(HealthDay News) — If you cannot stop picking at scabs or bumps, you may have a condition called skin picking disorder (SPD).

The urge to pick at the skin affects at least 5 million Americans, says Harvard Medical School.

To tackle the issue, the school suggests:

  • Know your triggers. It can help a doctor decide which treatment to pursue.
  • Make it more difficult to pick by keeping your nails short or wearing gloves.
  • Distract your hands with silly putty, a stress ball or fidget toy.
  • Consider therapy.
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