Is it normal that i pick at my scalp?

For a few years now I have been constantly fighting an overwhelming compulsion to pick at scabs on my scalp. I think it started with one scab from a cut I got on my head, and I guess I picked it and whenever it would turn into a new scab, I would just keep picking at it. I did it so much that I started to pick at other places on my scalp without even thinking about it, and I actually formed cuts on my scalp with my nails so that they would turn into scabs and I could pick those, too. I go in and out of phases where I'll have a lot of scabs on my head that I'll pick, and then I'll get sick of it and let them heal and I won't do it for a few months or whatever. But I always start back up again. I mostly do it when I'm alone, but I sometimes catch myself doing it in public and I feel like people notice! It's totally embarassing....I have a feeling it's not normal. It's not, right? How the eff do I stop doing this??? Help!

Voting Results
63% Normal
Based on 83 votes (52 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 7 )
  • dogwhisperer60

    I do it all the time too. Its annoying as shit. I have OCD/trichotillomania. my friend does it too.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • crazykittens

    I do this too about once a week. Leaves me with more scabs, but doesn't do any major damage. Doesn't seem serious.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Sadie

    OMG...Finally someone who has the same problem as me!
    I always do it at school.
    So that makes people think that i have headlice.
    WHICH I DONT!!!!!!!
    But the only reason why I do it is because of the medicin I take.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • heels

    I have the same problem buddy....I constantly pick at my scalp, and any sort of acne.....Sometimes I look at youtube showing people getting oversize zits/growths drained and wonder how the hell they could have let that go/grow so long without popping it themselves.
    I don't think doing this is harmful, but certainly unpleasant for others to see, and the scabs might gross others out....I wish I knew why I do this as well, wish I could stop..

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Treez

    I do that too but not exactly like that. Earlier today I found some trees that I could peel off bark and it was kind of like that

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • TheGenie165

    I got sunburn down my parting once and I pick it quite a lot. Then my friend saw it so I just stoped and it went in about a week.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • curiousk

    I have dermatitis so I no the feeling n it's really imbarassing if ur out in public

    Comment Hidden ( show )