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.

[presbird]

okay i've had problems regarding picking my hair/ scalp for nearly 10 years, picking my scalp being the main thing i do, i had to cut nearly a foot of my hair off due to always picking the split and damaged ends. i'm almost sixteen, and i'm quite young and scared of what's going to happen to me in the future. i don't pick my scalp for self harm, or to the point where i'm really bleeding, but it is affecting my self esteem and image. i plan on telling my doctor and parents about it, despite being incredibly terrified. is there anything to be afraid of? will i be given medication? i'm not really harming myself by doing it but i do want to stop picking and have a healthy scalp again.

[NLiscool]

Hi

[jeffkl]

It's called Dermatillomania and is related to Trichotillomania. Www.trich.org. It's an OCD. You need to find a psychologist who is an expert in this field

[Seriously28]

Im shocking for this. Nil meds or mental health probs. My hairline is horrid. I have a fringe to cover. Very reluctant and embarrassed to go to a salon. It drives my family mad. But I cant stop.

[Loooeka]

I think you should go to a dermatologist

[robadoba]

Hey guys I have been do this for a very long time. And reading and learning etc.. I went to free and clear shampoo and conditioner. I reduced the of sores a lot. Fragrances can cause allergies.
I know that I have a picking issues.. I feel like I am cleaning. If I pick one of my husbands pimples...again I am getting him clean.. something like that. Lately, I have noticed that picking my head arouses me...not every time but some of the times. I have all so notice that if I massage a chronically sore place on my back
the same. I am wondering if pain and pleasure  circuits are closely related. if you know what I mean.

[looneyliz]

It seems from this thread that most of  us are also on medication for mental health so perhaps if we could improve our mental health the head scratching would improve or could the medications be causing it perhaps.  My scratching started when I first went on medication for my mental health when I was 20.

[gg13blu]

I know this is an older post. I just today googled head picking and stumbled upon this site (thread). I'm not sure if anyone will see this, but when I posted my story, I forgot to mention that I also take Lexapro, Klonopin & Adderall. I have been diagnosed with panic & anxiety disorder, ADD, OCD & BDD (body dysmorphic disorder). This post raised my curiosity to the possibility of the two going hand-in-hand and also if the medication is helpful or a hindrance.