Scalp picking

[sneezer]

I really like to pick my scalp, it's not that it's itchy but if I feel a bump of dry skin I love to pick or pull it out and have a good look at the size of the clump that I've picked, it's great when they are huge. The problem is that I can't stop tube, train, work, pub anywhere. Is there anyone else out there in AB land that enjoys/has this hobby/problem and if not what do you suggest to make me stop?

[plati384]

I def. have the same prob and each time I do it, wish I could stop--  it doesn't seem like a big deal when it's happening, but afterwards, I feel extreme guilt.  And I *do* find it much worse than nose picking (in response to other messages), because I find myself fearing hair loss.  Perhaps if we try to stop together we can do it!

[Liza B]

I used to do it as well, I would pick a scab and it would bleed and get bigger and bigger, I kept going until half my scalp was one huge scab. My parents were going through a rough patch at the time, don't know if that was why I was 17 at the time. I stopped when I went to the hairdresser and she was horrified, it shamed me into stopped, have done it now and then in times of stress and I am now 36. Thought I was the only one. Glad to hear I'm not.

[sneezer]

Thank you to all those closet scalp pickers that have come out in support of my little flithy habit, I'm glad I'm not the only one and for those who I may have disgusted on public transport around London I am truly sorry....

I've decided to compromise and not do it in public but enjoy it in private that way it will be more of a guilty pleasure!!!

[dluther]

I, like others, am so relieved that I'm not alone at scalp picking.  It is so enjoyable and the bigger the scab the better of course.  The thing I have not read anyone say is something else I do.  I got an approx 4X6 box and save the scabs as my treasure I guess.  Anyone else do this??

[texaspicker]

sneezer

Oh my gosh, I thought I was the only one with this problem you explained it to a tee. I love to pick or take the crusty scabs off also but then my get red and sore and then they form a different kind of scab. It feels thick and then when I pull it off it really isn't. I know this is a nervous thing for me I get stressed and my hands and fingers go in the hair to the scalp. I have really thick curly hair and if I lose a flake or scab when pulling it out I panick that someone might see it. It is so embaressing but I am glad I am not the only person. Is there anyone out there that can help me.

[LOLLI407]

i have this problem aswell but the only thing that is different is that i pull my hair out aswell and then put the scabby bit in my mouth and spit it out help!!!

[berlynn]

I do it too. My identical twin as well. I want to stop doing it in public because it is so disgusting. But, like others said, it's satisfying. I'm embarrassed to stoop down and people looking down can see my bloody/scabby scalp. I've heard it's an anxiety thing. I know I am very anxious having 2 "special needs" children and mayb postpartum depression. But, I like doing it. FInd myself doing it when bored, anxious, upset, in the movies.... and, strange - no one else said this. I like smelling it. But, that's probably from the products I use in my hair. But, I do NOT eat it. It definitely disgusts my husband and brother-in-law. But, I had another friend w/ tricholtolmania (sp?), so at least this isn't so visible. But, I don't feel I want to stop, although, I know I should.

[wickedzoot]

I used to do it as a kid and I really had to try hard to stop it and eventually i did. Trouble is it just changed into something else - i know pick at my eybrows instead, im obsessed with plucking them and pick at the new hairs as they grow back, something I do in public because if I get the urge to do it I can't ignore it, ive tried!

To be honest I think all these things come under the scope of Obbsessive Complusive Disorder from which all of us on this thread seem to be suffering but its quite common and were all normal - ish! ;-)

[jjjamie94]

holy crap
i thought i was the only one who does this (=
thank you sooo much!

[mell0wg0ld]

i have this issue too. it started out just with itchy dandruff which progressed into me picking and wanting a smooth scalp. i must admit that it is very satisfying when you find a big piece, the bigger it is the better. sometimes i make piles of scalp skin just to see how much i get out after a long time of picking. glad to know i'm not the only one. is there anyway to stop this though, my boyfriend is always saying that it looks like i have lice or something.