The Black Swan: Skin Gone Wrong…

Dr Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in San Francisco Bay Area discusses skin excoriations.

I saw the movie Black Swan recently and found it interesting on many levels. Though taken to the most extreme degree, one of the issues depicted in the film is a disorder called Neurotic Excoriation. There are certain skin disorders that can lead to or be the result of stress or anxiety. 

Neurotic Excoriation is a result of compulsive picking and scratching of ones skin to the point of damage, which can be permanent. This disorder is normally found on the back of the neck, lower arms and legs, shoulders and face. Skin picking can be anything from poking, prodding, squeezing, tearing or scratching the skin surface. Patients often report the sensation of something crawling or growing on their skin or a feeling there is something underneath or poking from the surface. Anyone is susceptible to this disorder, but it is commonly found in females, ages 30 to 40. When a person has the uncontrollable urge to scratch and/or pick at their skin, they can then be faced with the reality of overcoming this disorder. Though Neurotic Excoriation is underreported, it is serious and can be treated in a variety of ways.Two percent of patients who visit their dermatologist report to having this problem. In our office, we see this in young women who pick their acne on the face or body. This variation of the disorder is known as Acne Excoriee or "pickers acne" and can lead to severe scarring. If you've ever felt or noticed that picking your skin is or has become a habit, please reach out to us.

If you’d like more information on Skincare Treatment options, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Robert, our Patient Mananger. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or 415-371-8600 (SF office) /650-551-9700 (Pennisula office)