How can I live with my Obsessive Scalp Picking?

[britt698098]

I am 17 and a senior in high school, and I have been picking since 4th grade. It started when I was playing in the sand at the playground and scratching the sand out of my hair. For some reason I found it to feel really good and kept scratching at my scalp. After that I kept doing it more frequently when I was bored or stressed. At first I was pretty discreet with it, but now I try to be discreet but I know it is very obvious. Also I am almost always doing it. In the car, During class, at home, etc. It's so embarrassing and I know people see the flakes and scabs float down. Not to mention I scrape the flakes from underneath my fingernail with anything I can find. I find it so difficult to explain to other people what it is, and I feel like I gross people out with it. I want to stop because I don't like being so weird and gross and it hurts, but at the same time I don't because it feels so good and gives me stuff to do. How can I live with this and what can I do.

[JGF25]

Hi there.  Have you talked to your parents about this?  It is a way to relieve stress plus it has become a habit.  Talk to your parents about seeing a psychologist who specializes in OCD.  You need to be aware of when you are doing it, and stop it immediately.  Sit on your hands if you have to.  Also, if you are at home try wearing some gloves or socks on your hands.  You can scratch what you can't get to.  Let me know if you can see somebody.