Skin picking disorder involves repeated picking of the skin that results in sores or lesions. Symptoms can range from mild (a few open sores around the cuticles or on the face or extremities) to severe (numerous open sores that pose a risk of infection). Similar to hair pulling, individuals who struggle with these behaviors have often tried, unsuccessfully, to stop picking.

In cases in which the picking behaviors are more noticeable (i.e., on the face), individuals may avoid certain types of social interactions due to worries that others will notice places where they have picked. For this reason, some individuals only pick on parts of the body that tend to be covered up by clothing so that others will not notice (i.e., shoulders, upper arms, top of the back).