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Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Targeting Alpha Synuclein Aggregates in Cutaneous Peripheral Nerve Fibers by Free-floating Immunofluorescence Assay
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Published on: June 25, 2019

Pathologic skin picking.

Brian L Odlaug1, Jon E Grant

  • 1University of Minnesota, Ambulatory Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, USA. odla0019@umn.edu

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|June 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pathologic skin picking (PSP) is a compulsive disorder with similarities to addiction. Understanding these links may improve treatment for individuals with PSP and substance use disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Science
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Pathologic skin picking (PSP) involves repetitive, compulsive skin picking causing tissue damage.
  • PSP affects 1.4-5.4% of the general population, with higher rates in females and psychiatric patients.
  • Medical complications like scarring and infection are common in PSP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine phenomenological and biological links between PSP and substance use disorders.
  • To review clinical presentation, comorbidities, and treatments for PSP in relation to substance use disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical presentation, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and treatment studies.
  • Analysis of the relationship between PSP and substance use disorders.

Main Results:

  • PSP shares similarities with substance use disorders, including impaired behavioral control and rewarding experiences.
  • Limited evidence-based treatment options exist, though some pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies show promise.
  • High prevalence in psychiatric patients suggests a need for integrated treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

  • PSP exhibits behavioral patterns analogous to addiction, such as loss of control and seeking pleasurable sensations.
  • Viewing PSP as an addiction, similar to pathological gambling, could enhance treatment strategies.
  • Further research into the addiction model for PSP may yield more effective interventions.