RE:RE: Compulsive scab picking

[JS]

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?

[Sandy]

Can I join this club?  I have been picking at myself for over 40 years now -- using all the same adjectives to describe my behavior.  I have been taking Prozac(20mg)for approximately 7 years. I was able to control/stop the picking at myself for years, however the habit has returned.  I did not start taking Prozac for this reason, I have suffered with depression on and off since childhood. After reading some of the postings, I am wondering if perhaps I need to change medications, or have the dosage increased.  So I will call for an appointment, run off a copies of all statements written in this forum.  Present them to my doctor, and for the first time in my life will admit to my doctor that I have this compulsive behavior -- and -- am in need of help.  It is the strangest feeling, to know that you are hurting yourself and at the same time receiving comfort.  I am not the only person in my family to do this to them self -- My sister will tell me to "pick one scab and leave the others alone -- make it your friend". I guess I like having friends.  Making light of the situation isn't helping with trying to break the habit.  What really is upsetting about this habit is that I have become a liar. When people ask about the marks on my skin, I have a set story (always feeling shame and disgusted with my behavior).

[SW]

I have been picking scabs since I was little, but it really wasn't an issue until I was around 12 and those nasty pimples appeared. I'm 18 now and still can't resist popping and picking at already popped pimples. I don't want to do it and have tried to stop cold turkey many times. I just can't stop though. As a result my face is scarred and always has several fresh sores on it. This disgusts me and probably other people too. I pick anywhere that my acne appears (arms, face, and back) and have scars in all aforementioned places. This is incredibly embarrassing and it's hard for me to seek any kind of advice. My doctor never mentioned it. If anyone does mention it, I get defensive and try to change the subject. My plan was that eventually I'll stop picking when my acne disappears, but it doesn't seem as if it'll go away anytime soon. This is really annoying and any suggestions as to what I should do will be greatly appreciated.

[A. S.]

I can't believe I was able to find a whole site of people with my exact problem.  Like the Guest from Dec. 14, I sucked my thumb until I was 9.  I finally stopped and picked my lips until I was somewhere around 14, though I still do ocassionally, and I have always had a thing about picking scabs, but since I was not quite sixteen, I have picked and picked and picked at my scalp.  It is so gross, disgusting, embarrassing. . .I am so afraid of someone noticing, finding out about this gross habit I literally CANNOT make myself stop doing!  I try to, even while I am doing it, but I can't stop.  I fall into a trance and get lost in my own world until the sores are reopened and I dispose of the scabs.  HOW DISGUSTING?!  God, I wonder sometimes what is wrong with me.  I have also rocked back and forth all of my life without even realizing, but that isn't disturbing, just a little weird.  Doctors and my psychologists have always diagnosed me as depressive or borderline depressive, and this impulse doesn't help my condition.  I don't know how to stop, I don't know what's wrong with me, and I fear things inside of myself that lead me to do this.
I'm only 20, so I'm hoping that I'll find a way to stop soon.
I'm just thankful that I found others that know my pains.
A.S.

[guest]

Me 2.  I'm on Paxil...no good.  Sucked my thumb 'til I was 11, stopped then picked my lip 'til I was 13, then stopped and have been picking my head for 17 yrs.  Dr's. have no clue, I've found.  Most have superficial thoughts and diagnoses.  I want to stop, but it gets worse when I'm anxious or before menstruation.  It's disgustingly embarrassing, too.  I wish a Dr. would respond that has successfully treated people like us.

[sue]

I was searching the web.. trying to see if there is anything..that could possibly resemble my disgusting habit/obsession.. Compulsive Scab Picking. this is the first time I have ever typed it.. never even said the words out loud to anyone.  I do think..this habit contributed to my divorce.  I have been picking since I was a baby.. my mother said..that I would pick and pick my diaper rashes..and she would come in after my naps..and be covered in blood. I still am picking.. when i go to bed.. i pick at my legs..and hips.. at blemishes..and i have usually about 15 the size of quarters now!! I  can't stop.. It is conforting.. in my stress filled world!!  I can not let a man..see me naked..in fear he would ever see this side of me.  So alone.. I pick.. I am a together woman.. and mother.. but, this nasty obsession.. WHY DO I DO THIS?? WHAT ELSE CAN I DO BESIDES GO ON DRUGS???  HELLLLPPPP

[Christi]

I posted a response earlier.  I started taking Zoloft exactly 2 weeks ago.  I started on 50 mg.  While I am still picking, I am not doing it as frequently and the places on my scalp are healing a bit.  They seem less irritated.  I don't know if being on the medication longer will help or taking a higher dose.  I am going to see after a month and possibly up the dose and see if I can stop this gross habit. This is the only aspect of my life that I feel is out of control and am compulsive about.  I truly consider this OCD, because I cannot make myself stop and it is almost trance like when I do it.  I am afraid of causing a cancer or something, yet that fear doesn't make me stop.  It is so comforting to know that others have the same problem.