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?

[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

[mjd]

Hey JS...thanks for sharing your story.  I'm a 27 year-old woman who suffers from the same problem that you've described, only I've had it since I was literally just a baby and I unfortunately can't even keep away from my face...it's a terribly embarrassing problem that's difficult to talk about to others (ie. family and friends) because they just don't understand why I can't stop.  I really don't understand the complusion myself either...I've tried talking to a psychotherapist many years back, but it wasn't very helpful.  I recently discussed the problem briefly with my doctor who recommended possible medication to try to alleviate the problem.  I was, however, nursing my second child at the time so it wasn't an option then, but I don't think I'm comfortable taking medication for treatment anyway. Ideally,I'd like to find a solution to COMPLETELY stop this problem too, but I believe it is something that I must deal with DAILY for the rest of my life, and I simply need to find ways to 'manage' it. So, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in your struggle to understand and manage this 'enigmatic' problem.

[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.

[Christi]

I am so relieved to find others with this same disgusting problem.  I have been picking scabs, mostly on my scalp for at least 20 years.  I have made bald spots on my head.  I seem to get hypnotized by it.  I want to stop, but I can't, and yet I don't want to stop.  I actually enjoy it.  Is that weird or what? I give myself headaches from it.  My husband is the only one who knows and tonight I broke down and cried that I need help.  I am so embarassed to seek any help.  My husband is a doctor and said he would prescribe Zoloft for me to see if that helps.  I saw Paxil mentioned.  Which is better or are they both the same.  Has anyone had any success with these or other medications?  I am afraid I will cause a cancer to form and leave my 3 little girls without a mother.  The sad part is, those fears aren't even enough to make me stop.  I would like to talk to others with this problem.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear DW,

Yes, there are other medications, several of which belong to the same "family" of medications as Paxil, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Often, with OCD-type symptoms, medications need to be taken at a dose higher than what might be employed in the treatment of depression alone. It would be wise to speak frankly, with complete disclosure, to your prescribing psychiatrist.