Skin picking disorder can occur alongside attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Skin picking involves repeatedly picking at the skin. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may also play a role.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It can lead to repetitive behaviors and restlessness, which can result in skin picking.

Skin picking disorder is also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder. It is a mental health condition that causes the individual to pick at their skin. This can cause damage to the skin, which may result in bleeding. There is also an increased risk of infection.

Read on to learn more about the potential relationship between ADHD and skin picking disorder. This article also looks at how to recognize symptoms of skin picking disorder, what treatments may help, and more.

While ADHD and skin picking disorder are two separate conditions, there may be a link.

A 2025 review looked at the possible relationship between ADHD and skin picking. It found that hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which are present in ADHD, may cause or worsen skin picking.

The review also suggests that inattentive symptoms in ADHD may make it more challenging to follow a treatment plan, which can make it more difficult to manage skin picking.

Sensory processing problems may also increase the likelihood of skin picking.

A 2022 study also found that skin picking is common in people with ADHD. According to the study, skin picking typically begins before the age of 20 years, with some of the most common picking sites being the:

  • face
  • arms
  • fingers
  • scalp

Not everybody with ADHD will develop skin picking disorder, and not everybody who picks their skin has ADHD. However, having ADHD may increase the likelihood of developing skin picking disorder.

While there is limited information on how commonly both conditions occur together, the 2025 review suggests that around 8% to 12% of people with skin picking disorder also have ADHD.

Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about skin picking. The doctor can help identify any underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments.

Skin picking disorder is recognized as being related to OCD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

A 2022 study found that OCD commonly occurred alongside skin picking disorder, though not as frequently as ADHD with skin picking.

OCD is also common in people with ADHD. According to the International OCD Foundation, around 21% of children and 8.5% adults with OCD also have ADHD.

This suggests that, while ADHD can cause skin picking, it may also develop as a result of comorbid OCD.

There are different types of OCD and different symptoms. A few examples include:

  • compulsively handwashing and cleaning
  • frequently checking things, such as ensuring doors are locked or electrical appliances are turned off
  • a need for symmetry, such as ensuring labels on products are lined up properly
  • repeatedly counting objects or actions

Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about OCD. A doctor may refer you to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing the symptoms of skin picking disorder can help with knowing when to seek professional help.

Skin picking disorder may be present if:

  • you cannot stop picking your skin
  • the skin bleeds or becomes bruised due to picking
  • you frequently pick at scars or spots
  • skin picking soothes you when feeling stressed or anxious
  • you are not always aware that you are picking your skin

It is important to speak with a doctor if you have concerns about skin picking disorder. They can recommend treatments that may help. They can also check for signs of complications such as infection.

There are numerous treatment options that can help a person with ADHD and skin picking disorder.

ADHD medication may help manage skin picking in some people. For example, methylphenidate (Ritalin) can help decrease impulsivity, which may reduce impulsive skin picking.

Other treatments and remedies that may help include:

  • using fidget toys to keep the hands busy
  • wearing gloves
  • applying moisturizer to the skin when there is an urge to pick
  • keeping nails short
  • talking therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy

A doctor can provide more information about treatments that may help with skin picking.

It is best to contact a doctor as soon as there are concerns about skin picking disorder.

As there is no individual treatment that can help, it is important to begin creating a treatment plan as soon as possible to find what works best based on individual circumstances. Some people may prefer to try talking therapy, while for others doctors may recommend medication.

If you believe that skin picking disorder is related to ADHD, you can speak with an ADHD specialist for advice. They can look at any existing treatment plans for ADHD and help determine whether skin picking might be due to another condition such as OCD.

Some people may pick their skin occasionally but this does not mean that it is a disorder. However, a person may be experiencing skin picking disorder if they find that they are unable to stop picking their skin, if they are not always aware that they are picking their skin, if they pick the skin until it bleeds, or if it causes significant distress and impairment in functioning.

Skin picking can lead to damage such as scarring. The scars may fade over time, but in severe cases they may be longer lasting. Severe skin picking can also lead to septicemia, or blood infection, which is potentially life threatening.

Seeking treatment for skin picking as early as possible can help to reduce the risk of serious complications.

There may be support groups for people with ADHD and skin picking. For example, the TLC Foundation for BFRBs hosts support groups via Zoom for people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), as well as support groups for parents of children with BFRBs.

You can contact local ADHD organizations in your area for information about whether they offer or can recommend any support group for skin picking.

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience skin picking disorder. While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, skin picking disorder is a mental health condition with links to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

ADHD may cause repeated skin picking due to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sensory processing problems. ADHD treatments such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) may help minimize skin picking for some people.

Other treatments and remedies that may help include talking therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), keeping the hands busy with fidget toys, and moisturizing the skin when there is the urge to pick.

Speak with a doctor for more information about ADHD and skin picking disorder. The doctor can help determine whether ADHD or another condition such as OCD is likely causing the skin picking, and they can recommend treatments that may help reduce skin picking, address the underlying cause, and treat any complications such as infection.