I saw the questions to compulsive scab picking and had to respond because I've been searching the net and this is the first mention of it I could find. I'm 34 and have had this problem since early teen years. I usually pick at my skin and scabs in places that don't show or can be hidden w/ clothing: legs, upper arms, but will also pick at exposed areas as well. It is embarassing and I want to and have tried to stop for years, but just can't do it. I will pick at cuts and scrapes and make them worse or if I don't have a cut or scrape I will pick at blemishes and cause a scab to form. I'm generally able to stay away from picking at my face. Like R.S., I otherwise function fine in life, I'm married w/ a child, and have a job. My wife has likewise been non-judgemental. I'd llike to say understanding, but to be honest, I don't understand my compulsion myself. I do not consider myself as OCD, but can see some aspects of it in this. My question is: WHAT CAUSES THIS AND HOW CAN I STOP?