Hello, I first want to say how embarrassing this is , hence not talking to our family physician. My Daughter , 21 years old , has had severe acne for at least 6 years, the problem is that for about a year & for some unknown reason when she pops the pimples , or picks a scab……… she eats it! She is a high school graduate , just passed her state board of nursing ( LPN) & seems fine in all other ways. She does chew her nails, but the chewing & picking at her face are constant?? I have asked her about it & she says she doesn’t. Sometimes I don’t think she even realizes it, but sometimes she will pop , look at it & …… eat it

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Since she has been doing this for just about a year, it may be stress or anxiety related. While there is no great harm done, it would be advisable to try and get her to talk to someone other than a family member about this. Family doctor, for instance. That’s what they’re for - nothing’s too embarrassing for a doctor. A habit like this may, at worst, become complusive behavior, and in any case perhaps there is some underlying anxiety that could be sorted out.

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