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Scalp picking. First time Ive openly admitted to what I do.


Guest Aprilomena

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Guest Aprilomena

Hi I feel embarrassed for myself to write this and have never spoke to anyone about this before.

When I was 11 I remember being in year 7 and sat in maths, I have/had a mole in my hair at the back of my head. I started picking it and just this mole for a few years. When I was about 14 I moved on to finding dandruff and picking. Gradually it has spread to my whole scalp.

My daily routine is I get up for work and as soon as I sit down I spend 30 mins picking. Then I have breaks and sit in the staff room just because I think I can feel areas that need picking. It's like my scalp lets off vibrations in a certain area and I think right I need to get this bit now. When I'm at home I sit in my kitchen and have a ciggerette. I then spend 30 mins to an hour in a trace like state picking. I live with my boyfriend and I try to hide it, he has never mentioned me picking before but sometimes he'll say what's all that in your hair. Immediately ill run to the bathroom and brush my hair. If I go to the toilet I spend the majority of the time with my elbows on my knees just scratching at my head. If I get interrupted I.e 'come look at this' whilst scratching I get so annoyed like I'm busy!!!! I get irritable that I'm not scratching. I used to think it was a relaxation for myself and when I'm stressed I do find it gets worse.

But know it feels like my hand is stuck to my head like a bad habit. I wear stick on nails to reduce the feeling but I always end up biting off the index finger so I can use them just for my head the. Stick back on after. I can only wash my hair once a week as it's sore and also I know when I have clean hair my picking is worse.

I'm not sure wether this is OCD or not or just a habit. And to be honest I don't think I'd want to stop. I enjoy my hair time.

I am currently on sertraline for depression/anxiety. I have never told my doctor or councillor as it's un related and I feel pretty ashamed like eww she has dandruff really bad. Id just like to know if anyone else does this and what triggers you have or if anyone gives them allocated time to pick.

Thank you if you read all this I know I've ranted but I came across this website and thought maybe it's time I actually admitted what I do?

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Hi April.This is considered to be related to Body dysmorphic disorder and there is treatment for it.Definitely go see your doctor and tell them how bad it's making you feel.they probably will forward you for some cbt.

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Guest Aprilomena

Thanks for your reply, I know I will find it very difficult to say the words out loud to my doctor. I feel like its my secret. But it's become a ritual now. Like right now I need to sleep but I will probably be awake till 4ish picking. Have you had cbt?

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yea.I've got bdd and I was loaned a book called overcoming image problems and bodydysmorphic disorder and a chapter was devoted to skin picking.The book was by David Veale.I had 18 sessions of cbt in the end.Don't be embarrassed to tell your doctor.Once you've told them you will feel better that you are doing something.CBT does definitely help

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