Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Excoriate
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Excoriate: To scratch or wear off the skin resulting in an abrasion. Skin picking disorder (SPD) (also called excoriation disorder) is characterized by deliberate and repetitive picking, scratching, rubbing, digging, or squeezing of skin, resulting in tissue damage. It is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).