Warning Signs Of Dermatophagia

Frequent Gnawing On Skin

The frequent gnawing on the skin is a typical presentation of a patient with dermatophagia. They gnaw on their skin on various places of the body. The most typical is the fingernails, knuckles, and inside of the mouth. The discomfort of the chewing and resulting pain do not stop the patient from continuing the behavior. They will continue the behavior even though their fingers may bleed and be painful. Additionally, patients might chew on the inside of their mouth and lips. The damage caused by chewing on these areas is easier to hide than other places. This can be bad because there is no deterrence, other than the pain, a patient might be subject to. Therefore, there could be extensive damage that could result in sensitivity to temperature and ingredients in various foods and drinks.

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Bleeding Skin

If there is bleeding skin, it can lead to infection. Open wounds are breeding grounds for bacteria and infection. If this happens, the patient might experience swelling, redness, discharge of pus, and pain. In order for the affected area to remain free of infection, it really needs to be covered. This causes a problem because the patient will want to continue chewing on the skin. However, if the areas are covered, it might be harder for chewing to continue. However, patients suffering from dermatophagia do not get deterred from chewing on their skin easily. For them, it is a compulsion and even pain and pus will not make them stop the behavior. They need help in tackling the disorder, so they can stop or reduce the chewing on their skin.

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