Dermatophagia and dermatillomania are serious conditions often seen in those suffering from OCD. These are compulsions that cause us to pick and bite at our skin, causing painful wounds as well as enduring shame. I know these feelings all too well, and this pattern is my best attempt at finding a solution that works for myself.

The half-gloves are simple crocheted tubes that stretch over my thumbs and forefingers, which are the ones on which I fixate the most and to which I do the most damage. Covering them removes the visual and tactile cues which could trigger an episode, and covering the nails makes it harder to scratch and pick. The gloves also make me more aware of my hands, and help to combat the compulsions.

I cannot say whether they will work for you, but if there is any chance, I urge you to try them and see.

CONSTRUCTION
Each half-glove is worked in a single piece, from the top of the thumb to the base, then immediately crochet the chain cord to connect to the forefinger, then from the base of the forefinger to the tip. The magic circle start is used to create the initial loop.

The pattern is written for these two fingers but may be modified for any others; for example, creating a half-glove from the thumb to the middle finger involves much the same process.