This paper discusses the initial work of constructing a "skin of words" in a case where a patient made scratches on her arms - which she called "jabbing" or "poking". She would scratch herself to the edge of pain, which she called a commotion. This "commotion pain" was understood as a manifestation of the life drive, with the action directed toward separation, individuation and the confirmation of another different from herself.
Skin scratches; commotion; life drive; separation