It’s gross, but I’ll admit that I regularly pick at hangnails and overgrown cuticles when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. 

Reassuringly, the NHS says I’m not alone ― their site says that lots of us indulge in the not-so-pretty habit when we’re feeling worried. 

But sometimes, the nervous ritual can belie a condition called dermatillomania, which is an unhealthy obsession with picking your skin. 

Sometimes, dermatillomania (also known as skin-picking disorder) can be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder and may lead to infection, scarring, and distress, the Cleveland Clinic says. 

So how can you tell when your relationship with the activity is unhealthy?

The NHS has five signs 

According to the health service,not everyone with a skin-picking disorder uses their nails for the job. 

Some people opt for tweezers, teeth, pins, and scissors, they say. 

You may have a skin-picking disorder if you:

• cannot stop picking your skin
• cause cuts, bleeding or bruising by picking your skin
• pick moles, freckles, spots or scars to try to “smooth” or “perfect” them
• do not always realise you’re picking your skin
• pick your skin when you feel anxious or stressed. 

The Cleveland Clinic points out that just over half (55%) of people with the condition are women. 

It can happen either deliberately or unconsciously, without the person paying much attention to the habit. 

Genetics and stress may play a part in developing the condition, which 2% of us experience at any given time and which up to 5.4% of us might develop at some point over our lifetime. 

When should I see a GP about the condition?

If you can’t stop picking your skin, if your skin is becoming damaged by the habit, and/or if your skin-picking causes you distress or interrupts your day-to-day living, it’s time to see a doctor.

If they think you need it, your GP may refer you to a specialist or give you some medication. 

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
• CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.