[shezbut]

I feel so ashamed of this activity, but I'm compelled to secretly pick at scabs.

I use antibiotic ointment, nexcare bandages, and verbally tell myself to stop....Yet, I'm still compelled to pick at my scabs. They itch and burn, they bug me! Why do I do this, even though I KNOW it's not a good thing?? uggghhhh!

[lynn P.]

It could be OCD related - OCD manifests itself in many ways and varying degrees. It takes courage to admit this and don't be too hard on yourself I've heard of this problem before and had a question in the Q&A section where the poster picks and eats the scabs. I wonder if wearing gloves would help or I suppose this would be impractical. Would rewarding yourself work or distracting yourself?

[shezbut]

Thanks for responding lynn P I greatly appreciate it!

I don't know if rewarding myself would work. I have tried distractions, but I move onto some other bad thing (like picking at split ends on hair). Weird! I'll have to try the reward thing.

[jexa]

I have this problem too.. don't know what to tell you as far as how to make it better, since I have been unsuccessful. But I can relate!