Skin-Picking Disorder in Dermatology Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

Cross-sectionalJournal of cutaneous medicine and surgery· Jul 2026

Skin-Picking Disorder in Dermatology Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

İlayda Esna Gülsunay, İlknur Kıvanç Altunay, Canan Dere … Efruz Pirdoğan Aydın

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DermatologyCross-sectionalDiagnosisQ1IF 1.2

Many patients with skin-picking disorder report frequent daily picking episodes.

Skin-Picking Disorder in Dermatology Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

İlayda Esna Gülsunay … Efruz Pirdoğan Aydın

Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery · Jul 2026 · Q1 in Dermatology

Background

Skin-picking disorder (skin-picking disorder) is a psychodermatological condition marked by recurrent, compulsive picking of one's own skin.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze a large cohort of treatment-seeking skin-picking disorder patients, focusing on triggers and concomitant diseases through face-to-face evaluations.

Methods

Meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for skin-picking disorder completed a 23-item semi-structured questionnaire covering demographics, concomitant diseases, triggers, and clinical features.

n = 84 participants

Results

Over 25%

patients reported more than 20 daily skin-picking episodes

n = 84 participants

More results

Additional dermatological diseases were identified in 84 participants, and 93 reported a history of primary psychiatric disorder.

Mostly cited motivations for engaging in the behavior included itch relief, out of habit, and tension reduction.

Sensory symptoms included itching and burning.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Skin-picking disorder is a multifactorial disorder with diverse clinical features and triggers. Sensory symptoms, body site involvement, and timing of episodes can guide clinicians in recognizing dermatologic and psychiatric comorbidities.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Integrated dermatologic-psychiatric care is key for effective management.

Skin-Picking Disorder in Dermatology Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

Skin-Picking Disorder in Dermatology Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Patient Characteristics.

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