I like how she elaborated that the stress goes from the brain and your body responds and you feel literal sensations on your skin. That is the part people need to hear, because they literally are feeling physical feelings on their skin
Yes, and I guess that's why Brittney really didn't know there wasn't an infection or something making her itch, and why at first she didn't believe the first doctor who told her it was psychological. She really didn't know. To her it just felt itchy and felt good to scratch it.
the fact that she said the itch was so deep she couldn't get to it was a big clue that it was psychosomatic. i do think the phrasing is key, when you tell someone "it's all in your head, get therapy," that's so dismissive and basically saying "you're making it up because you're crazy." describing the mechanism in which the brain sublimates psychological stress into physiological symptoms and how they can be addressed psychologically makes it clear that she's not doing this on purpose, there is a miscommunication between her brain and her body.
@@dietotaku yes... To me, saying it's all in your head makes it seem like there's no physical sensation of an itch. She truly does feel sensations. So is it truly all in her head? It basically gaslights her into thinking she's not feeling something. Probably causing more stress and sensations!
I suffered for 5 years having blisters from head to toe. I had biopsies nothing. And on the 5th year a newly doctor told me that it was because of stress.
Yes i hope she doing well, and doesnt see this meeting with Dr Lee as a fail because its not. She helped not only herself but also hundreds or even thousands of other patients deaing with similar problems. Me for instance; i suffer from hair loss. I have hair loss not because of medicine or some sort of skin problem. But thats my bodies reaction to stress. Doesnt mean that is "all in my head" obviously, and thats the same thing with her. She feels incredibly itchy and needs to pick. Its a feeling or symptom that is very much real just like my hair falling out is very real. Im not crazy AND she is not crazy. Its the same thing.
@@KroltedAs a 5 yr old child I started losing my hair because I was stressed and traumatized by my mother. I married at 16 and life got better until menopause and all the stress in life brought it back. I've read a book called, The body keeps score. It helped me understand how powerful stress is on our bodies.
She's the first one on your show to take responsibility for this kind of skin condition. Taking responsibility does not mean accepting blame! Knowing what the issue is, is more than half the battle. I believe she will overcome this!!!
Possibly the first one because quite frequently, this kind of diagnosis is BS. Centuries ago, if a doctors didn’t know what was wrong with u, it was witchcraft. These days, it is mental health, instead. Doesn’t make the diagnosis any more valid. The % of people with rare diseases who have been told their physical problems are some sort of physical manifestation of mental issues is staggering. Heck, last time it was surveyed, over 40% of people with auto-immune diseases had doctors tell them the same thing, essentially. The sad thing is, mental and emotional stress often does have an impact on various diseases, so when people try to get therapy, it can help, but that doesn’t mean it it was the cause. It’s an exacerbating factor. Diagnoses like this are where we see medical professionals fail their patients.
It’s quite serious. It really can effect your mental health. When people think you are using drugs. You feel ashamed. Because so many users do the same. People just assume.
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues, which are all likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
There is a difference between saying an affliction is all in your head and saying that it’s psychologically maintained. So nice to see a doctor that understands this and knows how to communicate it.
I can’t imagine how frustrating it must have been for that patient when, at least in her mind, she was told she was imagining her condition. No wonder she stopped going to doctors, the poor thing
When I went to the doctor in my early 20's with what I thought was a heart condition I was told very calmly "do you think this could be psychological in nature?" And what I heard was "I think you are imagining it". I felt so defeated because I thought I was really ill and could die. Turns out, I was having nocturnal panic attacks. Chest pain, disorientation, dizziness, blurred and spotted vision, shortness of breath and a genuine beliefe I was moments away from death. Always right as I was about to fall asleep. It wasn't until I found a blog written by a person with the same issues and she described it as "your symptoms are actually real, but they are not dangerous. Your system is reacting in a real way to a threat that isn't there". And that was all I needed, an explanation to what was happening. My stressed reduced when I didn't think I was dying anymore and my panic attacks became much more rare.
"In your head" doesn't mean "not real". We live in a society that treats anxiety and compulsions as character flaws rather than as medical conditions. Her skin feels itchy to her. That's real. Her desire to.scratch it is no.different than anyone with an itch. The reasons for the feelings of itchiness are unknown or hard to test for, but no less valid than if her liver was malfunctioning (causes itchiness). I wish her great health. She doesn't need to be "accountable" or "take responsibility". She needs medicine, support, and respect. It is hard to fight addictions and medical issues. Hats off to her.
I think when the above commenter said take responsibility (but not blame), they meant that now it's up to her to get treatment. Just like an adult who was abused as a child is now responsible for getting themself the help they need. That doesn't mean it is their fault.
Amen! You are strong enough to fight this Brittany. You have your Dad too. Support is important! I have Lupus Erythematosis (an immune disorder, my body fights its own cells) and I get vaguely similar itchy sores - but no where near as much or as often. I cannot itch or pick at mine at all due to it causes spreading. Rub it gently instead of scratching, no picking. Limit direct sun exposure as your skin is fragile now. Limit stress as much as possible. Important to stay hydrated with any condition. A rheumatologist can order a Lupus ANA blood test to rule out this disorder, if you are interested. Other blood tests give false negatives, so make sure it's ANA for true results.
My husband used to remind me often, it's not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it. This is a perfect example. Dr Lee, telling Brittany the same thing that her last Dr. said but in a kinder, understanding way, was what helped Brittany come to terms with her condition and how to solve this dilemma.
Plus, it does have a clinical diagnosis. It’s a very good lesson in making sure that you are seeing a doctor who specializes in the area afflicting you. This is a skin affliction, despite the cause. It’s best dealt with by a dermatologist-not simply a GP. It’s good the other doctors ruled out major possible causes-like a cancer of some type (with the biopsies), bloodwork was completed, etc. Plus, if she’s developed a secondary skin condition, the dermatologist can diagnose that, too. I’m having problems with advanced redness (and other problems) on only my legs. The redness looks exactly the same on both legs. The leg redness makes your legs look like upside down bowling pins. My doctor did numerous things to figure it out and he made a referral to a dermatologist. (He made sure it wasn’t cellulitis-a deep tissue infection.) I saw the first dermatologist who thought it was eczema. I do have that, but that’s not what’s causing this redness. My doctor decided to send me to another dermatologist. The second time was a charm. The condition I have is called Lipodermatosclerosis. “Lipodermatosclerosis refers to changes in the skin of the lower legs. It is a form of panniculitis (inflammation of the layer of fat under the skin). Symptoms include pain, hardening of skin, change in skin color (redness), swelling, and a tapering of the legs above the ankles. The exact underlying cause is unknown; however, it appears to be associated with venous insufficiency.” Being overweight is also a possible cause. Twelve years ago, I was in my Special Education classroom (I was the SpEd Teacher, in Canada 🇨🇦) a violent student assaulted me in my classroom. It was such a violent assault that it caused a permanent spinal cord injury and I can no longer teach-or do many other things. My walking is very challenged and my balance is poor. I became overweight as a result of this assault because my mobility is severely restricted. I cannot exercise in the traditional sense. I have bed exercises. I do watch what I eat, though, but losing weight is a very slow process for me. One treatment for lipodermatosclerosis is pressure stockings so that you avoid future complications, which are many. This condition is considered a “rare condition”. Once again, it’s important to continue on until you have a diagnosis and an action plan for your condition. It’s hard but don’t give up!!
There's also a difference between dismissing a diagnosis as "it's all in your head" vs actually giving a diagnosis and discussing a treatment plan. Doctors who are clueless don't want to say they don't know, so they victim blame. They're not neuroscientists- how do they know it's all in your head? I see this all of the time. If a doctor says it's all in your head, call them out. Say something like, *"Do you have an an actual diagnosis for me or are you now practicing pseudo medicine, because if it's the latter, I will not be paying for this appointment, and I will be filling a complaint with the state's licensing board."* It only gets better when we stop letting them get away with it. If you think this is where it's going, tell your doctor you will be audio recording the session at the beginning to hold them accountable if it's mandatory in your location of residence. As a person trained in mental health, if a person comes to me and says XYZ is an issue and my response is, "you're crazy bye," that does actual malicious harm. As a medical professional it is your duty to treat and do no harm at minimum. I'm a psychologist. Literally *EVERYTHING* is in your head. Every. Medical. Condition. Why? Your brain controls nearly everything biological, and it absolutely controls all of the individual's perceptions of the body, which is most of what "sick" is. Never let a doctor harass or belittle you. At the end of the day they don't live in your body, you do.
Dr. Lee has come a long way in breaking this news to patients. I remember an episode where she lead with, “it’s all in your head” and the patient immediately shut down and felt like she wasn’t being listened to because of the diagnosis. Leading with the clinical name for the condition, explaining her clues, and asking about stressors really were masterful ways to gently share what was going on. Mental health has a stigma, I pick at my skin and the other day caused it to bleed badly on my cheek. I put on a bandaid and was so embarrassed and wanted to hide it from my students (I’m a primary teacher). I’m the end, I just told them the truth that I scratched my face when I was stressed and hurt myself in accident. I’m afraid their parents or my coworkers will judge me for it, but I also know it’s like a physical illness in that sometimes there are flare ups.
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues are likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
You did good. Honesty always is best esp with kids who see you as a role model. Just think......there is at least 1 kid in your charge that has issues dealing with stress. They see you and don't feel alone in it. Thank YOU for being a teacher with a kind ❤️!
OP - You did *absolutely* the right thing by being honest with your students in a professional and age appropriate way. We are slowly breaking down the stigmas associated with mental health issues. Multiple pieces of research show that at least one in three people experience mental health issues in their lives and, to be honest, I expect that number to grow. That means that, statistically, at least a third of your students will experience behaviours and feelings that they don't understand. Telling them early that they are valid, and that someone they look up to experiences that, too, is absolutely CRUCIAL to their well-being and development. If anyone has the audacity to complain then: a) they're a d1ck devoid of empathy; b) you're a human being who DESERVES respect and understanding; c) tell them that you are doing your job - educating your students, answering their questions honestly and age-appropriately, and caring for their well-being and mental health by letting them know that it's ok to not be ok. You sound like an awesome teacher. Sending you all the very best 💕
I knew immediately what it was when I saw the back of her shoulders and back was clear. A lot of ppl wouldn’t accept this diagnosis, but Britney is smart and she wants to heal. That’s the secret, she wants it. She fought so damned hard all these years and she isn’t gonna give up. I respect her immensely.
Yup.. it’s the exact place she CANT REACH. Her mid back.. she can’t get too.. so when the Dr. said it looked clear. I had the same epiphany. Is Nuero/psych.
I figured it out too, I have anxiety and when I get into a really bad moment I scratch, pick at old scabs or old bug bites. Sometimes it can get to the point it bleeds. I'm getting help and I do have bad days but I don't have scratches up my arms and legs
It was pretty apparent just based on her history, plus her Tardive Dyskenisia with the constant puckering and lip movements. She’s probably already on some pretty strong psych meds to treat her various compulsive disorders. The problem is that she is either incapable of recognizing it’s a psychological issue instead of a physical illness (per se), or that she’s still actively refusing to acknowledge her habit of transference when it comes to her self-harm/self-medicating behaviors. She just keeps using a new physical outlet for the anxiety and depression instead of really addressing the root source of the behavior. She’d probably benefit immensely from dialectical therapy if she can find a good therapist offering that specific treatment.
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues are likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. The reason it's not "in places she can't reach" is because those places aren't subject to as much direct contact or dermatographia-type movements. She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
@@frankied.roosevelt6232 WTF are you on about? Lol ok. You must be one of those morgellons ppl. Literally all mothers and grown women on earth have stretch marks. They aren’t so itchy that they give themselves sores and scars. Obesity has nothing to do with itchiness. The vast majority of Americans are obese, so why aren’t the majority of Americans digging sores into their skin? Weight loss surgery has nothing to do with it. That surgery is actually very common, and her symptoms are *not* associated with any side effects reported to the FDA. EDS has nothing to do with itchyness. I HAVE EDS. The only thing even vaguely associated with EDS is the poor healing factor of her wounds. And that’s just because she keeps picking at them. Livedo reticularis is just a fancy way of saying you’re cold and the surface blood vessels are constricting because of said cold. Are you trying to say livedo racemosa? Cause that’s a different finding all together and can be indicative of Sneddons syndrome. But again, that has nothing to do with digging sores into your skin. And she didn’t present with the typical broken/branching pattern of skin discoloration. Those are SORES, not blood vessels. Dermatographia isn’t even concerning. So I’m not sure why you are associating it with sores? Do you know what it is? It’s just simply your skin responding to areas you’ve scratched with red lines. It’s super common and doesn’t leave sores, and it’s not even vaguely painful or itchy. I think you are super confused and just threw a bunch of science-y words together in order to sound smart. Cause you didn’t list a SINGLE cause of her issues. It’s pathological. She doesn’t have bugs or threads in her skin. She isn’t having an immune response or a side-effect of surgery or EDS. She literally ADMITTED it at the end.
As someone who picks so much at my skin, this is so good to watch, unfortunately no medication or therapy has made me stop picking yet, but I’m just happy that more people are aware of how powerful our own minds are
At least You recognise your role in your affliction. I hope that you are able to overcome your underlying problems and can stop picking at yourself. PS: You are enough. ❤
I use to pull hair and obsessively wash my hands. I learned anxiety managing tools and supplements I was taught by a therapist and just touch and go on what makes me feel better. I also took an interest in skincare and treating my skin like a hobby I guess you can say. I walk outside on trails with music that gets me either amped up or happy or if I’m particularly blue, I throw on the songs that hit me in the feels. I walk about 4 miles usually per walk. I make sure my skin has the sunscreen through a misting spray but also I make sure I get sun exposure to the skin to get that vitamin D and also help the chemicals in the brain if my anxiety starts diverting to seasonal depression as an added layer. I take up hobbies with my hands that are easy and repetitive with my mind focusing on patterns. So I ended up liking, puzzles, knitting and cross stitching. But there are other hobbies for the hands that require the focus of a pattern but also are easy and repetitive enough to watch a show or something. Like figurine building and painting by numbers or origami, just small things and the such that keep you just focused enough that you can’t pick, repetitive enough to not add any stress and still partake in other activities that don’t require you moving and rewarding by creating completed works.
Love Dr. Lee's compassion for her clients. She took the time to gently explain the condition instead of dismissing her and that gentleness allowed Brittany to accept and begin to heal.
@Baron Moochowson Brittney needs to lose weight and eat healthier. You’d be surprised how much of our skin conditions and other issues are caused by our poor diets
@@cjhoward409 If you watched the clip you'd see that she has already lost a large amount of weight, and also that this problem is directly caused by stress. She scratches when she feels anxious which makes her arms more itchy. In fact it started when she lost weight and stopped drinking because it ended up being a new way of coping with stress.
@@junbh2 Yes I know she already lost a lot of weight. BUT she still needs to lose more and eat healthy. And yes, everything else you said too. Well, I could tell she’s a picker. Some people bite their nails, and some pick at their skin. Maybe if she didn’t get those nails done in a very pointy manner, it would be harder to gouge holes in her skin. Those were some sharp looking daggers on the end of her fingers. 😬
Its hard to get support for me personally for it… but it makes me cry with joy seeing someone be handled so well when and kind…especially when we KNOW and ANDMIT “it’s our own fault”….
It made so much sense to say that she's transferred her addiction from eating to drinking to itching. I think that's what helped her understand why it's taken over her, because she's been through that before
Dr. Lee just has so much empathy for her patients. This was basically the same diagnosis as the other doctor that it was a mental issue, but delivered in such empathetic way. Dr. Lee is such a wonderful person.
I went thru the same thing. My dermatologist wrapped my skin tight with gauze and wraps so I couldn’t dig. I was given an itch relief medicine and it finally went away but I have lasting scars. Mine started as an OCD thing after my son brought home scabies from school, after that….bugs were always crawling on me. I hope she is doing better and knows she is not alone. It was difficult to accept it was ME!!
I went through something similar. Someone put their hat on me who had lice and being on pain killers (prescribed) it led to me believing I was covered in bugs. It was terrifying. I thank God everyday I got better
@@lenacheney I was also on (and addicted to) pain medications at the time. I also am adhd/ocd so I was on adderall for a bit too, thank God I didn’t get addicted to that. The combo of adderal and pain meds made me itch my skin bloody!
I can understand that. There was one scabies patient at my school and my students were terrified of getting it. I tried to explain that not only was it not in the same classroom but in the same building, but enough students were upset that I said, “ok. We’ll move the class online for a day or two.
I think the fact that Dr. Lee gave her a logical explanation, in that she explained about the location being tied to where she can reach, mixed with compassion made her understand and accept it.
Dr. Lee actually explained the cause, and did it in a kind, compassionate way. She didn't just tell she needed mental health assistance, as other doctors apparently did. She empowered her to take charge of the situation.
Brittney is honestly an incredible person. I've never seen anyone on this show actually accept that they are causing something themselves. She can get through this! Great job Brittney! 👏
Technically scratching yourself as a response to stress is still harming yourself. My words weren't meant to belittle. She's an incredible person who has overcome difficult obstacles, addictions, etc.
I love how caring you are when explaining her condition to her, plus giving her things she can do to help her help herself. Building her up. You are so good with people.
Now there's a woman's touch. Such a brave lady who has already proven herself strong twice over just needed a calm informed explanation and a good round of positive reinforcement. Yay Dr Lee!
I'm so glad that she and her father visited Dr. Lee. This is a perfect example of how scratching with her long nails have caused scaring! Dr. Lee, left her with her dignity without insulting her! Dr. Sandra Lee is a Physician, that understands and saves lives! Great episodes!
I love that Dr Lee addressed the connection between our mental health and its affects on our bodies. It’s not really just that it was “in her head”, her emotional and mental state was effecting her physically. How you approach this kind of diagnosis makes a huge difference!
Don't give up. I had back surgery and I started to feel like bugs were under my skin. The recovery was long, painful and stressful. I was worried I was starting to do this to take anxiety away and am looking for other outlets. Don't give up it happens but you can do it. Hugs Britney and remember you are amazing. You've gotten over too much to give up now. You're almost there. ❤️☺️
Oh Sweet Brittany! I too had weight loss surgery, complications from the surgery (resulting in 9 follow up surgeries), and an addiction to overcome which was completely related to the surgeries. You’re amazing and an inspiration! I too am in the States. Keep taking one foot in front of the other! You’re such a wonderful role model. 💖
I'm so glad that she's improving. Getting that kind of diagnosis would be so hard. Nobody wants to think that everything is just in their head. She's been through so much and I for one am very proud of how far she's come. Losing all that weight to be healthier, facing this diagnosis and doing everything she needs to to fix it, that's very courageous and strong. A lot of people wouldn't even accept that. I really hope that she doesn't look at herself as crazy because she's not. That kind of severe anxiety and stress can do so much to your body.
@@nancyling8976 It is "in her head." But yes, that doesn't negate just how serious it actually is. That just means it isn't going to go away with certain drugs.
Huge congratulations to Bethany for overcoming such huge obstacles in her life..A true warrior!! Would not have been easy...And what a compassionate Doctor and a godsend to Bethany...🙏
Oh my gosh. I have the same thing and my dermatologist said the same thing as Dr. Lee. I pray for you and know that with all the wonderful milestons you've accomplished you can do this! I'm 30 years sober and 22 years not smoking and those are huge milestones for me. It all started when my husband was killed. It's been over 11 years now and I'm in a much better place. You can do this!
These conditions are so common. I myself had something similar when I was younger and in forster care. I literally pulled all of my own Eyelashes out as a coping mechanism. I wish more doctor were this tactful when addressing the traumatic issue that lead to physical ones
My mother has that same condition and passed it to me by picking at me. Trichotillomania. It is a minor form of self-harm. I do better most days now that I am older. When I was younger i would remove entire eyebrows or rows of eyelashes. My mother almost never has her eyelashes or eyebrows. Not being around her anymore helps a lot.
Always crazy to see what anxiety can do to your body. I used to have bad stomach burns, muscle cramps, faintness, and when I started taking anti anxiety meds and seeing a therapist, it all went away. I also began to have dermatitis and that unfortunately, isn't going anywhere but it's manageable. I consider myself lucky that I seeked help before getting something really serious that wouldn't just go away with a mild antidepressant. A "friend" of mine used to say that it was all in my head, that I did it to myself and I just had to chill and stop being dramatic because my life isn't stressful. Therapy helped me realize that it's not voluntary, it's not something you can control, it just happens. Nobody knows what you're going through so they have no right judging or telling you to chill. Find help, take care of yourself, be patient with yourself and get rid of those who refuse to understand!
Only Dr. Lee could say in essence, “It’s all in your head,” not mockingly, but rather backed up with a scientific explanation that wouldn’t put a patient on the defensive or be made to feel as if they are being dismissed. Her diagnoses made perfect sense, and validates the mind/body connection, and how things like stress can affect more than just our minds. I hope Brittany will check back in again and let us know how she is doing. Wishing her lots of positive vibes and good healing.
One of the reasons I became a Dr. Lee fan - way before she was every famous - was how well and how kindly she would explain these things. I have an undiagnosed condition on my arm pits & I use to be embarrassed by them, doctors dismissed me, but watching this channel helped me understand my own skin and how to take care of it better. More importantly though, she showed me that other people have similar experiences and it’s nothing we did wrong or anything we should be ashamed of. If she wasn’t a dermatologist she would be amazing therapist but I feel like she is both ❤❤❤
It’s not so much that this was in her mind, Dr. Lee explained WHY it was happening. Not ‘you’re crazy’ but rather, ‘you have had a lot thrown at you and this is your mind’s reaction to the stress.’ She quantifies Brittany’s accomplishments to this point, and uses that to encourage her to work toward overcoming this as well. Kudos to her, and Kudos to Dad for being the bastion of support his daughter needs.
I wish I could “heart” this instead of just “like” !!! Dr. Lee is an example of how compassion and respect for the patient is so important to the healing process! Bless you Dr. Lee! I wish there were more doctors like you!
Dr. Lee has such compassion for her patient's. She makes them feel empowered and like they can do things they never thought they could do. She's an angel
I'm a picker, too, due to mental illness anxiety. It's quite difficult to handle, and I have bouts. It began when I moved back in with my abusive dad. My family and friends understand and are quite supportive. I often pick and am not aware until I draw blood. That's when the sores can then become infected. It's awful, and I feel for anyone who suffers from this result of anxiety. My best to her and all others.
I am also a picker. I have so many skin cancers that get itchy and sore and I will scratch them raw in my sleep. I will sit and dig at my sores to get the pain gone. I absolutely know that this is stress related. I keep my nails as shirt as possible.
I have the same condition, although not as severe right now. I think it’s key to note the lack of awareness the person has when they’re actually picking at it. For me it often happens while I’m sleeping as well. This makes it harder to manage and you wake up seeing them and feeling like you’ve failed again. People manage stress and anxiety in so many ways, but for it to physically cause itching to me is a huge mystery and would love to see more research done on this. I feel like the first key to recovery is awareness of what’s CAUSING the itching, which is not the itching or picking itself. Most people just try to tell you how to stop picking, or try to get you to stop. But the itch is still there and if you’re doing it in your sleep how can you resolve it? My family has finally started to notice that whenever the conversation gets heated or uncomfortable or people start getting angry, I start itching on my face. Even I was not aware for the longest time but now I am starting to see patterns.
@@bunchagrapes no one is implying that isn't true. This is a validating statement to those that have been told "you're hurting yourself on purpose for attention and are crazy, this is all just in your head". Because I've seen it myself, this is largely a subconscious issue..and the brain is a very powerful thing. Just because something has a mental causation does not mean it isn't fully valid and deserve the same medical attention ans compassion.
I have dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking) and the hair pulling version (trichotillomania) and it definitely can get better. I used to pick till I bled, all over my face, chest and shoulders (I have hypermobility allowing me to pick my shoulders). I would spend 2-3 hours A NIGHT picking. I actually just watched this after a small "pick session" which luckily I was able to stop quickly. It's something you CAN control with the right support and help. And if not gone completely, it can go from ruling your life like it did me, to being managed and not so much of a monster anymore. To anyone struggling with skin picking, there's plenty of support available now, I recommend the Picking Me Foundation as a good place to start, along with going "public" about your issue to a few close people so they can hold you accountable in a gentle way and when you have the anxiety or stress that makes you want to pick, you can talk to them instead. I also highly recommend getting professional help. It may seem daunting but being on medication to reduce those stress levels and therapy to help you cope in a healthier way does work to reduce the urges. It is somewhat of an addiction and as with any other addiction, it's hard to overcome on your own.
I know of someone with a similar “problem”. Anxiety and depression can manifest in what feels like peculiar ways. When we feel stressed we bite our lips, scratch, and rub as a way of expending nervous energy. Brittany has found out what is going on and she is taking steps to help it. I think she’s amazing - keep going girl… your on the right track ((hugs))
I was hoping Dr. Lee would have said "this is not your fault ", or something like that. But the Good Dr. Is infallibly sensitive. This will be one of my favorite episodes, and thanks for the 12 week update. You've got this, girlfriend! Lots of us are behind you!
The trouble also becames that when you tell people directly "it's not your fault" for situations like this is, it can understood that (either consciously nor not) the fundamental cause of their problem can't be related to their behaviour if their not at fault, ergo changing their actions is out of the scope of possible solutions to resolve their problem.
This is why I love this doctor! Her empathy and grace in delivering that diagnosis is beyond compare. I worked in the ER and ICU so I speak from experience.
Just shows how a compassionate doctor can reach a patient. I'm so happy Britney is overcoming this. She can do it! Pray she gets better and better, that she has a life full of joy and health. Yet remembers we can not see how precious those joyful moments are without the struggles in-between.
For me, in a way, this situation hits really close to home. I am a person with extremely high anxiety and sensory processing issues. And unintentionally I scratch all over my arms, hands, and fingers to cope. According to those around me, I have been doing it most of my life. It just didn’t get severe until I became a preteen, and it got worse from there. After many burns, scars, and infections, I was diagnosed with dermatillomania (and trichitillomania as well). I still struggle with it a lot, but I’m working on finding positive outlets for my emotions and stress. As well as trying to stay aware of my body in the present moment. Trying to stop a habit like this, is like trying to stop an addiction. Because at some point it feels like it’s all you’ve ever known. And even with it’s downsides, if works and serves a purpose. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t feel the need to do it. But I am just sharing my thoughts and experience. If anyone else is struggling with anything similar, please remember that you are not alone. And you aren’t weak for struggling or needing help. Sending love! -Gracie
Dr Lee has helped me from a previous episode where a patient had something similar. I have dry skin on my legs and get eczema occasionally, I scratch my legs every day leaving them covered in bumps and and rashes. it used to get really bad. but in that episode she helped the patient realize they weren't scratching when they were outside of the home and I realized it the same for me ! it just clicked. I was doing this to my legs. I developed a habit of scratching to the point of scarring my legs up and I've become so conscious of the problem my skin has improved a lot. i wonder how many other people are suffering from something like this.
I think the key is not only a proper diagnosis but also giving support and practical suggestions of how to cope. And helping emphasize the strength she has previously shown can help her tap into that and give her hope she can succeed. The power of the mind and a caring doctor together is amazing.
Stress can do weird things. I lost the feeling in most of my body, I kept getting tingling sensation like pins and needles and my hands were shaking so bad I couldnt hold a phone or a pen. I had bloods done as B12 deficiency or low folic acid can do that. All normal, I was just stressed. I took a month off of work, focus on relaxing and it went away eventually.
Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine what you must’ve gone through. I really commend you for taking the time of self discovery to deal with the stress you were having. Good Luck 😊
Ppl are killing themselves with their pursuit for success and just wasting their life. There are other ways to make a good living without struggle... The information is here now! 🌞🌈⚡
Yup, I developed a legitimate heart condition during a very stressful time in my life (ending an abusive relationship and fighting to keep my two young sons safe from him, then subsequently going into hiding and relocating). I had constant severe tachycardia (accelerated heart rate) and my resting heart rate was consistently over 150 bpm, light cardio had it getting close to 200 bpm. My doctor put me on an ECG when I went to see him because I was feeling very unwell, and it showed that I was having a myocardial infarction (a heart attack - the kind that is caused by unusual electrical activity in the heart, not the kind from blocked arteries thankfully). After a trip to the ER, I was urgently referred to a cardiologist, and ultrasounds of my heart showed physical changes - an enlarged atrium - and I was put on beta blockers. The cardiologist told me that I would be on those meds and need regular check ups for life. The condition completely disappeared over several months once we were safe, and I was able to come off the heart medication. My heart went back to looking normal and healthy on ultrasound and my heart rate has stayed within normal levels in the 7 or so years since (it's still faster than average because I have pretty bad anxiety, but not dangerously so). It's crazy how stress can cause actual physiological changes and damage! It still blows my mind that my heart went from looking visibly changed on ultrasound to normal again once the stress was alleviated. I'm glad that you made a full recovery too :) That must have been very scary for you to be having neurological symptoms like that!
I have multiple chronic health & pain diagnoses. This isn’t me but I know exactly how she feels because of all the times I was dismissed by doctors who couldn’t figure out the problem. It’s so much easier for them to say “you’re a hypochondriac” or “you’re an addict & you just want pain meds” than it to say “I don’t know what this is but we’ll figure it out together”. When you find that doctor who is willing to admit that they don’t understand, it’s a life changer. Doctors who actually want to help their patients need to figure out how to give this kind of information without blaming the patient. Dr Lee needs to have a class where she teaches compassion to healthcare workers because a lot of them have no idea how to treat patients as humans
I have chronic pain, too, and a year after my first hip replacement I went in to my surgeon’s office because my hip was going out on my and ALL my hip related pain had returned 1 year after my surgery. of my hip and the doctor came in and told me that my hip was perfect and I was only there to try to get pain meds !! 😢. I couldn’t hardly believe my ears! It was the beginning of my pain story
@@Nan-59 I’m sorry that happened to you. Try to keep seeing new doctors until you find a good one. Be honest about the fact that you’re looking for a new doctor because my GP (family doctor) was recommended by a different doctor because she understood what I was looking for & where to find it. Good luck ❤️
The patient didn’t get a bad diagnosis from the previous doctor; she git a bad delivery (explanation) of the diagnosis. It’s altogether different to say a condition is stress induced instead of “it’s all in your head” which automatically pisses anyone off.
Sandra, I commend you for the way you handled this diagnosis. It takes a truly caring doctor to deliver news that may be difficult for a client to understand, acknowledge and accept. You are one incredible person!!! ❤❤❤
Oh Britney, I fee for you with the anxiety. I also went through weight loss surgery and have trouble easing the anxiety. Dr Lee, I love how you explain things so well to people. Too many doctors put judgement alongside diagnoses, it’s so unhelpful and makes people put walls up. ❤❤ I’d love to see another update for her.
I can just see this poor girl holding back tears the whole time 🥺 hopefully she will get better and her quality of life with improve along with that! 💜
I'm so proud of this girl for listening and taking the steps to heal herself. The worst problems we can have are mental because our brain just can not see it. It has to be seen from the outside. I had a hard time understanding that I had post partum depression because I was just tired and weak. I didn't know that could be how it displayed. Lucky my husband was very careful when he was telling me I should talk to my doctor about it.
Brittany: you are a brave and giving soul to put yourself out on the internet. By sharing this way so many other people can take guidance and courage and also get help. Thank you for sharing this important message for so many. Wishing you all the best on your path forward.
She is to be commended for allowing this diagnosis to sink in, as well as being willing to take measures to stop herself from continuing the behavior. If she is not in talk therapy, I would highly recommend that as her next step, so she can stop a new habit from forming, such as taking too much medication. Once she sorts out some of the reasons she does things like this, like issues from her past, for instance, then she will be stronger and more resilient for her future. I will pray for her and her full recovery.
I look at the distribution (it only affects areas she can reach) and immediately think Dermatitis artefacta. Proper explanation without blame or saying ‘it’s all in your head’ is paramount to patient self management. Well done Doc, from a felllow doc.
I am so proud of this lady! She has come so far and fought tough battles and overcome. I feel she will go far. She has the support of her family and that means a lot too! They will survive this and be able to help someone else get through it too in the future.
I understand what she’s been through (I’m a recovering addict) and I commend her for the work she’s done. I also went through a phase where I would, sometimes unconsciously, pick at sores until they became red and infected. What I’ve learned is that the DISEASE of addiction will manifest in many ways. I got clean from drugs and alcohol and went to gambling, sex and many other manifestations of addiction. If you’re an addict, it will come at you from every aspect of life hoping to get you back. She needs some serious help on changing her thinking. NA, AA and even counseling from a counselor that UNDERSTANDS addiction is the only thing that’s going to help her at this point. Even if she doesn’t want to attend 12 step meetings ( I seriously think she should) she should take a serious look at the 12 steps and 12 traditions of those programs and try to apply them to her life. In fact I think EVERYONE could use the steps and traditions in their life, they teach us how to cope, especially in stressful times. I learned early in recovery that the steps teach me how to deal with me and the traditions teach me how to deal with you.
when she said "it is in my head" i was a bit worried- yes the starting point is mental but the pain and itching is real and causes the condition to be self-fulfilling! but im so happy she's found ways to improve it. i dont envy everything shes been through and i admire that shes made it this far. good luck brittany u can do it!
YOU GO, GIRL‼️‼️‼️🥰🥰🥰 What a wonderfully brave, beautiful, and amazing person you are to share this daunting and painful journey with anyone who has an internet connection. You are filled with grace and generosity and my greatest hope for you is that your innate compassion is turned towards most the person who deserves it most: your own self. Sending you love, courage and a zillion hugs.
Oh hi, fellow BFRB lady! I recognized it immediately. It's one of the hardest addictions to break bc everywhere you go, your body does so it's so easy to go back to picking, pulling, and digging at our skin, nails, teeth, or hair. I hope she can find more healing! I loved how Dr Lee said that It doesn't mean that you're a lesser person bc of it. Very empathic way to treat someone.
Britney, you have over come so much in your life and I have faith in you that you will over come this as well. I saw the ending of this video showing you at 10 post visit with Doctor Lee and you have already made such great progress! Thank you Doctor Lee for helping her and so many others that come to see you!
In my younger days I was told so many times that my dermatitis was emotional, and I had relaxation pills prescribed, and they didn't work. Finally one dermatologist diagnosed a rare fungus infection, prescribed an antifungal drug, and it cleared up in a week and a half. Never came back. So, mistakes can go either way.
I also have neurotic dermatitis--what I call "stress itch" on both arms. It is extremely painful, and when the itching starts, I can scream out in pain and cry. I know it's based in my thoughts, and I try vigilantly to live a peaceful life and use my CBT skills. When it is unbearable, I use ice packs and literally freeze the nerve endings. Sometimes I cannot go out because I have to stay inside with ice packs on my arms. I've been to doctors for over 40 years and tried lots of lotions and pills. Nothing worked. Not one person has been as compassionate and understanding as Dr. Lee.
Brittany! You are awesome and you are a fighter! Not a victim! I loved seeing you accept the doctors advice because I knew it was the beginning of your healing! Congratulations and best wishes beauty!
My heart goes out to this young woman, Britney you are beautiful inside and out! That’s such a hard thing to hear, that something so traumatizing is your “fault”, but she’s decided to not take it as a slight to her character and kick the compulsion’s ass!
This would be a hard thing to accept. Knowing that you are causing your own pain and suffering. I hope she gets the counseling she needs and heals up well.
I saw Dr Lee with another woman with the same condition on another episode. This consultation & delivery of diagnosis in this episode was so much better and in turn appears better outcome for Brittany. Any condition presenting with a physical symptoms but a psychological underlying cause is just as real. I wish more health professionals would spend the time to explain, treatment plan & be sensitive more often.
I like how she elaborated that the stress goes from the brain and your body responds and you feel literal sensations on your skin. That is the part people need to hear, because they literally are feeling physical feelings on their skin
Yes, and I guess that's why Brittney really didn't know there wasn't an infection or something making her itch, and why at first she didn't believe the first doctor who told her it was psychological. She really didn't know. To her it just felt itchy and felt good to scratch it.
Lots of people are unaware that either your brain or nerves can cause the body to feel sensations that really don’t exist.
She might not entirely be aware that shes picking as well. She feels a sensation and her hands could be reacting automatically.
the fact that she said the itch was so deep she couldn't get to it was a big clue that it was psychosomatic. i do think the phrasing is key, when you tell someone "it's all in your head, get therapy," that's so dismissive and basically saying "you're making it up because you're crazy." describing the mechanism in which the brain sublimates psychological stress into physiological symptoms and how they can be addressed psychologically makes it clear that she's not doing this on purpose, there is a miscommunication between her brain and her body.
@@dietotaku yes... To me, saying it's all in your head makes it seem like there's no physical sensation of an itch. She truly does feel sensations. So is it truly all in her head? It basically gaslights her into thinking she's not feeling something. Probably causing more stress and sensations!
Trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety is no joke. Bravo to her! She is a BRAVE and courageous person
I suffered for 5 years having blisters from head to toe. I had biopsies nothing. And on the 5th year a newly doctor told me that it was because of stress.
Just love her. She’s strong.
Yes i hope she doing well, and doesnt see this meeting with Dr Lee as a fail because its not. She helped not only herself but also hundreds or even thousands of other patients deaing with similar problems. Me for instance; i suffer from hair loss. I have hair loss not because of medicine or some sort of skin problem. But thats my bodies reaction to stress. Doesnt mean that is "all in my head" obviously, and thats the same thing with her. She feels incredibly itchy and needs to pick. Its a feeling or symptom that is very much real just like my hair falling out is very real. Im not crazy AND she is not crazy. Its the same thing.
I would love to see this rash in six months it will be gone
@@KroltedAs a 5 yr old child I started losing my hair because I was stressed and traumatized by my mother. I married at 16 and life got better until menopause and all the stress in life brought it back. I've read a book called, The body keeps score. It helped me understand how powerful stress is on our bodies.
She's the first one on your show to take responsibility for this kind of skin condition. Taking responsibility does not mean accepting blame! Knowing what the issue is, is more than half the battle. I believe she will overcome this!!!
There was another girl and she kinda denied it but ended up owning to it
Possibly the first one because quite frequently, this kind of diagnosis is BS. Centuries ago, if a doctors didn’t know what was wrong with u, it was witchcraft. These days, it is mental health, instead. Doesn’t make the diagnosis any more valid.
The % of people with rare diseases who have been told their physical problems are some sort of physical manifestation of mental issues is staggering.
Heck, last time it was surveyed, over 40% of people with auto-immune diseases had doctors tell them the same thing, essentially.
The sad thing is, mental and emotional stress often does have an impact on various diseases, so when people try to get therapy, it can help, but that doesn’t mean it it was the cause. It’s an exacerbating factor.
Diagnoses like this are where we see medical professionals fail their patients.
It’s quite serious. It really can effect your mental health. When people think you are using drugs. You feel ashamed. Because so many users do the same. People just assume.
@@_Julie_Bee owning it?
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues, which are all likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
There is a difference between saying an affliction is all in your head and saying that it’s psychologically maintained. So nice to see a doctor that understands this and knows how to communicate it.
Right? I have to write down things she said because she explains things so concisely but with such empathy
I can’t imagine how frustrating it must have been for that patient when, at least in her mind, she was told she was imagining her condition. No wonder she stopped going to doctors, the poor thing
When I went to the doctor in my early 20's with what I thought was a heart condition I was told very calmly "do you think this could be psychological in nature?"
And what I heard was "I think you are imagining it". I felt so defeated because I thought I was really ill and could die.
Turns out, I was having nocturnal panic attacks. Chest pain, disorientation, dizziness, blurred and spotted vision, shortness of breath and a genuine beliefe I was moments away from death. Always right as I was about to fall asleep.
It wasn't until I found a blog written by a person with the same issues and she described it as "your symptoms are actually real, but they are not dangerous. Your system is reacting in a real way to a threat that isn't there". And that was all I needed, an explanation to what was happening. My stressed reduced when I didn't think I was dying anymore and my panic attacks became much more rare.
"In your head" doesn't mean "not real". We live in a society that treats anxiety and compulsions as character flaws rather than as medical conditions. Her skin feels itchy to her. That's real. Her desire to.scratch it is no.different than anyone with an itch. The reasons for the feelings of itchiness are unknown or hard to test for, but no less valid than if her liver was malfunctioning (causes itchiness). I wish her great health. She doesn't need to be "accountable" or "take responsibility". She needs medicine, support, and respect. It is hard to fight addictions and medical issues. Hats off to her.
I think when the above commenter said take responsibility (but not blame), they meant that now it's up to her to get treatment. Just like an adult who was abused as a child is now responsible for getting themself the help they need. That doesn't mean it is their fault.
Amen! You are strong enough to fight this Brittany. You have your Dad too. Support is important!
I have Lupus Erythematosis (an immune disorder, my body fights its own cells) and I get vaguely similar itchy sores - but no where near as much or as often. I cannot itch or pick at mine at all due to it causes spreading. Rub it gently instead of scratching, no picking. Limit direct sun exposure as your skin is fragile now. Limit stress as much as possible. Important to stay hydrated with any condition.
A rheumatologist can order a Lupus ANA blood test to rule out this disorder, if you are interested. Other blood tests give false negatives, so make sure it's ANA for true results.
So true ❤️❤️
@@creative2716a good rheumatologist can be your saviour. You just have to trust and do what they ask of you.
My husband used to remind me often, it's not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it. This is a perfect example. Dr Lee, telling Brittany the same thing that her last Dr. said but in a kinder, understanding way, was what helped Brittany come to terms with her condition and how to solve this dilemma.
Exactly. You can tell someone the worst things but it all depends the way you do it.
Yeah I’m not good at saying things well. I like the truth. But not everyone is ready for it
Plus, it does have a clinical diagnosis. It’s a very good lesson in making sure that you are seeing a doctor who specializes in the area afflicting you. This is a skin affliction, despite the cause. It’s best dealt with by a dermatologist-not simply a GP. It’s good the other doctors ruled out major possible causes-like a cancer of some type (with the biopsies), bloodwork was completed, etc. Plus, if she’s developed a secondary skin condition, the dermatologist can diagnose that, too.
I’m having problems with advanced redness (and other problems) on only my legs. The redness looks exactly the same on both legs. The leg redness makes your legs look like upside down bowling pins.
My doctor did numerous things to figure it out and he made a referral to a dermatologist. (He made sure it wasn’t cellulitis-a deep tissue infection.) I saw the first dermatologist who thought it was eczema. I do have that, but that’s not what’s causing this redness. My doctor decided to send me to another dermatologist. The second time was a charm. The condition I have is called Lipodermatosclerosis.
“Lipodermatosclerosis refers to changes in the skin of the lower legs. It is a form of panniculitis (inflammation of the layer of fat under the skin). Symptoms include pain, hardening of skin, change in skin color (redness), swelling, and a tapering of the legs above the ankles. The exact underlying cause is unknown; however, it appears to be associated with venous insufficiency.” Being overweight is also a possible cause.
Twelve years ago, I was in my Special Education classroom (I was the SpEd Teacher, in Canada 🇨🇦) a violent student assaulted me in my classroom. It was such a violent assault that it caused a permanent spinal cord injury and I can no longer teach-or do many other things. My walking is very challenged and my balance is poor. I became overweight as a result of this assault because my mobility is severely restricted. I cannot exercise in the traditional sense. I have bed exercises. I do watch what I eat, though, but losing weight is a very slow process for me.
One treatment for lipodermatosclerosis is pressure stockings so that you avoid future complications, which are many. This condition is considered a “rare condition”. Once again, it’s important to continue on until you have a diagnosis and an action plan for your condition. It’s hard but don’t give up!!
There's also a difference between dismissing a diagnosis as "it's all in your head" vs actually giving a diagnosis and discussing a treatment plan. Doctors who are clueless don't want to say they don't know, so they victim blame. They're not neuroscientists- how do they know it's all in your head? I see this all of the time. If a doctor says it's all in your head, call them out. Say something like, *"Do you have an an actual diagnosis for me or are you now practicing pseudo medicine, because if it's the latter, I will not be paying for this appointment, and I will be filling a complaint with the state's licensing board."* It only gets better when we stop letting them get away with it.
If you think this is where it's going, tell your doctor you will be audio recording the session at the beginning to hold them accountable if it's mandatory in your location of residence.
As a person trained in mental health, if a person comes to me and says XYZ is an issue and my response is, "you're crazy bye," that does actual malicious harm. As a medical professional it is your duty to treat and do no harm at minimum. I'm a psychologist. Literally *EVERYTHING* is in your head. Every. Medical. Condition. Why? Your brain controls nearly everything biological, and it absolutely controls all of the individual's perceptions of the body, which is most of what "sick" is. Never let a doctor harass or belittle you. At the end of the day they don't live in your body, you do.
@@M_SCwhen did Dr. Lee lie? There’s a difference between lying and being kind.
Dr. Lee has come a long way in breaking this news to patients. I remember an episode where she lead with, “it’s all in your head” and the patient immediately shut down and felt like she wasn’t being listened to because of the diagnosis. Leading with the clinical name for the condition, explaining her clues, and asking about stressors really were masterful ways to gently share what was going on. Mental health has a stigma, I pick at my skin and the other day caused it to bleed badly on my cheek. I put on a bandaid and was so embarrassed and wanted to hide it from my students (I’m a primary teacher). I’m the end, I just told them the truth that I scratched my face when I was stressed and hurt myself in accident. I’m afraid their parents or my coworkers will judge me for it, but I also know it’s like a physical illness in that sometimes there are flare ups.
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues are likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
My thoughts too!!
You did good. Honesty always is best esp with kids who see you as a role model. Just think......there is at least 1 kid in your charge that has issues dealing with stress. They see you and don't feel alone in it. Thank YOU for being a teacher with a kind ❤️!
I pick at mine too, it drives my guy crazy. I have addictive personality but a new Doctor cut my anxiety meds down and it is worse.
OP - You did *absolutely* the right thing by being honest with your students in a professional and age appropriate way.
We are slowly breaking down the stigmas associated with mental health issues. Multiple pieces of research show that at least one in three people experience mental health issues in their lives and, to be honest, I expect that number to grow. That means that, statistically, at least a third of your students will experience behaviours and feelings that they don't understand. Telling them early that they are valid, and that someone they look up to experiences that, too, is absolutely CRUCIAL to their well-being and development.
If anyone has the audacity to complain then:
a) they're a d1ck devoid of empathy;
b) you're a human being who DESERVES respect and understanding;
c) tell them that you are doing your job - educating your students, answering their questions honestly and age-appropriately, and caring for their well-being and mental health by letting them know that it's ok to not be ok.
You sound like an awesome teacher. Sending you all the very best 💕
I knew immediately what it was when I saw the back of her shoulders and back was clear. A lot of ppl wouldn’t accept this diagnosis, but Britney is smart and she wants to heal. That’s the secret, she wants it. She fought so damned hard all these years and she isn’t gonna give up. I respect her immensely.
Yup.. it’s the exact place she CANT REACH. Her mid back..
she can’t get too.. so when the Dr. said it looked clear. I had the same epiphany. Is Nuero/psych.
I figured it out too, I have anxiety and when I get into a really bad moment I scratch, pick at old scabs or old bug bites. Sometimes it can get to the point it bleeds. I'm getting help and I do have bad days but I don't have scratches up my arms and legs
It was pretty apparent just based on her history, plus her Tardive Dyskenisia with the constant puckering and lip movements. She’s probably already on some pretty strong psych meds to treat her various compulsive disorders. The problem is that she is either incapable of recognizing it’s a psychological issue instead of a physical illness (per se), or that she’s still actively refusing to acknowledge her habit of transference when it comes to her self-harm/self-medicating behaviors. She just keeps using a new physical outlet for the anxiety and depression instead of really addressing the root source of the behavior. She’d probably benefit immensely from dialectical therapy if she can find a good therapist offering that specific treatment.
The Itchiness she is experiencing is related to the stretch marks, obesity, the complications of her weightloss surgery, and all her other health issues are likely a physical illness called ehlers danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome.
The reason it's not "in places she can't reach" is because those places aren't subject to as much direct contact or dermatographia-type movements.
She even clearly has a tick going on and her pupils are dysfunctional, with clear livedo Reticularis, flushing, and blood pooling. This is the millionth time that she *has* dismissed a woman like this. It's so much worst that Dr. Lee is a woman and a POC and *still* practiced such broad medical bias and dismissal.
@@frankied.roosevelt6232 WTF are you on about? Lol ok. You must be one of those morgellons ppl. Literally all mothers and grown women on earth have stretch marks. They aren’t so itchy that they give themselves sores and scars. Obesity has nothing to do with itchiness. The vast majority of Americans are obese, so why aren’t the majority of Americans digging sores into their skin? Weight loss surgery has nothing to do with it. That surgery is actually very common, and her symptoms are *not* associated with any side effects reported to the FDA.
EDS has nothing to do with itchyness. I HAVE EDS. The only thing even vaguely associated with EDS is the poor healing factor of her wounds. And that’s just because she keeps picking at them.
Livedo reticularis is just a fancy way of saying you’re cold and the surface blood vessels are constricting because of said cold.
Are you trying to say livedo racemosa? Cause that’s a different finding all together and can be indicative of Sneddons syndrome. But again, that has nothing to do with digging sores into your skin. And she didn’t present with the typical broken/branching pattern of skin discoloration. Those are SORES, not blood vessels.
Dermatographia isn’t even concerning. So I’m not sure why you are associating it with sores? Do you know what it is? It’s just simply your skin responding to areas you’ve scratched with red lines. It’s super common and doesn’t leave sores, and it’s not even vaguely painful or itchy. I think you are super confused and just threw a bunch of science-y words together in order to sound smart. Cause you didn’t list a SINGLE cause of her issues.
It’s pathological. She doesn’t have bugs or threads in her skin. She isn’t having an immune response or a side-effect of surgery or EDS. She literally ADMITTED it at the end.
The “you’re not crazy” would’ve made me break down with tears of joy. That’s the cruelest thing to do to somebody- Doc did a great job as usual!
As someone who picks so much at my skin, this is so good to watch, unfortunately no medication or therapy has made me stop picking yet, but I’m just happy that more people are aware of how powerful our own minds are
Did you try getting false nails put on which are so thick you can't actually scratch?
I tried it but if your desperate enough fake nails won't deter you.
So your issue is compliance for treatment
At least You recognise your role in your affliction.
I hope that you are able to overcome your underlying problems and can stop picking at yourself.
PS: You are enough. ❤
I use to pull hair and obsessively wash my hands. I learned anxiety managing tools and supplements I was taught by a therapist and just touch and go on what makes me feel better. I also took an interest in skincare and treating my skin like a hobby I guess you can say. I walk outside on trails with music that gets me either amped up or happy or if I’m particularly blue, I throw on the songs that hit me in the feels. I walk about 4 miles usually per walk. I make sure my skin has the sunscreen through a misting spray but also I make sure I get sun exposure to the skin to get that vitamin D and also help the chemicals in the brain if my anxiety starts diverting to seasonal depression as an added layer. I take up hobbies with my hands that are easy and repetitive with my mind focusing on patterns. So I ended up liking, puzzles, knitting and cross stitching. But there are other hobbies for the hands that require the focus of a pattern but also are easy and repetitive enough to watch a show or something. Like figurine building and painting by numbers or origami, just small things and the such that keep you just focused enough that you can’t pick, repetitive enough to not add any stress and still partake in other activities that don’t require you moving and rewarding by creating completed works.
Love Dr. Lee's compassion for her clients. She took the time to gently explain the condition instead of dismissing her and that gentleness allowed Brittany to accept and begin to heal.
@Baron Moochowson
Brittney needs to lose weight and eat healthier. You’d be surprised how much of our skin conditions and other issues are caused by our poor diets
I agree!! With YOU MEA... but she was wise in her choice of wording, too, and I think that's what helped her the most💙
Dr. Lee is so completely amazing!! I love her so much!!
@@cjhoward409 If you watched the clip you'd see that she has already lost a large amount of weight, and also that this problem is directly caused by stress. She scratches when she feels anxious which makes her arms more itchy. In fact it started when she lost weight and stopped drinking because it ended up being a new way of coping with stress.
@@junbh2
Yes I know she already lost a lot of weight. BUT she still needs to lose more and eat healthy. And yes, everything else you said too. Well, I could tell she’s a picker. Some people bite their nails, and some pick at their skin. Maybe if she didn’t get those nails done in a very pointy manner, it would be harder to gouge holes in her skin. Those were some sharp looking daggers on the end of her fingers. 😬
As someone who has this condition, it is really amazing to see this handled so well.
I live with it, too, but my therapy and meds are of great support as I have learned to be more mindful and aware of when I feel anxious.
Its hard to get support for me personally for it… but it makes me cry with joy seeing someone be handled so well when and kind…especially when we KNOW and ANDMIT “it’s our own fault”….
Definitely Morgellons Disease...
@@nancyling8976 I am native to Pinellas County Fl. Dr Uppal was just arrested in July 2022 for trafficking drugs.
@@r-erin2go380 LMAOOO
It made so much sense to say that she's transferred her addiction from eating to drinking to itching. I think that's what helped her understand why it's taken over her, because she's been through that before
Yes. I was just thinking that too. Poor girl
Dr. Lee just has so much empathy for her patients. This was basically the same diagnosis as the other doctor that it was a mental issue, but delivered in such empathetic way. Dr. Lee is such a wonderful person.
I went thru the same thing. My dermatologist wrapped my skin tight with gauze and wraps so I couldn’t dig. I was given an itch relief medicine and it finally went away but I have lasting scars. Mine started as an OCD thing after my son brought home scabies from school, after that….bugs were always crawling on me. I hope she is doing better and knows she is not alone. It was difficult to accept it was ME!!
Hello Jaime, how are you doing?
I went through something similar. Someone put their hat on me who had lice and being on pain killers (prescribed) it led to me believing I was covered in bugs. It was terrifying. I thank God everyday I got better
@@lenacheney I was also on (and addicted to) pain medications at the time. I also am adhd/ocd so I was on adderall for a bit too, thank God I didn’t get addicted to that. The combo of adderal and pain meds made me itch my skin bloody!
I can understand that. There was one scabies patient at my school and my students were terrified of getting it. I tried to explain that not only was it not in the same classroom but in the same building, but enough students were upset that I said, “ok. We’ll move the class online for a day or two.
I think the fact that Dr. Lee gave her a logical explanation, in that she explained about the location being tied to where she can reach, mixed with compassion made her understand and accept it.
Dr. Lee actually explained the cause, and did it in a kind, compassionate way. She didn't just tell she needed mental health assistance, as other doctors apparently did. She empowered her to take charge of the situation.
Brittney is honestly an incredible person. I've never seen anyone on this show actually accept that they are causing something themselves. She can get through this! Great job Brittney! 👏
No she is not doing this to herself!
That's not what doctor Lee said... She said Brittney scratches as a response to stress. Not exactly the same.
Technically scratching yourself as a response to stress is still harming yourself. My words weren't meant to belittle. She's an incredible person who has overcome difficult obstacles, addictions, etc.
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I love how caring you are when explaining her condition to her, plus giving her things she can do to help her help herself. Building her up. You are so good with people.
I like how the Dr had so much compassion for Brittany.
Now there's a woman's touch. Such a brave lady who has already proven herself strong twice over just needed a calm informed explanation and a good round of positive reinforcement. Yay Dr Lee!
You can go to Mayo clinic they can help you
Godamn snowflake
I'm so glad that she and her father visited Dr. Lee. This is a perfect example of how scratching with her long nails have caused scaring! Dr. Lee, left her with her dignity without insulting her! Dr. Sandra Lee is a Physician, that understands and saves lives! Great episodes!
What a rock ⭐!! 💪
@@shawnasabino7958 Exactly Shawna! 💯
Dr. Lee is so gentle with her patients. She is caring, compassionate, and she never judges. This is what makes her a wonderful doctor ❤
I love that Dr Lee addressed the connection between our mental health and its affects on our bodies. It’s not really just that it was “in her head”, her emotional and mental state was effecting her physically. How you approach this kind of diagnosis makes a huge difference!
Don't give up. I had back surgery and I started to feel like bugs were under my skin. The recovery was long, painful and stressful. I was worried I was starting to do this to take anxiety away and am looking for other outlets. Don't give up it happens but you can do it. Hugs Britney and remember you are amazing. You've gotten over too much to give up now. You're almost there. ❤️☺️
As soon as she said "it feels like bugs under my skin" I thought it may have been neurological. I'm glad Brittany is improving!
Oh Sweet Brittany! I too had weight loss surgery, complications from the surgery (resulting in 9 follow up surgeries), and an addiction to overcome which was completely related to the surgeries. You’re amazing and an inspiration! I too am in the States. Keep taking one foot in front of the other! You’re such a wonderful role model. 💖
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I hope you are now doing well.
I'm so glad that she's improving. Getting that kind of diagnosis would be so hard. Nobody wants to think that everything is just in their head. She's been through so much and I for one am very proud of how far she's come. Losing all that weight to be healthier, facing this diagnosis and doing everything she needs to to fix it, that's very courageous and strong. A lot of people wouldn't even accept that. I really hope that she doesn't look at herself as crazy because she's not. That kind of severe anxiety and stress can do so much to your body.
It absolutely can.
No it is not in her head! She is not doing this to herself!
@@nancyling8976 It doesn't make it less real if it's a psychological condition. Your brain is real and powerful.
@@junbh2 Good point. Her condition is real.
@@nancyling8976 It is "in her head." But yes, that doesn't negate just how serious it actually is. That just means it isn't going to go away with certain drugs.
Huge congratulations to Bethany for overcoming such huge obstacles in her life..A true warrior!! Would not have been easy...And what a compassionate Doctor and a godsend to Bethany...🙏
Aw her daddy is a good support
Dr lee is the kind of doctor we all need. She’s amazing.
Oh my gosh. I have the same thing and my dermatologist said the same thing as Dr. Lee. I pray for you and know that with all the wonderful milestons you've accomplished you can do this! I'm 30 years sober and 22 years not smoking and those are huge milestones for me. It all started when my husband was killed. It's been over 11 years now and I'm in a much better place. You can do this!
For me..when she says it is mental health related I think it’s just as serious. Her symptoms are speaking to her and they show she needs help.
Bless you; my heart hurts for you. I pray you life continues to improve.
I hope this works out for her. She's obviously tried SO hard to overcome issues. She deserves to keep healing.
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These conditions are so common. I myself had something similar when I was younger and in forster care. I literally pulled all of my own Eyelashes out as a coping mechanism. I wish more doctor were this tactful when addressing the traumatic issue that lead to physical ones
My mother has that same condition and passed it to me by picking at me. Trichotillomania. It is a minor form of self-harm. I do better most days now that I am older. When I was younger i would remove entire eyebrows or rows of eyelashes. My mother almost never has her eyelashes or eyebrows. Not being around her anymore helps a lot.
Always crazy to see what anxiety can do to your body. I used to have bad stomach burns, muscle cramps, faintness, and when I started taking anti anxiety meds and seeing a therapist, it all went away. I also began to have dermatitis and that unfortunately, isn't going anywhere but it's manageable. I consider myself lucky that I seeked help before getting something really serious that wouldn't just go away with a mild antidepressant.
A "friend" of mine used to say that it was all in my head, that I did it to myself and I just had to chill and stop being dramatic because my life isn't stressful.
Therapy helped me realize that it's not voluntary, it's not something you can control, it just happens. Nobody knows what you're going through so they have no right judging or telling you to chill.
Find help, take care of yourself, be patient with yourself and get rid of those who refuse to understand!
This is why Dr. Lee is a sought-after doctor! She's a human first 💜
Only Dr. Lee could say in essence, “It’s all in your head,” not mockingly, but rather backed up with a scientific explanation that wouldn’t put a patient on the defensive or be made to feel as if they are being dismissed.
Her diagnoses made perfect sense, and validates the mind/body connection, and how things like stress can affect more than just our minds. I hope Brittany will check back in again and let us know how she is doing. Wishing her lots of positive vibes and good healing.
When the skin itches/crawls nonstop, not scratching is so difficult. I'm so proud of Brittany's efforts!
So proud of her! She’s been through so much. Dr. Lee is great at not creating a situation where a patient would feel defensive.
One of the reasons I became a Dr. Lee fan - way before she was every famous - was how well and how kindly she would explain these things. I have an undiagnosed condition on my arm pits & I use to be embarrassed by them, doctors dismissed me, but watching this channel helped me understand my own skin and how to take care of it better. More importantly though, she showed me that other people have similar experiences and it’s nothing we did wrong or anything we should be ashamed of. If she wasn’t a dermatologist she would be amazing therapist but I feel like she is both ❤❤❤
Bless her heart, I am so glad her dad is there with her, she deserves support for everything she’s overcoming
It’s not so much that this was in her mind, Dr. Lee explained WHY it was happening. Not ‘you’re crazy’ but rather, ‘you have had a lot thrown at you and this is your mind’s reaction to the stress.’ She quantifies Brittany’s accomplishments to this point, and uses that to encourage her to work toward overcoming this as well. Kudos to her, and Kudos to Dad for being the bastion of support his daughter needs.
I wish I could “heart” this instead of just “like” !!! Dr. Lee is an example of how compassion and respect for the patient is so important to the healing process! Bless you Dr. Lee! I wish there were more doctors like you!
Her skin looks amazing in the update pics at the end. Well done Brittany on your weight loss and over coming your alcohol addiction xx
All these doctors in TLC and others are angels to help these patients.
Dr. Lee has such compassion for her patient's. She makes them feel empowered and like they can do things they never thought they could do. She's an angel
I'm a picker, too, due to mental illness anxiety. It's quite difficult to handle, and I have bouts. It began when I moved back in with my abusive dad. My family and friends understand and are quite supportive. I often pick and am not aware until I draw blood. That's when the sores can then become infected. It's awful, and I feel for anyone who suffers from this result of anxiety. My best to her and all others.
Me too ♡
I am also a picker. I have so many skin cancers that get itchy and sore and I will scratch them raw in my sleep. I will sit and dig at my sores to get the pain gone. I absolutely know that this is stress related. I keep my nails as shirt as possible.
I have the same condition, although not as severe right now. I think it’s key to note the lack of awareness the person has when they’re actually picking at it. For me it often happens while I’m sleeping as well. This makes it harder to manage and you wake up seeing them and feeling like you’ve failed again. People manage stress and anxiety in so many ways, but for it to physically cause itching to me is a huge mystery and would love to see more research done on this. I feel like the first key to recovery is awareness of what’s CAUSING the itching, which is not the itching or picking itself. Most people just try to tell you how to stop picking, or try to get you to stop. But the itch is still there and if you’re doing it in your sleep how can you resolve it? My family has finally started to notice that whenever the conversation gets heated or uncomfortable or people start getting angry, I start itching on my face. Even I was not aware for the longest time but now I am starting to see patterns.
I could be a poster child for picking
I can be like that as well. That's why I keep my nails short as possible.
It doesn't matter if it's mental or physical it's still painful and a real condition.
Thank you for validating this. I am in the midst of this exact struggle and no one close to me understands what this is like. I appreciate you. ❤️
@@caolet518 Anytime. ❤️
Well ya but the treatment is different which is why they needed the diagnosis so they can actually get help that will get then better
@@bunchagrapes no one is implying that isn't true. This is a validating statement to those that have been told "you're hurting yourself on purpose for attention and are crazy, this is all just in your head". Because I've seen it myself, this is largely a subconscious issue..and the brain is a very powerful thing. Just because something has a mental causation does not mean it isn't fully valid and deserve the same medical attention ans compassion.
You just have got to love Dr. Lee. She seems like such a wonderful person - in every way! Kind, funny, smart, empathetic etc. etc.
I love how compassionately Dr. Lee was with her. Not everyone needs this approach, but Dr. Lee saw that she did.
From one Brittany (who also "picks" due to anxiety) to another, you got this babe! I believe in you and we're all routing for you!! 💜
I do this too. Thank you for sharing your stories.
I do it too. Must stop
From a third, who both picks and pulls, you all got this, rooting for you too! 💞
I have dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking) and the hair pulling version (trichotillomania) and it definitely can get better. I used to pick till I bled, all over my face, chest and shoulders (I have hypermobility allowing me to pick my shoulders). I would spend 2-3 hours A NIGHT picking. I actually just watched this after a small "pick session" which luckily I was able to stop quickly. It's something you CAN control with the right support and help. And if not gone completely, it can go from ruling your life like it did me, to being managed and not so much of a monster anymore. To anyone struggling with skin picking, there's plenty of support available now, I recommend the Picking Me Foundation as a good place to start, along with going "public" about your issue to a few close people so they can hold you accountable in a gentle way and when you have the anxiety or stress that makes you want to pick, you can talk to them instead.
I also highly recommend getting professional help. It may seem daunting but being on medication to reduce those stress levels and therapy to help you cope in a healthier way does work to reduce the urges. It is somewhat of an addiction and as with any other addiction, it's hard to overcome on your own.
Omg it's a Brittany thing 😳 😅❤ me too....
I know of someone with a similar “problem”. Anxiety and depression can manifest in what feels like peculiar ways. When we feel stressed we bite our lips, scratch, and rub as a way of expending nervous energy. Brittany has found out what is going on and she is taking steps to help it. I think she’s amazing - keep going girl… your on the right track ((hugs))
I was hoping Dr. Lee would have said "this is not your fault ", or something like that. But the Good Dr. Is infallibly sensitive. This will be one of my favorite episodes, and thanks for the 12 week update. You've got this, girlfriend! Lots of us are behind you!
The trouble also becames that when you tell people directly "it's not your fault" for situations like this is, it can understood that (either consciously nor not) the fundamental cause of their problem can't be related to their behaviour if their not at fault, ergo changing their actions is out of the scope of possible solutions to resolve their problem.
This is why I love this doctor! Her empathy and grace in delivering that diagnosis is beyond compare.
I worked in the ER and ICU so I speak from experience.
Super proud of that woman for owning it and addressing it!!! She's gorgeous and I hope she has nothing but good things to look forward to 🙏
I cried over this as a parent. Prayers for her and her dad stay strong!
Hello Kimberlie, how are you doing?
Congratulations, Brittany! You’re on your way to resolving your issues. We all believe in you and we all wish the very best for you!
Just shows how a compassionate doctor can reach a patient. I'm so happy Britney is overcoming this. She can do it! Pray she gets better and better, that she has a life full of joy and health. Yet remembers we can not see how precious those joyful moments are without the struggles in-between.
For me, in a way, this situation hits really close to home. I am a person with extremely high anxiety and sensory processing issues. And unintentionally I scratch all over my arms, hands, and fingers to cope. According to those around me, I have been doing it most of my life. It just didn’t get severe until I became a preteen, and it got worse from there. After many burns, scars, and infections, I was diagnosed with dermatillomania (and trichitillomania as well). I still struggle with it a lot, but I’m working on finding positive outlets for my emotions and stress. As well as trying to stay aware of my body in the present moment. Trying to stop a habit like this, is like trying to stop an addiction. Because at some point it feels like it’s all you’ve ever known. And even with it’s downsides, if works and serves a purpose. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t feel the need to do it. But I am just sharing my thoughts and experience. If anyone else is struggling with anything similar, please remember that you are not alone. And you aren’t weak for struggling or needing help. Sending love! -Gracie
Dr Lee has helped me from a previous episode where a patient had something similar. I have dry skin on my legs and get eczema occasionally, I scratch my legs every day leaving them covered in bumps and and rashes. it used to get really bad. but in that episode she helped the patient realize they weren't scratching when they were outside of the home and I realized it the same for me ! it just clicked. I was doing this to my legs. I developed a habit of scratching to the point of scarring my legs up and I've become so conscious of the problem my skin has improved a lot. i wonder how many other people are suffering from something like this.
Adderall causes it for me. Or any other super strong adhd med
I think the key is not only a proper diagnosis but also giving support and practical suggestions of how to cope. And helping emphasize the strength she has previously shown can help her tap into that and give her hope she can succeed. The power of the mind and a caring doctor together is amazing.
Stress can do weird things. I lost the feeling in most of my body, I kept getting tingling sensation like pins and needles and my hands were shaking so bad I couldnt hold a phone or a pen. I had bloods done as B12 deficiency or low folic acid can do that. All normal, I was just stressed. I took a month off of work, focus on relaxing and it went away eventually.
Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine what you must’ve gone through. I really commend you for taking the time of self discovery to deal with the stress you were having. Good Luck 😊
Ppl are killing themselves with their pursuit for success and just wasting their life.
There are other ways to make a good living without struggle... The information is here now! 🌞🌈⚡
Yup, I developed a legitimate heart condition during a very stressful time in my life (ending an abusive relationship and fighting to keep my two young sons safe from him, then subsequently going into hiding and relocating). I had constant severe tachycardia (accelerated heart rate) and my resting heart rate was consistently over 150 bpm, light cardio had it getting close to 200 bpm. My doctor put me on an ECG when I went to see him because I was feeling very unwell, and it showed that I was having a myocardial infarction (a heart attack - the kind that is caused by unusual electrical activity in the heart, not the kind from blocked arteries thankfully). After a trip to the ER, I was urgently referred to a cardiologist, and ultrasounds of my heart showed physical changes - an enlarged atrium - and I was put on beta blockers. The cardiologist told me that I would be on those meds and need regular check ups for life. The condition completely disappeared over several months once we were safe, and I was able to come off the heart medication. My heart went back to looking normal and healthy on ultrasound and my heart rate has stayed within normal levels in the 7 or so years since (it's still faster than average because I have pretty bad anxiety, but not dangerously so). It's crazy how stress can cause actual physiological changes and damage! It still blows my mind that my heart went from looking visibly changed on ultrasound to normal again once the stress was alleviated. I'm glad that you made a full recovery too :) That must have been very scary for you to be having neurological symptoms like that!
I have multiple chronic health & pain diagnoses. This isn’t me but I know exactly how she feels because of all the times I was dismissed by doctors who couldn’t figure out the problem. It’s so much easier for them to say “you’re a hypochondriac” or “you’re an addict & you just want pain meds” than it to say “I don’t know what this is but we’ll figure it out together”. When you find that doctor who is willing to admit that they don’t understand, it’s a life changer. Doctors who actually want to help their patients need to figure out how to give this kind of information without blaming the patient. Dr Lee needs to have a class where she teaches compassion to healthcare workers because a lot of them have no idea how to treat patients as humans
I have chronic pain, too, and a year after my first hip replacement I went in to my surgeon’s office because my hip was going out on my and ALL my hip related pain had returned 1 year after my surgery. of my hip and the doctor came in and told me that my hip was perfect and I was only there to try to get pain meds !! 😢. I couldn’t hardly believe my ears! It was the beginning of my pain story
@@Nan-59 I’m sorry that happened to you. Try to keep seeing new doctors until you find a good one. Be honest about the fact that you’re looking for a new doctor because my GP (family doctor) was recommended by a different doctor because she understood what I was looking for & where to find it. Good luck ❤️
@@Nan-59very sadly, this is a common story. Doctors struggle to quantify what they don’t understand and often make very snap judgements based on that
You were straight with this Brittney and it is so hard for her. I love how you can help her. Keep being your wonderful self Dr Lee.
She seems like a really strong person and she’s so beautiful. I wish her the absolute best
The patient didn’t get a bad diagnosis from the previous doctor; she git a bad delivery (explanation) of the diagnosis. It’s altogether different to say a condition is stress induced instead of “it’s all in your head” which automatically pisses anyone off.
I never thought a Dr. Pimple Popper episode could give me so many feels. Everything about this was so inspiring and wonderful to see.
Sandra, I commend you for the way you handled this diagnosis. It takes a truly caring doctor to deliver news that may be difficult for a client to understand, acknowledge and accept. You are one incredible person!!!
❤❤❤
Oh Britney, I fee for you with the anxiety. I also went through weight loss surgery and have trouble easing the anxiety. Dr Lee, I love how you explain things so well to people. Too many doctors put judgement alongside diagnoses, it’s so unhelpful and makes people put walls up. ❤❤ I’d love to see another update for her.
Brittany is so sweet - congratulations on your sobriety ❤
When Dr. Lee told her she was doing it to herself and she agreed, her dad looked fit to be tied
😂
LMAO 🤣😂🤣
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 he looked like wtf
I can just see this poor girl holding back tears the whole time 🥺 hopefully she will get better and her quality of life with improve along with that! 💜
I'm so proud of this girl for listening and taking the steps to heal herself. The worst problems we can have are mental because our brain just can not see it. It has to be seen from the outside.
I had a hard time understanding that I had post partum depression because I was just tired and weak. I didn't know that could be how it displayed. Lucky my husband was very careful when he was telling me I should talk to my doctor about it.
Brittany: you are a brave and giving soul to put yourself out on the internet. By sharing this way so many other people can take guidance and courage and also get help. Thank you for sharing this important message for so many. Wishing you all the best on your path forward.
Dr. Lee is so amazing and compassionate.
She is to be commended for allowing this diagnosis to sink in, as well as being willing to take measures to stop herself from continuing the behavior. If she is not in talk therapy, I would highly recommend that as her next step, so she can stop a new habit from forming, such as taking too much medication. Once she sorts out some of the reasons she does things like this, like issues from her past, for instance, then she will be stronger and more resilient for her future. I will pray for her and her full recovery.
I look at the distribution (it only affects areas she can reach) and immediately think Dermatitis artefacta.
Proper explanation without blame or saying ‘it’s all in your head’ is paramount to patient self management. Well done Doc, from a felllow doc.
Doctors who can explain fully and respectfully - Perfection! 🥰
I have this!!! Have for 10 years!! I will discuss this with my PCP!! Thank you Dr. Lee❤
I am so proud of this lady! She has come so far and fought tough battles and overcome. I feel she will go far. She has the support of her family and that means a lot too! They will survive this and be able to help someone else get through it too in the future.
What a beautiful young woman! I hope that she finds peace in her life and is able to overcome this.❤️
She seems like a sweet girl. So glad she got the answers she needed , and good job Dr Lee being awesome as always.
Dr. lee is the best doctor ever she gives so many people hope
I understand what she’s been through (I’m a recovering addict) and I commend her for the work she’s done. I also went through a phase where I would, sometimes unconsciously, pick at sores until they became red and infected. What I’ve learned is that the DISEASE of addiction will manifest in many ways. I got clean from drugs and alcohol and went to gambling, sex and many other manifestations of addiction. If you’re an addict, it will come at you from every aspect of life hoping to get you back. She needs some serious help on changing her thinking. NA, AA and even counseling from a counselor that UNDERSTANDS addiction is the only thing that’s going to help her at this point. Even if she doesn’t want to attend 12 step meetings ( I seriously think she should) she should take a serious look at the 12 steps and 12 traditions of those programs and try to apply them to her life. In fact I think EVERYONE could use the steps and traditions in their life, they teach us how to cope, especially in stressful times. I learned early in recovery that the steps teach me how to deal with me and the traditions teach me how to deal with you.
Seeing Dr.Lee is a great start. Such a caring doctor helps tremendously. Hopefully, some relief. God bless💜
when she said "it is in my head" i was a bit worried- yes the starting point is mental but the pain and itching is real and causes the condition to be self-fulfilling! but im so happy she's found ways to improve it. i dont envy everything shes been through and i admire that shes made it this far. good luck brittany u can do it!
I am a self-mutilator as well. Always have been since I was a kid. I am so glad to see that she is accepting it. I hope she is able to heal.
Chigger bites
Wow, she is amazing. What she has gone through. The drinking, to be able to quit drinking! That's huge! She's a strong woman.
Well done, Britney!! Such a strength... World is watching. You are an inspiration for any person in your situation. Congratulations!!
YOU GO, GIRL‼️‼️‼️🥰🥰🥰
What a wonderfully brave, beautiful, and amazing person you are to share this daunting and painful journey with anyone who has an internet connection. You are filled with grace and generosity and my greatest hope for you is that your innate compassion is turned towards most the person who deserves it most: your own self.
Sending you love, courage and a zillion hugs.
Bravo to Brittany for her ability to take the doctor's advice. Awesome!
Oh hi, fellow BFRB lady!
I recognized it immediately. It's one of the hardest addictions to break bc everywhere you go, your body does so it's so easy to go back to picking, pulling, and digging at our skin, nails, teeth, or hair.
I hope she can find more healing! I loved how Dr Lee said that It doesn't mean that you're a lesser person bc of it. Very empathic way to treat someone.
Britney, you have over come so much in your life and I have faith in you that you will over come this as well. I saw the ending of this video showing you at 10 post visit with Doctor Lee and you have already made such great progress! Thank you Doctor Lee for helping her and so many others that come to see you!
In my younger days I was told so many times that my dermatitis was emotional, and I had relaxation pills prescribed, and they didn't work. Finally one dermatologist diagnosed a rare fungus infection, prescribed an antifungal drug, and it cleared up in a week and a half. Never came back. So, mistakes can go either way.
I also have neurotic dermatitis--what I call "stress itch" on both arms. It is extremely painful, and when the itching starts, I can scream out in pain and cry. I know it's based in my thoughts, and I try vigilantly to live a peaceful life and use my CBT skills. When it is unbearable, I use ice packs and literally freeze the nerve endings. Sometimes I cannot go out because I have to stay inside with ice packs on my arms. I've been to doctors for over 40 years and tried lots of lotions and pills. Nothing worked. Not one person has been as compassionate and understanding as Dr. Lee.
This woman's testimony is sad by she's brave to tell. I LOVE her dads support
Brittany! You are awesome and you are a fighter! Not a victim! I loved seeing you accept the doctors advice because I knew it was the beginning of your healing! Congratulations and best wishes beauty!
My heart goes out to this young woman, Britney you are beautiful inside and out! That’s such a hard thing to hear, that something so traumatizing is your “fault”, but she’s decided to not take it as a slight to her character and kick the compulsion’s ass!
This would be a hard thing to accept. Knowing that you are causing your own pain and suffering. I hope she gets the counseling she needs and heals up well.
I saw Dr Lee with another woman with the same condition on another episode. This consultation & delivery of diagnosis in this episode was so much better and in turn appears better outcome for Brittany. Any condition presenting with a physical symptoms but a psychological underlying cause is just as real. I wish more health professionals would spend the time to explain, treatment plan & be sensitive more often.