Is it normal to pick at scabs

77% Normal
8 Comments

Every since I was a toddler I have been picking at my scabs. I'm 22 now and I still can't stop. Mosquito bites are the worst for me, and living in the south doesn't help. Once they bite me I scratch until I bleed. After the blood clots and the scab forms I constantly pick it off. I once had the same scab for about 6 months. Luckily, I don't have any serious scars yet. I read that this could be a symptom of OCD.

Voting Results
77% Normal
Based on 88 votes (68 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 8 )
  • UtopianCosmos
    14 years ago

    I have this....I've tried everything from gloves to nail and finger stuff that burns the absolute fuck out of you if you touch an open wound.

    It was something that started just as OCD when I was younger. You unconsciously scratch and VOILA! Scab. Then you pick it cause hey, it's a scab right? Then it gets bigger and you can't half pick a scab right? Ya pick it cause you're bored or what ever and it never seems to quit...

    Eventually I got depression and I would do it for the pain. I was told I was self mutilative and that was my way of "cutting" so to speak.

    So just be careful. It's not a problem until you can't stop and it's disrupting or hurting/harming you.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • MyPandamonium
    14 years ago

    It could be possible "dermatillomania" which is a skin picking disorder. It is actually a type of self-injury, or a symptom of OCD. I suggest you talk to a therapist to help you figure out if why you continue with this habit.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • lilmizzshawtybabe
    14 years ago

    yeah its relle gross but i have habit of doin it to

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • bowira
    14 years ago

    i do the same thing dont worry

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • harachi
    14 years ago

    Haha yeah I do this too and kind of enjoy it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Carrot
      14 years ago

      6 months - nothing! I have some mozza scabs that are two and a half years old. And excoriation (picking at scabs) is a sure sign of emotional disorder. I'm disturbed and I know it.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • LoneeJay
    14 years ago

    yeah its normal..... if your a 10 year old boy maybe its your emotional scars your pickin` at orrr your parents did tell you to stop a long time agong you need to stop or your skin wont forgive you

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • boykine3
    14 years ago

    just don't eat them... or pick other people's scabs. And don't eat those, either.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0