Scalp-picking... ._.

This really irritating habit started more than 2 years ago. I remember my scalp was very dry then, and then I kept scratching it. It didn't have any abnormalities on it...then for some odd reason I thought it did and kept scratching...so now there's scabs on my scalp and whenever I scratch them out again...the injured area bleeds and generally freaks everyone out. This year, I'm trying my best to stop...and I've only gone about one day without scratching it. :\ I would very much like to know who has this problem as well...and has successfully overcome it. (:

Much thanks in advance. (:

I don't pick at my scalp, but I do pull my hair out - or did, until 17 months ago. Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) is an impulse control disorder, and I think skin picking might be as well.

What worked for me is becoming more aware of when I was pulling my hair out, and also trying to avoid temptation wherever possible. You could try writing down each time you pick at your scalp and what you're feeling at the time, to see if there's anything that triggers it. (For me, it's when I'm bored, or worrying about something.) Avoiding temptation is the hard one - I try and keep my hands busy so I don't have one spare to go to my head, and if that's not enough I'll put on a hat or tie my hair back.

An important thing to remember is that when you're trying to stop doing something like this, it's absolutely fine if you relapse! Just try not to let it discourage you. This has got to be the fourth time at least that I've tried to quit, and it's been by far the most successful attempt.

Hope I helped a little, and good luck!

<font color="purple"> sort-of do both, not as much now, but I definately have my episodes. It used to be pretty bad when I was a kid, picking until I bled in several areas. I was really paranoid of having head lice as a kid- so I'd keep picking and picking so I could constantly check for nits.Now it's more of less the 'abnormalites' thing. </font>

Here's a question/answer article from "Ask the Therapist" here at PsychCentral, maybe it has advice that will help you:

http://psychcentral.com/ask-the-ther...g-how-to-stop/

Hi ((((((((59noKoibito)))))))))))

I don't normally offer advice in this forum, but I saw your subject title so I decided to pop in.

I will admit... in the beginning, I started picking at my scalp way back in high school. It helped with my anxiety ... only problem was, it progressed until it became a self-injuring behaviour, where I was seeking the pain and not really a release from any anxiety.

However, I'm not saying this is you... just stating where I'm coming from.

It could be just a bad habit (like someone nail biting) or it could be some sort of compulsion ... it could serve you as a form of anxiety release, or it could be a situation like myself.

I did pretty much overcome it though as a compulsion... mostly keeping my hands busy all the time and when people start noticing it, it can get rather embarassing to explain why you've got a bunch of scabs. Not so much fun.

Why do you think you do it? Do you know the underlying reason? What do you "get" out of doing it? If you can figure those things out, even a bit ... you're a bit closer to finding a way to stop.

Wishing you much luck - PM me if you want to chat.

Thank you to all your replies. I'm glad to know I'm not the only person with this strange habit. (:

Rio...I just realised I only pick when I'm stressed/bored. I've got to find a way to keep my hands busy then. :]
>Kaika: I hate it when it bleeds...but whenever the scab bleeds I seem to feel marginally better- maybe it's the endorphins working?
>Perna: Thank you. The article helped! I'll try some of the tips in there.
>Christina: That's a point to ponder...now that I think about it I don't really get anything out of it...except maybe just a slight relief from whatever I'm doing right at that moment.
And yeah...explaining the scabs on my head to my aunt and my mother weren't good...and the bad thing is that my cousin seems to have this scalp-picking habit as well. Hers is still mild; so I don't want her to end up like me now. Guess my best option now is to figure out a way to stop this and hopefully, help my cousin as well. Either that or continue putting antiseptic cream, lol. (:

The doctor can give you an ointment that you can put on your scabs when you are tempted to scratch them so they'll heal.

I wouldnt say I have it bad or that its really a problem, but last time i burnt my scalp when bleaching my hair, i had a couple small scabbies on my scalp and when i ran my fingers through my hair i could feel them and i just wanted to get them off there.

omg...

i kinda do that aswell

like.. i scratch my hands and my head to get all the dry skin and stuff off

i dont even really know why, it just seems normal

god only knows why we do such things that we cannot find an explanation for.