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?

[Mowbray]

Your post has really made my tummy churn.  I suppose it's better than picking your nose tho' :-)

[sneezer]

See this is my dilemma mowbary, is what I'm doing really disgusting therefore I should really stop. When I was with my ex boyfriend I would pick his too but will any other man let me do it?

[maximo]

er....maybe you should address the fact that you have clumps of dryskin on your scalp in the first place ? Have you tried anti-dandruff shampoos ? But to answer your question : yes, it IS quite disgusting. Although I'm beginning to think you are joking....

[sneezer]

I'm actually not joking at all, I don't have dandruff and if I get a shampoo to get rid of it then what will I pick?
Obviously the answer to that is nothing but I quite like it.

Is there anyone out there who does this too as I'm starting to feel as if I'm definitely on my own with this one.

[maximo]

I'm truly sorry to have suggested you might be joking. It sounds like some sort of compulsive behaviour, a bit like biting your nails. If you want to stop, I think the only answer is : willpower. Or wear a hat. ;-)

[willow74]

i did do it myself for a short while a few yrs ago.  i made it a bit sore and it used to slightly weep.  its a really bad habit so you need to stop it now.

i had a sharp treatment done...haha!!  my sister is a hairdresser and she put vinegar on my head to make it sting.  she said she would keep doing it until i stopped !  i never did it after that

[netibiza]

I thought I was the only one and wondered what on earth was in my head. I was disgusted with myself but wash hair every day and don't have nits so I just keep on with the picking!!

[Mowbray]

Hi sneezer, i think you should go to the doctors and ask for some medicated shampoo that may help.

My partner sometimes picks her scalp and i find it really disgusting!

I hope you can get this sorted:-)

[Scarlett]

Sorry I can't offer any help... But I do support you in your quest to stop. I catch c lot of buses and I have to say, it is completely gross when you have to sit next to/behind someone with a disgusting habit like this. Try and consider other people around you!!

[acw]

Ewwww.  I do this - I got it from watching my Mum do it. I thought she might be onto something - and she was!!  However I'm not on dry skin, it's little spots.

 

But reading your post nearly made me gag and I shall make a VERY VERY big effort never to do it in public again as that is gross.  (Even if in my case it's usually back of my head and I just have my hand under my long hair - I guess it's still gross). 

 

You are not alone in your grim habit.  We can support each other!!!

 

PS - I'm not joking either.  Wish I was. 

[Aschenbach]

I used to do that as a teenager. It was great fun when the bit of skin came sliding up along the hairs as you removed it. Sometimes I'd leave it halfway in case I fancied a snack later.

I've used Head and Shoulders for about 10 years and couldn't pick my scalp now even if I wanted to but I miss those days. I've tried popping bubble-wrap instead but it's not the same. Good luck.

[buchanan]

I'm staggered.  I did this for a good few years after having chicken pox on my head at 19.  I knew of 2 other people who did it and we treated it like a dirty secret.  It was definitely a very satisfying pass time but it is compulsive (I've also smoked and bitten my nails in my time) and in the end the shame of visits to the hairdresser stopped the habit.  I am amazed that so many people do it. Cor.

[indian]

my brother does this all the time and it's really embarresing when he does it in public. How about sitting on your hands, or getting someone to tell you when you start doing it?

[spammylou]

surely there are worse things than this like: spitting in public, and picking your nose and eating it? 

[l_h_kings]

OMG, yes I do this too. So satisfying. I'm glad you have posted.

I pick and pick and I get some huge scabs and have to pick them, and then they bleed and bigger better scabs occur.

Do you really want to stop? I seem to go through phases where I do this, then I have a few months off for my head to recover, and at the slightest sign of a new spot or scab occurring from natural causes I start up again and so the cycle continues.

My hair is very long, so can you imagine the joy i get from picking, and then pulling the scab through the length of my hair until I get to admire my prize. Yellow and crusty are best, but extra points if you get the scab out whole!

[happytohelp]

hey there, i know people are finding it disgsting but it is actually a serious thing its aloing the lines of trichotillomania and dermotillomania, the obssesion of pulling hair out and pickoing scabs. i also suffered it foe years picking midge bites or anythin but evenutally there were tiny bald spots for accidentally pulling hairs out. You should research it on the net plety of sites offering other distractions to stop. you are not alone many of my friends also get toally preoccupied doing the sma,e hope this helps in some way- good luck! x

[lizzierose]

this may ostracise me but I'll admit. i quite like doing it too. and no I don't have visible dandruff. its like any grooming, squeezing spots etc. its instinctually satisfying. don't worry about it. maybe try to curb it in public. though i am known to slip up on this too, occasionally

[goldheart]

Dont worry about it being disgusting... everyone has habits that they daren't tell anyone else and EVERYONE has picked a spot or a scab (just some dont like to admit it) so even if it doesnt seem bad to you there's always someone that's going to be offended. I pick the odd scab on my head and yes its fun to pull it through your hair, I also love using cotton buds in my ear (although I know you're not supposed to) and to see how waxy it is... anyway like Spammylou says - picking your nose and eating it must be the worst habit ever... anyone here dunnit?

[lilyfrog]

I do it too, i feel so filthy!!

[crisgal]

what about the rubber band method?

you put a rubber band on your wrist - that fits snug but not tight, and then every time you become aware of doing the disgusting habit you wish to stop, you pull it out and ping it. hard. you must do it every time, and tell your friends and family that if they see you doing it ,to get hold of the band and ping it for you.

It's supposed to eventually make you stop, as you get sick of getting pinged and you associate the habit with the pain.

I keep meaning to do this to my son who has a habit of scratching his bonce as if he has nits. Let me know if it works - good luck.