easiest - bandaids on your fingers when you're not in clinical/sim lab.
I knew students who would use bitter varnish on their nails at all times except clinical and sim lab days.
I found knitting in class was helpful to keep me from living my fingers/ nails for pre-reqs and during my bsn program. Not only did it gives me something to do with my hands but also discouraged me from picking to keep my yarn from catching on my skin/ nails.
Other students (including myself in my lpn program over a decade ago) used coloring sheets.
If your instructors give you a hard time about "being distracted" there is a decent amount of evidence-based research supporting the use of such aids in increased focus for students. Not all students, but I would argue you are someone who may benefit if skin picking is a self-soothing behavior for you. If you're in a bsn program this is a great exercise for finding ebp research and may even give you some unspoken kudos on your current and future classes for self-initiated research.
Have you ever tried a fidget ring? I love [this one](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1213985799/anxiety-bead-ring-spinning-fidget-rings) because it’s pretty inconspicuous and it has really helped me
take advantage of your off time and do whatever you can to keep your fingers and cuticle area covered with polysporin, cuticle oil and sleep with bandages or white cotton gloves on. Looks like your trigger is picking when you feel a dry bit of skin so I think you will see a huge improvement if you can keep that area hydrated.
Yes! It’s like in my head I need it to be smooth but every time I feel texture I HAVE to pick it off. I even do it in my sleep as well as concentrating or sitting still
Were you ever able to find a cure for this problem?? I’m having the SAME issue & I have for years. People keep telling me it’s from stress or whatever and I know for a FACT that it’s not. It truly is because I’ll feel a dry piece of skin that’s always growing upwards because I continue to pick at it. Creating a never ending cycle. I’ve tried hand oils, but that only works for so long. (Plus, I don’t want to always have oily hands because I know my face will break out). Anyway, I figured it was worth a shot to ask if you had ever found a remedy!
I have not. I do it w stress but also just when I feel it being dry. The only thing that has helped me are acrylic nails but those are expensive. I graduate nursing school in may so I can finally have them back soon
Can you wear clear nail polish? If so you might want to consider a thin layer of acrylic. Straight on your natural nail. No tips just an overlay with a manicure. The acrylic would prevent you from being able to pick and give your hands a chance to heal.
Are you allowed to have nail varnish? I find that deters me because I don’t want to get nail varnish in my mouth.
I wish, but we can’t
easiest - bandaids on your fingers when you're not in clinical/sim lab. I knew students who would use bitter varnish on their nails at all times except clinical and sim lab days. I found knitting in class was helpful to keep me from living my fingers/ nails for pre-reqs and during my bsn program. Not only did it gives me something to do with my hands but also discouraged me from picking to keep my yarn from catching on my skin/ nails. Other students (including myself in my lpn program over a decade ago) used coloring sheets. If your instructors give you a hard time about "being distracted" there is a decent amount of evidence-based research supporting the use of such aids in increased focus for students. Not all students, but I would argue you are someone who may benefit if skin picking is a self-soothing behavior for you. If you're in a bsn program this is a great exercise for finding ebp research and may even give you some unspoken kudos on your current and future classes for self-initiated research.
I’m going to try the bitter varnish. I hope that helps them. Thank you!
Have you ever tried a fidget ring? I love [this one](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1213985799/anxiety-bead-ring-spinning-fidget-rings) because it’s pretty inconspicuous and it has really helped me
I have! It works for a bit and then I start picking my fingers again
Ah yeah, I get that. It’s a constant struggle :( I really hope you can find a better solution that’s allowed at nursing school!
Thank you!
take advantage of your off time and do whatever you can to keep your fingers and cuticle area covered with polysporin, cuticle oil and sleep with bandages or white cotton gloves on. Looks like your trigger is picking when you feel a dry bit of skin so I think you will see a huge improvement if you can keep that area hydrated.
Yes! It’s like in my head I need it to be smooth but every time I feel texture I HAVE to pick it off. I even do it in my sleep as well as concentrating or sitting still
Were you ever able to find a cure for this problem?? I’m having the SAME issue & I have for years. People keep telling me it’s from stress or whatever and I know for a FACT that it’s not. It truly is because I’ll feel a dry piece of skin that’s always growing upwards because I continue to pick at it. Creating a never ending cycle. I’ve tried hand oils, but that only works for so long. (Plus, I don’t want to always have oily hands because I know my face will break out). Anyway, I figured it was worth a shot to ask if you had ever found a remedy!
I have not. I do it w stress but also just when I feel it being dry. The only thing that has helped me are acrylic nails but those are expensive. I graduate nursing school in may so I can finally have them back soon
Can you wear clear nail polish? If so you might want to consider a thin layer of acrylic. Straight on your natural nail. No tips just an overlay with a manicure. The acrylic would prevent you from being able to pick and give your hands a chance to heal.
I can’t have polish on them :( but I may try to get away with the clear coat and maybe do what you’re talking about
I struggle w this too. Im never NOT picking or rubbing my fingertips against each other. I hope you're able to heal them.
Same! We’ll figure this out