Yes, I never thought of it as going into a trance, but it sort of is sometimes, isn' it?
I started something new this morning. I was in Walmart yesterday and I decided to walk down the aisle that has razors and whatnot. I really don't know what I was looking for but, then I came to the shaving gel section. I found Gillette for Women Satin Care-Skin Soothing Fragrance Free. It has Shea Butter and Vitamin E and on the back it says that those are to soothe and nourish you skin. It's in a white/silver can with turquoise accents and was like $2.20. When I saw that, something came over me. I was actualy excited about shaving instead of plucking. So, once I had my gel in hand it was off to find a new razor. I went with the Venus Embrace. It was $10 but came with 2 extra blades. The refils are a bit pricey at $13 but, if it stops me from plucking, then it's worth it. I then went to the lotion aisle and found an inexpensive body butter from Equate. Right know, my legs feel so soft! When I got out of the shower and dried my legs off, I dried them by raiseing them up onto the shower edge and dried them with a fluffy towel. I got a really close shave and there were only two places that I didn't get to. There were about 6 hairs in each of those spots and instead of reaching for the tweezers (as I normanly would do), I grabbed my razor. I hope this works. I know it's just because I have new stuff but, maybe I'll get into a routine of shaving. That would be great!

Hi everyone! I just joined this forum after finding this thread, I know it started so long ago so I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but anyways I pretty much have the same problem as all of you, I like to pluck my leg hairs between the ankle and knee as well as my armpit hairs. I actually spend hours doing it - I should have been working on an essay today but instead I've been plucking my leg hairs, which has led me to seek help now. It all started when I first started waxing my leg hairs, and I would accidentally miss some patches and just pluck them out. Somehow from there I became really obsessive about it and have been plucking ever since. I have managed to stop for a month or so at a time to let my hairs grow properly so that I could wax them, but then as soon as I did the plucking would start all over again.

My problem is slightly more complicated in that I'm also really scared of knives and blades and sharp edges and things like that, so I have never used a razor in my life. I'm scared to use it now because I'm afraid my hairs will grow out thicker, and I have been plucking my hairs since high school (I am currently in fourth year university). I need to stop though because it is terribly hurting my back to bend over and pull out hairs. I've also tried seeking support by telling my mother about my problem, but I am from a traditionally Chinese family and they don't believe in mental disorders. The only advice I got from her was, "If you know it's wrong, why don't you stop?" and something about how I clearly want to ruin my life.

I'm not too concerned with the discolouration because my skin is fairly dark so it's not as obvious, but I was wondering if any of the lotions help to curb the urge to pluck? Or are there any other options not involving a razor that are cheaper than electrolysis?

This is an OCD issue. There are some support groups you can look for in your area.

Shaving doesn't do anything to the structure of the hair. It's an old-wives tale. Plucking is actually the method that can cause discoloration as you've experienced and hair getting stronger and more coarse.

You can consider using a depilatory cream instead of shaving. Waxing is really the only other temporary option. In terms of permanent methods, laser is best for this large area with somewhat coarse hair. If you can save up some money, you can treat your lower legs at around $250-300 per treatment. You'll see a big improvement after 3-4 treatments already. And the treatments need to be spaced 3-4 months apart, so you have time to save in between.

i have this same problem..i started when i was about 12 and am now 26. i really want to stop, i have the scarring on my legs and have not worn shorts or dresses since i was in middle school. my boyfriend does not know. he knows i feel self conscious about my legs...he says its not as bad as i think.but i would really love to wear sundresses and cute shoes like other girls. my skin is really pale and my legs are covered with red and brown spots....i know if just stop that maybe they will go away. i have not told any doctors because i am afraid they will think i am crazy. lately i have found every time i think of plucking i rub lotion on my legs it is helping. i am using a lotion called skin milk that i found @ walmart. i makes me feel better to know that other people are going through this too.

From what it sounds like, most of us started plucking when we were all about the same age. I was about 12 or 13. I am now 23 and wish I had never started. It all began when I read an article somewhere about plucking eyebrows. It said something to the affect of (all though I could have been reading it wrong) if you pluck your eyelashes enough, they won't grow back. I thought this would be great for my legs b/c I hated shaving them. Well, we all know that plucking does not stop growth.

Anyway, I really feel like I am making progress. I am still shaving about every other day and I have found a new cream. It's called Palmer's Skin Sucess Eventone Fade Cream. It's in a little 2.7 oz jar and I got it at CVS for around $6. It's supposed to gradualy fade dark pigment and has vitamins C and E. I put it on before bed and after my shower in the morning. I've used it for two weeks now and I'm inpressed. It has helped with the dark circles. I still have the red ones but they too aren't as bad.
I just really have to shave all of the hair otherwise it is just too temtping and I really don't want to mess this up.

You're not crazy. There are entire hospitals dedicated to this condition, which is a form of OCD. Definitely don't be afraid to talk to an OCD specialist about this. Some people do require outside help to help them stop.

As I'm typing this I'm looking down at a set of gross, spotchy, red bumpy legs. I've been plucking the hairs on my legs for about 2 years now. I don't even remember when it first began. It gives my something to do when I'm bored, or watching tv. And it calms me and relaxes me. I can spend hours plucking.

I thought that I was all alone in this and I'm so glad I found this forum. I had no idea that this was considered an OCD.

My legs are disgusting to look at and I hate it when summer comes. I feel like that when I wear shorts, all you can see are my gross legs. I'm only 20 years old, a time when you should be out there in the world showing yourself off, and all I want to do is hide my legs away.

I've been on depression medication for the past 4 1/2 years now and it continues to be a battle. I also deal with anxiety.

I really need to stop doing this but it seems too hard. I know that if I just stop my legs will get to looking a little better. But each time I stop for a day, I pick up the tweezers the next day, eager to get back to those hairs. I need help and I don't know where to start

Start with the doctor prescribing your anti-depressants. You may need a different dosage, a different prescription, or a different plan of action, i.e. counseling, etc.

First, talk to your doctor. The medication you're taking may be having an adverse effect.

For this particular condition, you can look for OCD specialists and clinics in your area online.

Hi blackbird.


Learn about this. We all have OCD in some form or another, I do believe. You certainly aren't alone. Here's a nice start for you to become involved with your problem. Learn all you can about this. I know you are not looking to become a therapist,at least not at this point, but there is some information here and beyond this site that could be helpful and might get you interested.

Try this: http://www.trich.org/about_trich/


Here's the full website:

http://www.trich.org/index.asp

Another approach:

http://dailystrength.org/c/Trichotillomania-Hair-Pulling/advice/2574221-can-t-stop-tweezing-bikini

Discussion board in the UK:

http://lilboh-nfl.dnsalias.com/trich/modules.php?name=Forums