Before picking the skin, the sufferer may feel anxious, stressed or sad, and experience an "urge" or "itch." The sufferer picks at the skin to relieve these emotions and temporarily finds pleasure in the pain. However, after the episode, the sufferer usually feels depressed or hopeless. Not much research has been done on CSP, though therapy is believed to help sufferers, especially habit reversal therapy.
Onychophagia or nail biting is another compulsive ailment where a person bites his or her fingernails, toenails or cuticles due to nervousness, boredom, stress or anxiety. Biting can cause viral and microbial infections, as well as the spread of fungus. Like dermatillomania and trichotillomania, obsessive nail biting can be the sign of emotional or physical problems. Onychophagia is usually treated with anti-depressants and behavior therapy.
