#bodyfocusedrepetitivebehaviour

[lady-laureline]

can't stop picking at my skin

can't help feeling like a spot = a win

epidermal sin

oh, I can't stop picking

no, I can't stop picking

[canadianbfrb]

The Not-So-Common BFRBs

Today is the 4th day of BFRB Awareness Week!! We have covered some of the more familiar BFRBs, like trichotillomania/dermatillomania. Now it's time to bring the not-so-common BFRBs in the spotlight - some of them are pretty common, you just may not know they are a BFRB! Trichophagia –  the compulsive urge to eat or ingest hair (can coincide with trichotillomania). In extreme cases, this can lead to a hair ball called a trichobezoar, which can cause significant health problems. Removal of the hair ball is usually done through surgery.

Onychophagia – Compulsive nail/cuticle biting. The severity and extent of damage to the skin is variable, but can lead to infections, pain in the fingers and torn skin around the fingernails. Some signs include short nails, skin damage around nails, bleeding skin around nails, callouses.

Rhinotillexomania – Compulsive nose picking. Not to be confused with people picking thier nose from time to time for strictly hygienic purposes. Compulsive nose picking causes a greater risk of infection/damage to the lining of the nose.

Other BFRBs include:

Trichotemnomania (compulsive hair cutting/shaving)

Dermatophagia (compulsive skin biting ie. around nails, lips & inside of cheeks)

Scab Eating Disorder (comparable o the way someone with trichotillomania may digest the hair after pulling it out)

[canadianbfrb]

To get the address where you need to mail your friendship bracelets, please email [email protected]!

Learn more about The Bracelet Project, visit Canadian BFRB Support Network's Page. Each and every bracelet made will be accompanied by a note that let's the BFRBuddy  receiving the bracelet, that they are not alone.

Help us Break The Stigma and Spread Awareness surrounding BFRBs! We can't do it without you!

[canadianbfrb]

Come join CBSN TONIGHT from 6:30-8:30 at Sunnbyrook here in Toronto, for a FREE Public Forum about OCD & Related Disorders for OCD Awareness Week! Bring a friend or family member to learn from the top doctors in Canada about OCD Spectrum Disorders such as BFRBs, including Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania.

Parking is free. Click on the link to learn more and see a schedule.

Topics being presented include:

1) The Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Spectrum: Introducing Hoarding Disorder, Hair Pulling Disorder and Skin Picking Disorder 2) I'm Tearing Out My Hair: How to Manage the Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB's) with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 3) Medication Options for OCD & Related Disorders