Compulsive Scalp Picking

[Christi797]

I am 28 years old and have picked scabs on my scalp since I was about 12 years old.  Normally I find little imperfections, possibly dandruff or dry scalp, and I pick at it until it becomes a scab.  Once a scab develops, I find myself uncontrollably picking at it, so it usually never heals or takes an extremely long time or another scab to develop to stop.  Right now, I have a total of six scabs that I have created on my scalp.  When I am picking I can't necessarily say that it relieves stress like I have found on some of the other web sites, but more of an obsession that I can't control.  I have been treated for depression and PTSD, but have never mentioned my compulsive picking.  I have been prescribed both Zoloft and Prozac with Klonopin for the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but I still seem to pick at me head.  The kicker is that I also do this in my sleep.  I will literally wake up with blood under my nails.  What treatment options are there other than medication?  Should I tell my primary care physician or should I talk to a psychiatrist?  What are some of the causes of this, could it be OCD?  I don't really have any sort of rituals like you see or read about or extreme fears, but I can not seem to stop picking at my scalp, and although I am not pulling at my hair, I am noticing hair loss.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

[SoulfulSunshine]

Beautiful, heartfelt reply.  As a mother of a teenager who picks their scalp and a therapist, I have to say I'm really impressed with what you suggested.  I'm actually going to gently introduce your meditative conceptual framework.  It's a place I come from though I have to admit I do get irritated by the picking at times which I know actually can worsen anxiety & escalate the behavior.  So, THANK YOU for sharing gentle and respectful solutions that are about true HEALING!  Blessings to you!

[SoulfulSunshine]

Excellent suggestions that are behavior oriented to support success! I'm a licensed therapist and have a teenager who picks at their head often.  They are a high achieving student and involved in numerous extracurricular activities.  It appears stress related.  Anyone who knows how talented & determined they are would say "well of course, they have so much on their mind".

Super job on developing a program which helped you address this type of coping mechanism in a manner that worked.  I love that you shared useful, doable ideas on this site as people could leave this blog feeling "well, gosh...how am I ever going to stop this?" With your input, it shows that it's POSSIBLE to curtail picking one's scalp.  Blessings to you~

[717475]

It's called Dermatillamania. I thought it was from coloring my hair too much, but it's only on the crown of my head. My doctor told me to use Nizoral shampoo everyday for 2 weeks. Sorry, can't wash my hair every day, my hair was falling out from under active thyroid, then this. I've always had beautiful long hair, but it was thinning. After my thyroid med. kicked in, takes about 6 months, I could tell my hair was getting thicker and fuller again. I still have the compulsion to pick, I find myself even doing it in public, and stop.  My two best friends at work fuss at me to stop when they see me. Take Prozac and Chlnazapam  for years. I did take up knitting, but that was just for pleasure not to keep me hands busy. I just can't stop. I feel their getting well and I start all over. But what made it start in the first place? Hair color?

[Pisces1981]

Please be safe if you are using something sharp.  I am a picker as well.. I admit it.. my therapist pointed that out today..  lol
I guess its just a nervous habit.  

[Ricemilk]

I find that it helps to wear a hat like a beret or something similar or to cross my pointer finger and long(est) finger or to wear gloves or those booties they give you in a hospital or clinic for your feet (but wear them on your hand(s.)
I often pick the wounds on my scalp or scratch my head when I'm reading or otherwise sedentary and these things help.

[Ricemilk]

I certainly reward (compliment, praise) you on all your implementation to try to stop your skin gouging. I do it too and will try some of your techniques. All the Best to you in your endeavor!