Compulsive Scab Picking

[L Bradley]

Since you often receive queries about "scab picking", I thought that perhaps you could help me make known a website that I have founded where this may be discussed....link follows.  Also, if you have any information to contribute to the site, it will be appreciated.

Dermatillomania : "self excoriation", "scab picking".

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dermatillomania


Thank you!

[dottie]

Hi.  I've been combing the web myself for some help with my picking.  When I was a child I always picked at my legs -- they were forever scarred with scabs, bug bites, etc.  As I got older it eventually lead to my face.  I am now 35 years old with two beautiful daughters.  I hate the fact that they see me picking at my face.  I have mild acne but it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't pick at it.  I will have 3-6 scabs on my face and 1-2 on my legs and arms going at one time.  I HATE IT!!!  But I can't seem to make myself stop.  I'm finally seeing a therapist who put me on Celexa.  Only two weeks on and I haven't really seen an improvement but I know it will take time.  I have so many other wonderful qualities and if I didn't pick my face I would be a beautiful woman.  I'm a runner and have been for 15 years.  How can I be so disciplined in one area and not beable to overcome this.  If anyone is interested in a support group on-line please e-mail me at ***@****.  Good luck to all.

[ac]

I am 22 years old.  I have been unable to control my compulsion to pick scabs since I was a child (6 or 7 years old).  I have scabs all over my body, mostly my scalp and legs.  I have not found help anywhere.  This is the first evidence I have even come across that there are other people like me out there!

[Christy]

HI,
I am also a compuslive scab picker.  I have sooooo many scabs on my head and legs.  I just can't stop picking....what has helped anyone.  I am trying to stop but just can't.  I work but will go to work and go to the bathroom just to pick.  Help
christy

[BF__]

I TOO HAVETHIS PROBLEM, 26 YEARS OLD, SUCCESSFUL AT WHAT I DO, NO OTHER HEALTH OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS, BUT MY MINOR ADULT ACNE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE I PICK.  ACNE, BUG BITS, ANYTHING.  I EVEN CUT MY FINGERNAILS TO THE QUICK HOPING THAT WILL HELP, BUT ONLY A FEW DAYS PASS AND i AM PICKING AGIAN.  I AM GOING TO CHECK OUT THAT WEBSITE.  IT'S NICE TO KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ADULT WHO HASN'T YET FOUND A WAY TO CONTROL HER OWN FINGERTIPS!
IT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING TO FIND OUT ABOUT RESEARCH ON THIS.  I REMEMBER EVEN WHEN I WAS YOUNG A FASCINATION WITH ANY SCRATCHES OR SCRAPES I GOT.

[MC]

hi, i'm 22 and have scars all over my body from picking my scabs my whole life, and I still do it...It seems to be uncontrollable. are there any sites on the web for advice, i've searched, and haven't found any yet.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear L. Bradley,

Thank you for the information.