Picking scabs

[Audball2108]

I have a problem with picking scabs. Not just ones on my arms, legs, or any other normal body part. But my head of all places!!!

It started when I had the habit of scratching my head for no reason what-so-ever. I scratched at it so much that I actually broke skin in a few places, but just little dots. They didn't bleed from what I can tell, but they left a bunch of little scabs all over my scalp. Now I can't stop picking at them!!!

It's grossing my mom out, not to mention that it sometimes burns when I spray my hair with hairspray and a few times it hurt when I was shampooing!

I also have a problem with picking at pimples on my forehead and random, tiny scabs on my arms. I have a bunch of little dot scars on my arms and I'm afraid because I don't want scars from my new found pimple picking addiction

It's a gross, addictive behavior, and I want to stop. Especially since sometimes I feel the need to pick other people's scabs! And that won't go over well when my daughter starts getting scabs from scratching herself or playing outside when she's older. Help?

[Sleepwalker]

I've been in the same boat before, almost exactly. I mean, even the scabs on my scalp... It used to be pretty bad. I don't do this anymore, though. And the biggest thing I did to stop was really just self-control. Unfortunately, I know that's a seemingly impossible thing to do at times. And it really is hard to stop. I really have to distract myself. Forcibly put an object into my hands and make myself hold it so I can't reach up and pick at scabs. Or do some other activity that gets my mind off of it, because the more you think about it, the more you want to do it.

Ahh, even just thinking about this right now is making my scalp itch, even though it's been years now... Must keep my fingers away...

I've heard that picking scabs and not letting things heal is a form of self-harm though. That being said, I don't think what I was doing counted as self-harm, but perhaps that's something you should think about?

In many ways, I suppose it's the same. It can become addictive, and it escalates, and it's very hard to stop.

But it is possible to stop. I did, at least. Maybe you should check out the sticky in the self-harm forum, that talks about things to do instead of injuring yourself? It might not be exactly the same, but I'd bet some of those ideas would help.

Message me if you want! I'll try to help if I can. :] Good luck!

[Nostalgia]

i have this problem too, i pick scabs and pimples too, i also pick the scabs on my head. i thought i was only one who picked scabs on my head.

[Alexx]

I don't have any advice, but if it helps at all; I have the same problem! I'm always picking at scabs, anywhere on my body. I've done it since I was young, & I have scars everywhere. I really don't know what to do =/