Is it SI or something else?

I don't know if anyone else does this but I have this problem with scratching my scalp until it bleeds... Haven't told anyone about it except when my hairdresser saw the scabs and commented on them - I said it was a stress thing (and maybe it is). I just can't really stop myself from doing it. Sorry if this is TMI but I find it strangely satisfying to scratch all around my hairline and also pull scabs off so that the cuts become bigger and bleed. Yes, I know this is unhealthy and not normal but I can't really help it... Does anyone else do something similar? I have been known to SI but it hasn't happened in a while... Maybe it's just an anxiety/nervous habit or something.

I think it's classified as SI as you know it's bad for you, and you do it as a response to an emotion...
My 2 cents worth

could be a form of OCD... maybe ask on their forum...

I could be a medication side effect as well....start any new meds recently?
It could also be a reaction to stress. Might be SI, but doesn't really fit the profile. I had a roommate once that like to pick at her face when under a lot of stress. So, evaluate your stress level? Could also be the beginning traits of OCD.

Just my opinion...

Hi laur88 I don't know what an SI is, but it could be a form of OCD and/or a reaction to anxiety/stress. I have OCD tendencies when my BP isn't under control. Skully is also correct that it could be a reaction to meds. When did you notice it starting? I know school has been stressful lately, so do you find it increases when stress increases? If you have a therapist I would suggest speaking to him/her about it.

Sounds like it has something to deal with OCD. You should bring it up in their forum and see what they have to say about it. I believe it's a reaction to stress and not so much an SI.

Dermatillomania: Compulsive Skin Picking

What Is Compulsive Skin Picking?

Compulsive Skin Picking (CSP) is a body-focused repetitive behavior that results in the destruction of one's own skin. The face is usually the main target of skin picking, but Compulsive Skin Picking may involve any part of the body. Skin picking is a form of self-mutilation that can be quite serious, as people who suffer from CSP may experience bleeding, bruises, scarring or even permanent damage to the skin.

It is classified by psychiatrists as an impulse control disorder. basically OCD.

its called dermatillomania. its a form of SI, but not because you WANT to bleed or feel pain etc, but its a nervous habit. I have been doing it since i was a young child. ive had several hair stylists tell me to get anti-dandruff shampoo cause when i scratch, a lot of skin flakes fill my hair, like dandruff. its really embarrassing. when i was in middle school i was picking at my scalp in the girls locker room before gym and a bunch of people saw me and thought i had lice and one kid grabbed my head and started looking through my scalp to see if she could see lice, i couldnt get away cause she was too strong. i was so embarrassed. from then on there was a rumor everywhere at school that i had lice. everyone hated me from then on. it sucked. but thats middle school for ya.

I do it too. Always figured it was a stimm when I was anxiious, it could just be anxiety. There are many days that I do it throughout the day but not usually to the point that it bleeds but it has.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm definitely going to bring it up with my pdoc b/c I don't have a therapist (yes, I should have one... new year's resolution is to be more proactive about my mental health).

I never really thought of a correlation between the scratching and nerves/stress but now that I think about it, that may be the case. I don't think it's a med thing because I've done it since wayyy before I ever went on meds. I'm trying to control it by playing with silly-putty but the second I put it down, I unconsciously start scratching... alas! Finals are over next week so hopefully the drop in stress will result in less scratching. I suppose only time will tell!