Compulsive Scalp Picking

[Christi797]

I am 28 years old and have picked scabs on my scalp since I was about 12 years old.  Normally I find little imperfections, possibly dandruff or dry scalp, and I pick at it until it becomes a scab.  Once a scab develops, I find myself uncontrollably picking at it, so it usually never heals or takes an extremely long time or another scab to develop to stop.  Right now, I have a total of six scabs that I have created on my scalp.  When I am picking I can't necessarily say that it relieves stress like I have found on some of the other web sites, but more of an obsession that I can't control.  I have been treated for depression and PTSD, but have never mentioned my compulsive picking.  I have been prescribed both Zoloft and Prozac with Klonopin for the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but I still seem to pick at me head.  The kicker is that I also do this in my sleep.  I will literally wake up with blood under my nails.  What treatment options are there other than medication?  Should I tell my primary care physician or should I talk to a psychiatrist?  What are some of the causes of this, could it be OCD?  I don't really have any sort of rituals like you see or read about or extreme fears, but I can not seem to stop picking at my scalp, and although I am not pulling at my hair, I am noticing hair loss.  Any feedback would be appreciated.

[FamouslyAmos]

Hi All,
I am 32 and started picking about 4 years ago, right around the time I started having panic attacks. It progressed to panic disorder with agoraphobia. I was embarrassed for awhile and I know that seems to be the consensus on this blog too. I used to be afraid of my panic disorder too but in therapy my doctor instilled in me that these are issues that need to be dealt with obviously but that I shouldn't try to hide my issues because that causes more stress and worsens the problem. I left my old company where my panic disorder was looked at as a weakness and not a medical condition and now I work at a company where I feel comfortable explaining to people that I have disorders, I'm working on them, and that I can still function. The more people I share my story with, the more empowered I feel. It reinforces the idea to not be ashamed. With the picking, my friends know, my family knows, and my hairdresser knows (she sees the scabs when I come in). I haven't told my therapist yet but I plan to next week when I see her so that I can start working on it. Unfortunately I really love picking my scalp when I am bored or stressed and I feel like it's going to be hard but Some episodes of picking literally leave my hair matted with blood. My lymph nodes are swollen so I know it is causing infection. I hope those who have posted on here or read this are able to get the assistance they need, but do not be ashamed. It's a mental health issue that needs to be addressed just like a broken leg needs to be mended. You wouldn't tell someone with a broken leg to walk it off. So good luck, I hope my post makes you feel at least a little better. Know that you are not alone!

[Dana4Paws]

Dear friend,  I have the same exact problem. This effects my life and tried to control this. Can you give me any advice at all? I feel like I can't heal this problem by myself. Any suggestines would be so grateful.Please email me at ***@****. If not, I am so happy that I found someone with the same problem that I have.                                                                                                                                                                  Thankyou                                                                                                                 Chrystyne                           ***@****                                            

[Hatchime]

I 16 and I pick my scalp like this, but the think is I dont itch much, my head doesent feel itchy. Usually I just feel crawly. Even after showers I can pick. And with no ******* dandruff to pick at, I get very frustrated. THERES NOTHING TO PICK AT I CANT GET MY DAILY FIX UHG

[handsdownnow]

I also pick my scalp. The more I want to stop the harder it gets. It bleeds and makes me feel gross and unattractive as I know its there. My partner picks his hands and I think I unconsciously adopted this as a coping strategy. I do it when driving or sat at home or during times of stress. I am worried about my daughter adopting the behaviour. I also pick other scabs when they appear and have scarring. I feel like I mutilating myself beyond repair. I really do identify with you all. My partner gets stressed why I bring it up with him about getting this under control for both of our sakes. It is not healthy or needed but it is compulsive

[looneyliz]

ithink this ghastly headscratching is a form of obsessivecompulsive disorder for me anyway as ive got that in other ways too

[looneyliz]

im having a little bit of success by wrapping my head in bandages and wearing a headscarf over it-they healed a little bit

[UpYourAli]

I do the same thing. I will try to stop doing it for a few days so it's not so painful when I dye my hair but it still hurts. Right now, my whole scalp is radiating with pain bc I'm really stressed. I feel gross because I'm always brushing off the dry skin from my shoulders. I even notice it collects in my bra sometimes. It's hard. I don't compulsively snack, I started vaping and quit smoking 2 years ago. But I can't seem to keep myself from doing some habit or another 24/7. I think the oils are a great idea and I'm going to try that. Maybe it will help smooth the parts i like to scratch and I won't get relief from scratching anymore.