From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and children over 12 years: ◆ Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily Warnings For external use only Do not use ◆ on large areas of the body or on cut, irritated or swollen skin Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage
Topical treatment options for dermatillomania are not explicitly mentioned in the provided drug labels. However, based on the available information, lidocaine (TOP) 1 and bacitracin (TOP) 2 can be used topically for skin-related issues.
- Lidocaine (TOP) can be applied to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily 1.
- Bacitracin (TOP) can be applied 1 to 3 times daily 2. It is essential to follow the directions and warnings for each product, as they may have specific instructions and precautions. Dermatillomania treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional, as the provided drug labels do not directly address this condition.
From the Research
Topical treatment options for dermatillomania, such as petroleum jelly, thick moisturizers, hydrocolloid bandages, antibiotic ointments, and hydrocortisone cream, can help reduce skin damage and aid healing, as supported by the most recent study 3. The treatment of dermatillomania is a multipronged approach that should include treatment of the underlying psychiatric illness, the treatment for pruritus, and topical treatment of the lesions, as noted in a case report 4. Some key topical treatment options include:
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or thick moisturizers to promote healing and create a protective barrier
- Hydrocolloid bandages or pimple patches to cover vulnerable spots and prevent access to the skin
- Antibiotic ointments like bacitracin or Neosporin to prevent infection in open wounds from picking
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) to reduce inflammation, as applied sparingly twice daily for up to one week These topical interventions work by either creating physical barriers to picking, promoting skin healing, or addressing secondary complications like infection and inflammation, as discussed in a review of skin-picking disorder 5. However, these treatments address symptoms rather than underlying causes, so they're most effective when combined with psychological approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or habit reversal training that target the compulsive behavior itself, as highlighted in a study on pathologic grooming behavior 6. Additionally, biomaterial-based physical barrier strategies, such as protective cloth, may also be a supporting or alternative treatment for dermatillomania, as proposed in a recent review 3. It's essential to note that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proved to be the most effective in treating the psychiatric component of dermatillomania, as mentioned in a case report 4. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as behavioral therapy, habit reversal exercises, and support groups, have also proved to be helpful and are well tolerated amongst patients suffering from dermatillomania, as discussed in a literature review 7.