health
February 27, 2026
I can’t stop picking at my pimples. How do I break this habit?
Treating the underlying acne can help. But stress relief measures like meditation can too – and may depend on the severity
TL;DR
- Picking at skin, especially pimples, can be a sign of a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) like dermatillomania, which is considered a mental illness.
- While wanting to stop picking is a first step, willpower alone is often insufficient for BFRBs.
- Professional diagnosis is recommended if picking is frequent, severe, causes damage (like drawing blood or scarring), or interferes with daily life.
- Treatment options include managing underlying skin conditions (like acne), stress relief techniques (meditation, therapy), anxiety medication, and sometimes restorative beauty treatments.
- Even if beauty standards are a concern, addressing acne can reduce harm to skin and psyche, and interventions that improve appearance can sometimes ease psychological distress.
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