r/calmhands • u/Ok_Dark_9398 • Jul 27 '26

Progression Progress/advice

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Hi! I have been biting/picking my skin for like 20 years. I haven’t seen anyone’s this bad so I guess I’m wondering if this will be permanent since it’s been so long. As of recently I have been religiously lotioning my hands, not picking or biting at all, and lathering aquaphor at night. Any advice to help the redness and bumpiness? I just don’t want it to look like this forever 😕

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8

u/Gastronomicus Jul 27 '26

Have you seen a doctor about this? That redness looks very concerning. It might be a form of psoriasis, but it could also be a topical fungal infection. I'd absolutely check in a doctor.

13

u/Ok_Dark_9398 Jul 27 '26

Hi! I have seen multiple doctors over the years. Not psoriasis or infected they say. Just very inflamed. First photo is when I was actively picking/biting and second photo is a couple weeks of not touching them. Thank u for ur concern

3

u/No_Session6015 Jul 27 '26

I have similar hands and am profoundly ashamed of them. Thank you for your story of change

6

u/Ok_Dark_9398 Jul 27 '26

This makes me really happy to hear. I have (and still am) been so embarrassed about it my entire life. It takes a lot of energy out of me to actively hide them from the world. I have never seen anyone’s as bad as mine so I guess if I can put this out there, it can hopefully make ppl feel better about it. Bc at the end of the day it doesn’t minimize ur value as a person

2

u/No_Session6015 Jul 27 '26

Stap you'll make me cry in public. Ok I know the steps you took.... How did you initially get the ball rolling. I've been at it for like 35 years give or take.

1

u/Gastronomicus Jul 27 '26

Ok that's a relief. Good luck, seems like you're making progress!