'My dermatophagia is both a cause and a by-product of shame and stress—a cycle that I’ve been stuck in for over two decades.'
, was at least something people could wrap their heads around. Dermatophagia was something altogether different. Despondency doesn’t get a side eye quite like eating your own flesh does.
“What happened to your fingers?” asked a student of mine one day. At only 8 years old, she had not yet mastered the art of discretion. Embarrassed, I looked down at my hands, instinctively curling them into fists, thumbs tucked in, as I often did when I’d let my guard down and been seen. “You know how some people bite their nails?” I replied. She nodded. “Well,” I continued, “I bite my skin sometimes.” Seemingly satisfied with this succinct reply, she went back to her seat.
I know it grosses people out, but ultimately I wish people could understand that it is not easy to get this disorder under control. Some days are better than others. I’ve noticed—and this is common with sufferers—that stressful situations exacerbate my dermatophagia. Whether it’s an upcoming deadline or an uncomfortable conversation, I pick and bite with abandon. Lots of people have comfort food; unfortunately mine happens to be my own skin.
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