Can’t stop picking my scalp help!

[MariaLove123]

I can’t stop picking my scalp. It started a few weeks ago and keeps progressing. It actually gives me more anxiety. I just can’t stop. I pick for hours until it bleeds. I have cuts everywhere. I tried a stress ball amongst neosporn and chores around the house. I took a nice shower last night and felt good. And now I need to wash my hair again already. Any advice on what to do or maybe there’s a shampoo I can use? Thanks guys!

[fauxartist]

this is actually a form of self harm if your doing this till your scalp bleeds....I am not being trite....but maybe is you wear a skull cap...bathing cap...something that is hard to reach under to get at your scalp. I would also get into some therapy to help you with coping skills and understanding why your doing this.

I copied this from a webpage, I hope it helps with understanding:

What is Scalp Picking?

The scope of the compulsion to pick includes scalp picking, or the act of picking the scalp skin on the head. This aspect of the compulsion falls under the diagnostic categories that include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which is indicative of a distorted perception of one’s own body. It is the problem of distorted perception that characterizes a diagnosis of neurosis. As with the entire spectrum of picking behaviors, scalp picking itself is manifested in several ways. Some people feel the compulsion to pick at the skin of the scalp itself while others seem to focus on the hair. Those subjects who target the scalp often find tiny imperfections, sometimes real but sometimes imagined, that they will pick, scratch, and pull until their head picking develops into a sore spot on the head. Of course, the sore spot becomes the perfect target for another round of picking and scratching.

[MariaLove123 in reply to fauxartist]

Hey Fauxartist! How are you? So good to hear from you Thank you for that article. It’s totally accurate. I seek out imperfections (rough spots or tiny bumps) and yes, the more I pick, the more scabs I’m creating that I wind up picking them again and again and again. It is definitely self harm. I’ve canceled on my doctor so much last week that he won’t see me this week. I have to wait until then

Remember I told you I’m trying TMS? I got approved! I have my consultation on Aug 7 and it’ll be 5 days a week for 5-7 weeks. I’m anxious to start.

I wore a hat all weekend. I think I might try to wear it inside the house. Good idea! Thanks again. Hope you’re doing well 😊

[MsGelfling1]

Dermatillomania is sometimes referred to as skin-picking disorder or excoriation disorder. Its main symptom is an uncontrollable urge to pick at a certain part of your body. People with dermatillomania tend to feel a strong sense of anxiety or stress that's only alleviated by picking at something. You can read about this disorder and maybe get to see a dermatologist that can further help you be able to get relief.

[MariaLove123 in reply to MsGelfling1]

That’s a good idea, a dermatologist. I didn’t think of that! I’ll call one today. Thank you so much!

[mikeski1956]

I do this a lot and like you it starts with a small spot or pimple then i scratch it and make it bigger and into a open wound making them bleed, didn't think it had a name or even though about it being self harming, at the moment i have 4 on my head just waiting to be scratched, just can't help it i have to pick at them make them bleed

[MariaLove123]

It’s addicting right?? The urge to feel for those bumps or scabs is the toughest part I have. I can’t help but want to touch my head which of course leads to picking more. I made my hairline bleed so much last night while visiting my parents and didn’t realize blood was dripping down my forehead. My parents jumped up and were like, what the hell!! I put neosporn on it constantly. And I really don’t know what else to do. It’s self harm and we have to help each other to stop. If I think of things I’ll let you know! Thanks for sharing with me. I was feeling so bad about it