staying with me now.She couldn't live by herself, because she can't do bills,cook or clean house. She's very forgetful, and repeats herself a lot and never remembers where things go.Some days she seems pretty good and other days she's confused.

The bad part is, she doesn't think she has anything wrong with her in the "mental" department, and is mad at her one last son because she claims he told my Dad she was crazy and needed pills.(She takes Aricept.) I tell her if she doesn't think she needs the pills to quit taking them, but she always takes them.

I wish I could find some way to get her to stop picking. I keep stalling when it comes to taking her to another doctor.I never get a chance to talk to the doctor before her appt. to clue him in to what's going on. It drives me nuts, because I know she's doing it to herself.

I'm about ready to do some research on meds and see which ones to eliminate. Might be what's doing the illusions.I don't know what else to do and I'm getting tired of listening to it.

PS: Thanks for your information Kristenhonor, it makes a lot of sense. I didn't read your post before I put mine up.Looks like you tried most everything.Guess I'll have to learn how to deal with it.

PS: Thanks for your information Kristenhonor, it makes a lot of sense. I didn't read your post before I put mine up.Looks like you tried most everything.Guess I'll have to learn how to deal with it.

Terilinn, Your welcome. Do see a neurologist and perhaps a Behavioral therapist to make sure there isn't a physical reason. The problem can lead to severe skin infections. Cellulitis is nothing to fool around with, it can get into the blood stream if not treated. But it is very frustrating.... to have no control over something which to us seems simple. Stop scratching, but picture a mosquito bite all over your skin.... good luck!

Terilinn, Your welcome. Do see a neurologist and perhaps a Behavioral therapist to make sure there isn't a physical reason. The problem can lead to severe skin infections. Cellulitis is nothing to fool around with, it can get into the blood stream if not treated. But it is very frustrating.... to have no control over something which to us seems simple. Stop scratching, but picture a mosquito bite all over your skin.... good luck!

I know this post is old but this issue recently came up when I took my mom to her doctor. She picks at anything on her arms and gets them into sores. I am constantly treating the sores and putting band aids on them.

The doctor told me to buy children/baby nail clippers and cut her fingernails down as close as I could, as close as I could without cutting into skin, that way she wouldn't have nails to dig with. He told me it can get very serious and he's seen elderly hospitalized with sepsis as a result of picking habit, dirty hands and it getting infected.

The small nail clippers were really easy, better than regular sized. Mom was not happy about this but I kept telling her the doctor said she had to have her nails cut. Since I did this last week I have not seen her picking at anything.

I know this post is old but this issue recently came up when I took my mom to her doctor. She picks at anything on her arms and gets them into sores. I am constantly treating the sores and putting band aids on them.

The doctor told me to buy children/baby nail clippers and cut her fingernails down as close as I could, as close as I could without cutting into skin, that way she wouldn't have nails to dig with. He told me it can get very serious and he's seen elderly hospitalized with sepsis as a result of picking habit, dirty hands and it getting infected.

The small nail clippers were really easy, better than regular sized. Mom was not happy about this but I kept telling her the doctor said she had to have her nails cut. Since I did this last week I have not seen her picking at anything.