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.

[cvdixon29]

I pick my scalp excessively too, I also bite my nails to the quick, I don't have cuticles left. My fingers are all scabbed around them too. I am huge mess.I am still able to pick scabs on my scalp even with no nails. I am helpless it seems, I just got a script for prozac filed but I've put off starting it. I hope it helps and I wish you luck too!

[cvdixon29]

I thought i was the only one who did this, I have my scalp looking horrible, I have a script for prozac filled but haven't started yet, I also take clonazepam. I hope it helps, I try to not pick it, but I get so much pleasure from picking the scabs off, I know some of it is self control, but I can't control myself. Anyone had any success with prozac helping? I know I have OCD that is what is making me do this, plus I have OCD about other things too.

[Cidliz]

This is so funny!!!!!  I have been doing this. Mainly when I should be sound asleep. For me, I fully believe it is related to stress.  I take anti depressants and anti anxiety meds too.  Then things quiet down and I stop picking I g.  I have also heard about access to brain fluid.  But not in this way.  Way way too scarey.   I have recently started using tea tree to help with bacterial, I add lavender to.  I want to do more research for oils as well.  Then after that I massage cocoanut oil into my scalp.  As much as it takes a second as much as I remember to do.  Cutting finger nails sounds going on the right path too.  Wrapping your head for 15 -20 minutes  before shampooing is also somethimg to look to do,  it is a natural skin care condition treatment. Most shampoos have    "Ammonium  Laureth Sulfate"  which is really aggressive to your scalp.  I don't believe my issue is medical except for depression and ainxiety most of what I suggested really cannot hurt though. which I already have a doctor.  

[SeattleGal23]

Oh man! So I am 23 and I have been picking my scalp for as long as I can remember. I have really bad dandruff so when it gets flaky it only makes it easier for me to pick and then they end up becoming inflamed and usually ends up bleeding. Sometimes I cannot help it, and I usually do it when I'm bored or stressed or anxious. I also suffer from anxiety attacks and on a current medication for it. It's embarrassing and effects my life sometimes because I end up with flakes on my head and I have long dark hair so you can imagine how that looks ;( any ideas or suggestions ? Thanks!

[Headcase2]

I found this thread and thought oh well, it's old and I kept going and this thread has been active for atleast 2-3 years.  I'm 57 and started picking my scalp about 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with psoriasis.  I'm still picking and I have the most sore spot I've had yet.  The spots get infected and my lymph node on neck,same side gets swollen and hurts. I just can't seem to leave it alone.

[JulesCB]

I forgot to mention I also have sebbhoric dermatitis....which makes the skin on my scalp, eyebrows and nose flaky and peely....so this only adds to my obsession. Makes it that much easier to pick