They call obsessive plucking trichotillomania. I suggest talking to a doctor, recently studies have pointed to a genetic cause (it runs in families).

There are also some studies that point to increased essential fatty acids, amino acids and melatonin being helpful for people with this problem as well.

I have been putting bath or baby oil on my legs as soon as I get out of the shower in the morning. I also put on a little big before I put my pajamas on at night (usually wear pants so that the oil doesn't get on the sheets). The oil really helps my skin because it helps hydrate it. I didn't realize how dry my legs were until I started useing it. The oil also makes them look better for a few hours too. I'll put it on with a skirt if I'm going out somewhere. I think the shine that the oil gives my legs helps take away from the redness. Give it a try. Also, because my legs are slick with the oil, it makes it harder to pluck.

October 1-7 is Trichotillomania Awareness Week!

I can totally relate with bleu2173... I, too, never expected to see anyone else with this obsession until I came across this website.

I am 37 yrs old and have been plucking w/ tweezers the hair above my ankles since I was in college. My college roommate was plucking her leg hair so I tried it too.

I have never told anyone about it. When people ask what's wrong with my legs, I say that they're mosquito bites.

My legs are bumpy, but, fortunately, just a small area where I have continuously plucked for over 15 years! I have recently stopped plucking and shave any thick leg hair there, but the scars remain... What is the best way to get rid of the scars?

how much do lasers cost to remove the scars?

Can lasers remove scars?

Wow. I am so glad I came across this site, and this thread!

I had no idea that what I did actually had a name and that so many people had the same problem.
I read a page on Trichotillomania and I had a lot of the other associated symptoms.. I had thought though that it was an extension of my OCD and I guess it kind of is.

Luckily for me I do it in a place that no one sees, except my boyfriend.. and he hasn't ever asked. It still looks so horrible though, and I have scarring ><

Hey all. It's pink_piper again. I just wanted everyone to see this website that I came across. It's called Amanda's Trichotillomania Guide and has some really great info. A lot of it is about hair on heads being pulled out but, it still is very useful.
http://home.intekom.com/jly2/

This specific page was very interesting to me:
http://home.intekom.com/jly2/ttmritualindex.html
It lists other things other than plucking that people with trich do. A lot of them seem a little weird (like eating the hair) b/c I don't do them but there are certainly some that I do do. These are the ones that I honestly do and get enjoyment out of (almost as good a rush as leg plucking).
1. Biting of inside of cheek
2. Picking fleas (of my dog)
3.Nose picking
4.Picking zits
5. Pulling weeds from garden
6.Peeling burnt skin from sunburn

So anyway, just thought I'd share. Hope it helps. Oh, this site is pretty good to: http://www.geocities.com/self_harm/trich.html
Let me know what you think.
Happy Holidays from pink_piper.

Hello all, just wanted to share that it's been about a year and 3 months since I last plucked anything on my body. The redness is gone but I still wouldn't dare wear shorts in daylight because the pigmentation on my legs is still wretched...it's like I have these dark spots all over, where the follicles are. Also, I've noticed that it's impossible for me to get a close shave no matter how new or good the razor. The skin is even bumpy and raised after I shave and I can still feel hair immediately after. Before I started plucking, my shaves always gave me really smooth legs and no bumpiness or redness. Does anyone else have this problem now when they shave?

Also, just a gripe. I'm quite frustrated with the little information there is floating around on the internet about this disorder. All the sites I've come across on Trichotillomania focus on pulling hair on the scalp or eyelashes. And a search for experts on the subject only leads me to psychiatrists and psychologists, neither of whom can look at my skin and tell me what I need to do to made it look healthy again. I already know that I have a problem, what I really need is an aesthetic cure!

Sorry, it's just that having legs and other parts look the way they do makes me feel grotesque, especially since I live in a place where shorts are the daily dress code and you'd be boiling in jeans.

I'm considering ordering some glycolic acid off of Ebay. Anyone ever tried a peel on their legs? Do you think it would make them worse?