There’s a skin condition that’s called dermatillomania which essentially describes compulsive and excessive skin picking. If you’re unable to control your skin picking it’s definitely worth discussing with a doctor, but here are a few things you can also do on your own (whether you have a dermatillomania diagnosis or are just a frequent picker) to help control these urges:

• Try keeping something easily accessible for your hands to fidget with whenever you get the urge to pick. This could be jewelry like a ring or bracelet or something else entirely like a ball or…fidget spinner.

• Keep your nails short so that they’re less efficient at picking and causing damage.

• Try to avoid situations that make you pick more (especially stressful situations).

• Ask others to help you identify when you start to pick. This is often done when you’re not aware so it’s helpful to have someone else keeping watch for you.