[Nike007]

Hello. I have mentioned this before, but now I have gotten rid of one big problem: dandruff. My dandruff shampoo has taken into effect and I don't have dandruff anymore. Problem though: scalp picking. I don't have dandruff, but have some dry skin. I still pick. Before bed, I pick until my arms hurt from holding them up for too long. I haven't seen my pdoc in three months because she can't do therapy with me anymore, and I haven't found someone else due to other issues. I see her next Thursday though. What can I do to stop scalp picking? I cut my nails as short as possible. Doesn't work. I'm getting a really short hair cut soon because of my new gender identity that I haven't shared with anyone but online people so maybe that will help? I don't know. I can't keep doing this because I look awkward doing it in public, the flakes I get from dry skin end on my clothes and I wear dark clothes, so it always shows and I need to brush it off which looks more awkward, and my scalp still bleeds and I pick at scalp scabs. So what have other people done? Maybe I should buy a beanie? I can't wear hats in school though, but maybe it will help at home and work? What about night? I always feel my scalp is itchy, even though there isn't anything there. What can I do? Thanks for your response .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[Skeezyks]

Hello Nike007: Well... I haven't dealt with this particular concern myself. But over the years I have found many things of this sort to do. Every time I have managed to break myself of one habit, I've found another one to take its place. I suppose you could wear gloves. But really it's the underlying anxiety that is driving this habit. And until you are able to deal with that, from my perspective, the rest I fear is just band aids, if you'll excuse the expression.

You might look into the possibility of some kind of topical preparation that would moisturize your scalp. This might be something you would need to see a dermatologist for. But this assumes, of course, that the reason you are picking is because your scalp is dry. And from what you wrote it sounds as thought this is really more of a response to stress. At night, I would guess that gloves or mittens, or even a pair of socks on your hands might help. And also at night you could perhaps wear a knit cap. Good luck finding your solution... I wish you well...

[Nike007]

Thanks for this. I got angry at myself once again because I make myself bleed on the scalp, which them forms scabs, and then I pick at scabs, and the cycle repeats. It's terrible really. I noticed a few days ago I picked off a scab. Sigh. I guess I have been stressed lately. Not as much as before, because I'm not handwashing yet, but I suspect it to happen soon because e CYC I see is leaving in maturity leave. I see a social worker once a month basically, and my pdoc once every three months. I am getting an psychoeducational assessment done so hopefully I will get referred to a therapist or psychologist that does therapy for anxiety and other needs I have. Thanks for the response .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg