Foot skin clipping?

Is it normal to 'clip' the skin on the bottoms of your feet? To do this, I use toe nail clippers and 'remove the skin on the rougher areas of my foot, such as my heel and toe pads. I've had this somewhat painful habit for as long as I can remember. I don't know why it started. It's like a compulsion I suppose-- I feel that if I don't just do it and get it over with, then it will drive me insane until I do. While my feet are healing from a previous clipping, I also have the tendency to 'pick' at the areas I've clipped. Needless to say, this often causes bleeding, pain, and discomfort.

I don't do this for the purpose of feeling pain (ex. like 'cutting'), I do it because it is satisfying to me... especially when I see a handful of clipped skin that's been removed. The most painful part of the process is while my feet heal-- they are much more sensitive to heat and walking, and so I often wear socks. I know it's disgusting, but I've tried getting pedicures, buffing my feet, using various lotions, etc. and nothing seems to help the compulsion. I do have OCD, but how normal is this, even with someone with OCD?

Voting Results
54% Normal
Based on 59 votes (32 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • NeuroNeptunian

    I do this to dead skin on my foot but not to the point where it bleeds. Not normal.

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    • heidimo

      The clipping doesn't cause the bleeding, it's the picking that does. :/

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      • mrsxsalvatore

        Then stop picking? I also do this, but usually there is nothing to pick if it is just dried skin you have clipped off. Maybe you clip it too deep? Also, covering the wounds with lotions and wearing socks isn't going to make it heal. You have to let your feet air and stop picking them.

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      • boobie

        does it feel good to u or do u do it for the fun of it

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  • StormDriven

    I would talk to a professional.

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