I'm not sure if it's a disease but I have it too. I'm taking an anxiety med called Effexor and I started picking when I started taking those. It's so hard to stop. I've been taking baths in salt water so my scabs dry up faster and I've been putting floresent bandaids on scabs so I don't pick them and others will see and ask about them. It's kind of embarassing and it makes me not want to pick another. I'll get another band aid.

I have a friend who does this and occasionally I find myself doing the same thing. I think it's more of a lack of discipline. Possibly you are just bored and have a bad habit that you need to break. Some people are fidgitey and always have to be doing something or picking at something or getting into something. There's also a possibility that you have this subconscious thought in your mind that makes you pick at things instead of allowing them to heal (this may be scabs or maybe even relational things that you tend to just pick at problems and make them worse instead of being patient enough to let them heal with time).

I have this too, whatever it is. I guess, to explain it to you, I'll compare it to nail biting. Not just biting your nails, but gnawing at them until thay bleed, then chewing the skin around the nail. I do this mainly on my arms. They do not itch, they are not a rash, and they actually began as pimples (if it mean anything, I do it to pimples, too.). I don't have a reason, but I CANNOT STOP. Once I see a scab, I have to pick it off, then I search for more. I have had them since I was eleven, but before that I picked at my scabs on my legs from bike wrecks and such. They are very embarassing, and I really wish I could find out what is causing it so I can let them heal and go swimming someday or wear short sleeves to school. I'll try the brightly coloured bandaids idea. If I can keep them on, they'll help.

Picking scabs (In some cases) can be a form a self injury. If you do so when you are upset or mad, and to intenionally cause pain; it can be consider such. Also if you use it as a realse, or something to calm you... it could be such. If you like seeing the blood come out, that could be signs too. I know because I used to self injure. Im not saying that this is in ALL cases Si, but it could be.

First of all, it is a relief to find out that other people have the same problem I do. I don't think it is really a disease as much as a compusion or possibly an addiction. I'll try to describe this problem as best I can. It's like an addiction. I see a scab and I want to pick it so much. I HAVE to pick it. When I do, it's like all the pressure that built up while I was trying NOT to pick has released. Sometimes I don't have any scabs to pick, but I still want to pick and I get frustrated. But I never actually create new scabs so I can pick. Anyway, to help stop this, you could try putting clear nail polish over the scabs. Then when you go to pick, you feel the polish and it reminds you not to (since sometimes the picking is almost an unconcious action). And if you are really determined to pick, you'll have to scrape off the polish first (as opposed to a band-aid which is easily ripped off). Maybe by the time you've peeled off the polish, the urge to pick will have passed (if you're like me and the release comes from the picking, not the feeling of self-injury). Try it! Post your results so I can see if it helps other people. Thanks.

See: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf_0008.htm

I have done this for many years off and on and recently watched a TV show about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where they talked about this very thing as a symtom of the disorder. I have OCD and when I have and excess of stimulant in my system such as caffene or decongestants the picking is worse...when I have found medication to help the OCD the picking gets better or disappears altogether. Hope this helps.

wowww am I relieved to read all of this. i have this "disease" as well... in fact, I just picked a few of my scabs and started crying because the whole time I was picking them, Im telling myself to stop! but i cant. I pick at pimples by popping them or just continuously scratching them and i keep picking the scabs off untill the scabs go away - but by the time the scabs go away, it has left a scar. I do it to any type of injury, no matter how small or large... Ive even done it to paper cuts! and slivers! and if I cant get the scab off by using just my fingernails, I will use tweezers, nail clippers, saftey pins... anything that has a sharp edge. Ive gone as far as using paper clips, and folding a piece of paper and using the "edge" to get under the scab. Also, I bite my nails and my cuticles and the skin around my nails to the point where they bleed and hurt so bad. my whole body is covered in scars. some are little and light-colored, and i have some that are really dark and very noticeable. I have not worn a pair of shorts in about 5 years. I wear pants 24/7 even thru the heat of summer... pants! I LOVE winter cuz I can cover my arms and also because i dont have to hear "How can you wear pants?!?!?! Arent you HOT????" nobody questions why I am wearing pants. and i wear an excessive amount of make-up to hide the bad scars all over my face. the nail polish was a great idea, I am going to try that starting tomorrow. I have also heard of using Henna to try and break the habit. Ive tried this too... worked for a while but then i just stopped ---> keep a rubber band or a hair elastic around your wrist. every time you catch yourself picking, snap the rubber band really hard. like i said, it worked for a while, but then I just simply took the rubber band off.... Id love to talk to more people who suffer from this... maybe we can figure something out? email me: staceymoe@aol.com

Until today, I never thought to look this up to see if there was anyone else with the same problem as I have. I believe it has become an addiction for me to pick scabs and pop pimples. I do it to bumps or pimples, whatever they are, on my arms and keep popping the same ones even though I've already done so. I scratch at bumps on my head and unintentionally turn them into scabs to pick them later. I do not allow them to heal, and pick them several times a day. It has gotten so bad that I try to find scabs in my dog's fur to pick, and it hurts him, which is why I decided to look this up. I'm sickened by the fact that I disregard that it hurts him. I've always believed I have some form of OCD, and I think that this is probably a symptom. I don't pick the scabs for self mutilation purposes, obviously if I'm doing it to people other than myself. But I want to stop. It's getting out of hand. P.S. My boyfriend knows about my obsession and lets me pick at his head. Weird, but cute (right?)

sometimes antidepressants can make OCD symptoms worse if you have bipolar disorder that is undiagnosed.

I've been dealing with the same thing you guys are talking about with the nail biting and the skin around them and the scabs and such. I've realized that I'm a lot worse with the nailbiting when im in movie theatres or sitting down watching movies at home and I don't have anything to eat or chew on. So a lot of the time I chew gum which stops me completely from doing it, i guess just because I'm keeping my mouth busy. Who knows.

I wish I had an answer also for why I pick my scabs also. I am tired of looking the way I do because I pick.They are on my face,legs,back,arm,and hands.And,yes they start as pimples too.I was told it was my nerves.But,I'm starting to wonder,because even when my nerves are not bad,I seem to pick at them,yes it gets worse when I am stressing about something.But,there is something causing us to get scabs after a pimple.I don't know what.But,just like you I am sick and embarressed of it already.I am 33 and have been picking since I was like 5.My mom told me,I been doing it since I was young.Well,I can't take it anymore.So,if someone can help people like you and I would be great.Wish I could get a surgery to cover this.

OMG, like amost everyone else, I thought I was the only freak to do that! I am so relieved that there are other ppl like me out there, also concerned about it. I do it ALL the time, when I'm at home, when I'm out, whether I feel awkward or not, at work...and it's really bugging me.I know the people I love have accepted the fact that I do it,but they still wish I wouldnt, and so do I.I have been doing it since I was a kid - also started with accidental scrapes and grazes,but then it moved onto pimples and things on my arms. I have really bad scars on my arms,but I dont hide it under long sleeves or anything - I couln't be bothered. I have tried to be good about it and not pick at them,but it's very difficult.I wish I knew what it was, because I would SO get it fixed.

Dermatillomania is an obsessive compulsive disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pick at ones own skin, often to the extent that damage is caused. Sufferers of dermatillomania find skin picking to be stress relieving or gratifying rather than painful. I have this and I take joy is taking off a scab, I am trying to cut back in doing this. But I have noticed that it gets worse around stressful times in my life.

I have suffered with this problem since I had chicken pox when I was 5 years old and I am 40 now. I hate scabs and want them off my body so I pick at them till I bleed. People ask me what happened to me and I don't know what to say b/c I do it to myself. I can hardly ever wear shorts due to my scars and scabs. I am currently on a medication for depression but that has not seemed to help with this issue at all. I never knew other people had this problem too.

Like the rest of you, I too have this problem. I call it a problem because I hide the scabs with clothing when I can. I take an antidepressant, but I saw no decrease in picking, after I started taking the drug. I never bite my nails. My call on this is that it stems from wanting to be perfect. If I have a bump anywhere on my skin, I will dig it off to rid of the "bump", thus causing a scab and so the cycle goes. It's never ending. In addition to picking them though, I also eat the scabs. I have no idea why. It is very disgusting. I have sores on my body that have literally never healed for YEARS. I just keep picking them. It's a very vicious cycle. My Dr. says it's due to anxiety. My social life does not exist because of this problem. I don't want any man to see the scabs and sores. My health is at risk as well because I don't want any medical professional to see them and inquire about them. Many times I have needed to go to the hospital and I refuse to go. I sure wish there was a known "cure" for this problem. I really have no idea why I do it.

Perhaps with the high volume of "I do it too" answers this is just something everyone does.... normally. Maybe you don't see everyone do it but they might! I think everyone does it.... picks at bumps and pimples and scabs.... perhaps it's a natural compulsion? Or with the suspiciousness of copesetic answers is someone posting from different profiles? They are all really low-level (new I assume) profiles.... hmmmm.

I also take Effexor and it occurred to me after reading the post from Sylvia Spisic that my picking started when I started taking Effexor for depression. I went off Effexor for a year and the picking stopped. Has anyone else had this experience with Effexor? I do a lot of picking in the car, when I'm on the phone and in front of the computer, and I often have to be sneaky about it when I'm around other people, but that doesn't stop me. I kept several scabs on my legs open for a year, just to pick them, and I too have scars on my legs and arms which prevent me from wearing certain clothing. I also eat my scabs. It is embarrassing and shaming, but this doesn't stop the behavior. The pleasure I derive from picking over-rides the shame and embarrassment I feel. I also have blood stains on many of my clothes and pillows and sheets and I have to throw them away. One psychologist told me that people experience an endorphin release when they cut on themselves or pick scabs until they bleed. (both self injurous behaviors.) This is what makes it addicting. It actually does create a sense of relief, biochemically. I don't know the solution. My therapist suggested I write down what I feel when I am picking, and keep track of when I pick. This is probably going to lead to a behavior mod kind of treatment, which I am skeptical of. I think, intuitively that it might have something to do with self loathing. Think about it. We are literally "picking on ourselves." Any thoughts on that?

Wow I can't believe that I found you all. I was just on the internet today looking for ways to heal scabs faster beacuse I fell off the wagon a couple of weeks ago and started picking again after three years free of it. I am 43 and have been picking at everything I can get my hands on from age 5 to 40. I finally stopped the picking about three years agos when I found fake finger nails and had a session with an estitician (they do chemicl peels and teach skin care) after talking to her about my problems she recommend a face cleansing regime with specific products to elimnate all my zits. I got to where I had scars but no new zits or scabs and no picking. Well, I fell off the wagon and stopped taking care of my skin religously and had gotten alot of little black and white heads all over. I was then put on Ritalin and I think because it is a stimulant that I started to get the urge to pick again. Picking calms me down in a weird way. Anyway I spent two hours one night picking at all of my little pimples that I could hardly see and I tore my face up!! I coulnd't stop!!! I had to tear myself away from the mirror that night and take something to make me sleep just to stop picking. Anyway, that was two weeks ago. I did pretty good at not pickng at them for about two days but now find myself compulsively picking at them at night for hours. I can't stop and now my face looks like I was in a car accident. I just want to pick constantly. The sad thing is I know excatly how to stop myself but I've actually been avoiding doing it because I still want to pick at my scabs it just makes me feel better and then worse. It is a disease and I believe after working in mental health for years that it is an obsseive compulsive disorder. Anyway, thanks for listening to me gush and being able to talk about it has given me the incentive to get back on my regime that keeps me from doing this. Here are the ways I stopped for three years hope they help someone. The fake fingernails sound silly but it works. Go to the nearest Walgreens or Riteaid and get a set of glue on fake nails. I get the french nail type with the white tips just because I always get complimented on them when I wear them and it keeps people from looking at my face. Anyway, get ones that have tips that are just long enough that you can't really control them to be able to pop a zit or pick a scab. Make sure you get the square tips or they won't work. Once you have them on it is going to be a lot harder to pick your scabs and zits because you can't get a goood grip on your scabs or zits. Usually I stop picking the day I put them on after one or two fruitless trys. Then I do the following stuff to keep from getting into a situation where I have anything to pick. This is what I learned to use that helped me stop picking, heal my exsiting scabs and pimples and to keep them from coming back so I didn,t feel the urge cuz there's nothin there to pick. You have to be faithful about it or like me and you get lax you'll fall off the wagon and do what I just did last week. Here ya go hope it helps you too!! 1. Constantly wear fake french nails with squared tips to break the picking habit and let your skin heal 2. Religously use face wash that contains salicylic acid- I use Neutrogena oil free acne wash ( this is the only ingredient that will really stop new acne from forming and heal whats still there that you can get over the counter.) 3. Use all mineral makeup foundation,cover sticks and blushes. There are a few kinds on the market but I use all Jane Iredale products. The all mineral powder helps to keep your skin from being sesitive or having an allergic rection or develping more zits from all the oils, fillers, dyes and chemicals they put in all store bought makeup. (I found out from my estitician that I was allergic to the makeup I had used all my life.) Most important about minerals is that they are also a natural healing agent so you won't get new zits to pick. They also cover any left over scars, scabs, and spots way better than any other makeup I've ever used and you don't look like your wearing a mask. 4. Never use any lotion with oil in it because it will just clog those pores and start you problem all over again. Look for lotions that are oil free. 5. Jane Iredale also has vitamins that you can use that help heal and rejuvinate your skin. I use A,E and C you can buy a bottle with combination of vitamins that are for your skin type. ( don't waste your money on vitamin oils at the stores beacuse they are too heavey and can cause too much oil again.) 5. Once your get your skin cleared up and your left with the discoloration and scars go find yourself a good estitician who can do some micro dermabrasion or chemical peels to help even out your face and help with the scars. Estiticians cost a lot less than Comsmetic surgeons and they can give you a lot of good advice about keeping your zits away so theres nothing there to pick at. It also makes your skin feel better than it has in years becase it's all clean, soft and there's no irration or pain to make you want to go after whaterver might be a temptation. 6. If you can afford it go for the plastic surgeon and get the lasaer treatments and you'll have paid so much and look so good you won't ever want to hurt your face again. The easiest place to find the real mineral makeup is online and it can be a bit costly but it lasts a long time because you don't have to use so much to cover up the scars and stuff. It is well worth it. You may also be able to find a hair salon in your town that carries it. That's where I buy mine. Also plastic surgeons sell it too. Last but not least when I get the anxiety I get when I want to pick I now eat pistachio nuts repeatedly until the urge goes away. I guess it works because it's repetative and takes my mind and hands off my zits. Well thanks for listening and helping me to know I'm not alone in this and I hope you all give what I've said a try. It's so much better to wake up to a face thats zit and scab free. sunny

As I am reading your letters I am picking at my face. It just feels so good and satisfying for some odd reason. I often tell myself to quit but I can't. Only those who have this affliction know the grip it has on us. My boyfriend yells at me, he doesn't understand what I am going through.He thinks that I can just stop at any time. Yes I really love the fact that I go about my life with my face and body all scabbed and scarred, " My aren't I pretty." I have been doing this since I was kid. My fingers seek out any available scabs or bumps as if it were an important mission. I want to pick!! Its a love- hate thing going on here. I really don't care where I am, if my fingers have seeked out a stray bump or scratch my only thought is to get rid of it. I often wonder what my 8 year old daughter is thinking when she sees me doing this. I certainly hope she doesn't catch on to this really bad idea. I am very relieved tho knowing that there are others just like me, I am not alone in my skin picking misery. Please don't yell at me to stop, you'll only make me feel ashamed. I really can't help it.

I claw at and pick the skin of my scalp and catch myself nibbling at the skin/scabs which I find revolting. However I can't seem to stop. This occurs mostly during high stress times in my life. Fortunately this is a thing I can keep secret. I never do this in front of anyone. I have suspicions of why I nibble at what is under my nails when I pick. It is almost like I don't feel "clean" unless my teeth can grit against something letting me know the bumps and scabs on my scalp are gone. Ironically they do not stay gone because new scabs are always forming. I hate this habit so much I would go to a hypnotist for help if it wasn't so embarrassing.

No.

I to also know how it feels, I actually stopped it for about 4 yrs while I was in the Navy. And after I got out I started it again. And now my whole body is covered in scabs and sores. It has been that way for about 2 yrs. I don't think it is a diease but you can cause many infections by doing it. I think I have a staph infection now. But I still can't stop. I do take Zoloft and Adderall. But i still can't seem to stop. I refuse to leave my house unless I have to. My husband loves me no matter what but it is so embarrising. It is weird cause they look like pimples with puss and all but then it is like they just spread. I have cut my nails and wore gloves. I try to keep myself busy or try to do something with my hands at all times but they don't go away. I have used peroxide and antibactrial soap. I use to be beautiful and now I look gross. Because anyone sees is the bumps. People even stare. They are on my arms and legs and back and bottom and face and neck. And it is like they just keep spreading. I am scared and unhappy and my family is suffering. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please Help. cutie80okc@yahoo.com is my email please write. Thanks MoJo

I pick my scabs, but I don't feel bad about it. I have one on my ankle that I got from scratching my leg when it was wet, and I just keep picking at it. I never thought it was terribly abnormal, even though I don't know anyone else that does it. I just really like picking my scabs. For me, it's like...oooh, treasure! I guess that's pretty weird. I don't feel guilty about it. A few years ago, I discovered I had little scabs on my scalp, so I started picking those, which felt like victory! Sometimes, I will scratch at my head in the hopes that it will cause a scab. I feel like it is a present to myself. Yeah, typing this out makes it sound really effed up. I am not covered in scars, though. I pop pimples and like to squeeze blackheads. I find I am more prone to squeezing my pores around my period, or if my mood is low, but I don't look scratched up or sick. I am wondering, because I don't feel guilt, and I guess I get some kind of dopamine rush when I do it, if I have something different.

Drug addiction? Maybe someone who uses meth?!

This particular symptom can be, but is not necessarily, a symptom of OCD. Whatever the case, you experience an impulse that you have had chronic difficulty controlling. As you can see, you're not entirely incapable of controlling it - you are able to refrain from picking at parts of your body (e.g., your face) which are visible most of the time. With most such problems, there is some involvement with brain chemicals, namely the neurotransmitters which help electrical impulses move among neurons. It would be a good idea to obtain a consultation with a psychiatrist, who may prescribe, as part of treatment, one of a 'family' of antidepressant medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These medications influence the availability of serotonin, one of several types of neurotransmitters. http://www.mhsanctuary.com/therapist/912.htm http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/when-scab-picking-cutting-becomes-addictive

I believe its called tweekeritis,jk. I know that people who are on meth,will pick for hours at their scabs.

I have picked myself since I was 2 years old. Numerous people have begged me to stop, and as much as I would like to appease them, I simply can't. I've mainly picked at pimples, but mosquito bites and cuts tempt me as well. I have been on antidepressants on and off for years, and haven't noticed any difference. I just know that once I have any slight scab on my body, it will be ripped off no matter what it takes. I've felt shame, anger, and self hatred because of this ailment. I've never admitted it to a doctor because I'm too embarassed. This is the first time I've looked up information on picking, and I'm taken back by how many people have and do the same thing as me. I have never ate a scab, but I enjoy studying them after I've picked them off. Disgusting!!!!! Hopefully there will be some point when I will quit, but until then, hiding my tweezers and keeping my fingernails short will have to do!!!

I too have a problem with picking scabs. I pick and pick until i Scar. I have had open wounds for years at a time due to the picking. I also will scratch off any bump on my body which will turn into another scab and the cycle continues. I also find myself as being a hair plucker. I will sit with tweezers for hours and pluck hair by hair off my body. If a happen to get to close, I may ding myself, causing a sore/scab, and then the cycle begins all over again. My skin is very very white, so I have really bad pink scars all over my body.

I too have this infliction. I have no idea how to stop it or what to do about it??? I have scabs on my arms, legs, belly, butt cheeks, head, back, top of feet, ankles, back of neck, everywhere almost except my face and yes, I eat them too except sometimes I spit them out after chewing on them a bit? It's totally embarrassing and I don't know why I am doing it or why? My Dermatologist gave me Lidocaine so I can shower without pain, antibiotic cream for the sores, and Lortab for the pain as I have so many that sometimes I hyperventilate when I get out of the shower it is soooo painful until I get enough Lidocaine on the sores to stop the pain or I take two 10/500 Lortabs before the shower just to make it through so I don't pass out. Sometimes I wake up and because I have picked my scabs before bed they ooze clear liquid at night and then when I wake in the morning I have to peel my pajamas off of my scabs cuz they are stuck to the scabs as they have dried to the drainage that has come out and that is VERY PAINFUL. Please GOD HELP ME!!! I know it is a severe form of OCD. What else could it be except for self-injures behavior to punish or harm myself-like I am not good enough! I am a good person, a nice person, with kids, a husband, and take good care of them and love my family and friends. Very few people know about this so I suffer in complete silence. Very painful silence. If anyone know how to help, please do. Thank you and God bless! :)

Okay, so I have this same problem. I have done this since I was little. My mom would cut my fingernails, put iodine on my scabs, all sorts of stuff to get me to quit. She would even make me wear dresses and skirts thinking if I had to show off my scars, I would quit. Half the time I don't even realize I am doing it. Either I am on my way to sleep, waking up, asleep, watching a movie, on the net, etc. Even when I do notice and try to stop, I will end up doing it anyway. And I have to get all of the scabs. It can't be just one. I know it sound sick and gross all at the same time. The thing is, now I notice my son doing it to himself. Mainly on his head. At first I noticed it at stressful times, stumped on homework, in trouble etc, but I noticed last night that he actually has a small bald spot on his head from him picking. I am really worried. It seems that whatever this is, I have passed it on to my son and I have no clue how to help him! I cam across this while looking up ways to help him. Does anyone have any answers? I don't want him to have a bald spot and have kids make fun of him. he didn't even realize what he was doing when I told him to stop. Plus I feel like such a hypocrite telling him to quit when I still do it! Someone please help!!

I only get pimples and zits that i pick at. Sometimes it gets annoying because im a good looking kid , but i wont want to go out and socialize because i have a bad pimple or something on my face. Sometimes we do this sub conciously, but you have to remind yourself that picking and popping only makes things worse and makes the scars last longer. Someone mention it before that it may be from not wanting to be imperfect. One thing i did was i put a big smiley face sticker on my mirror , to remind me that i am happy the way i am. Picking only makes things worse. This is an addiction , and i know this because addictions are things that we continue to do regardless of negative consequences. Our lives will be better if we dont pick. There are many ways to overcome this problem, but the first step is to learn to love yourself. I have gotten much better myself and I suggest to get involved in more social situations, this way your problems become exposed. Rather than hiding your problem, exposing it to others always is better whether you beleieve it or not. ...As it goes for eating your scabs, you have some serious effin problems and i would consider heavy drinking as a substitution ;)

Yep. It's called boredom.

I am so glad I found this. I have a compulsion with popping pimples and tweezing hairs. And this is so mortifying but I am on here practically in tears because my dog has this little bumps on his face which grow hairs and I TWEEZE THEM compulsively and I just made him bleed. I should be imprisoned I am so sick. And I get an endorphin rush from tweezing the hairs and popping the pimples. I am so ashamed. I take medication for OCD but I never realized how bad this compulsion was until now. I pop my husband's pimples too. If I see a whitehead or blackhead on someone or a stray hair I feel like I have to pop/tweeze. Help!!!

Well, I got this whole damn thing too. I've picked scabs since I can first remember, It used to be only my legs, but in the last five years it's been my arms too, and recently my chest too, because that seems to be the only unmarred part of my body. some of the scars are really bad and it embarasses me and sometimes I think that the scars make me pick even more, because hey, I'm already ugly right? I've been on and off antidepressants, and I admit they help to some degree, but not enough. I was always told that it was just a bad habit, but since I was young I knew that wasn't it, it was an addiction.

From the sound of it there are a lot of us pickers out there. Maybe we should form a "pickers anonymous" and get a twelve step program together!

Yes, the answer is called "Dermatillomania". Look it up on GOOGLE at it will give you ALL KINDS OF INFORMATION ON THIS CONDITION. I have suffered from it for about a year now and it's driving me nuts. It's really a form of OCD but check out GOOGLE and you will find LOT'S and LOT'S of information on this subject and you won't feel so alone anymore...Hope this helps!! :)

Wow. I have this issue and I have also seen friends and colleagues do this and they are completely unconscious that they are picking at their bodies (usually their heads) and eating the scabs. It's gotten really bad this year and so I decided to do some research and I found this site! It's incredible! I share behavior with a bunch of you guys... from picking something for - literally - months, to feeling out of control! I think that it's pretty common, but I really hate it and I hate that I have such a hard time controlling it... I wish I understood why we do this!??!! But maybe it's just part of our primate brain... since we can't groom other people, maybe we have a compulsion to groom ourselves? Primates eat what they groom... maybe we are just unconsciously "aping" behavior that's innate. I was wondering something though... from what I could tell, it seemed like most of the people posting here are women. I am a woman... and I was wondering if this is more common with us?

I am soooooo glad that I am not the only one going through this. I have many many scars on my back and some on my legs and chest because of this. I feel this need to pick them, especially pimples, and when I don't this anxiety and obsession over it comes and it only goes away until I pick it. It is ruining my social life. I have not gone swimming in a public place for about 3 years and I haven't worn shorts or a tank top in about 5 years. I went to my dermatologist who told me to get a stress ball and fumble with that when I get tempted instead of picking at them but I know that won't work. I am also currently trying new cover-ups that supposebly work "magic" and going to a dermatologist to see if there is any surgery or way I cant get rid of the scars. I think Dermabrasion might work as my scars are mostly superficial and dont go deep in my skin or are raised. I think this is like any other addiction, you have to hit rock bottom and have enough drive to overcome this. Thankfully, it has not been as bad as before because I have become conscious of how much this is ruining my life and I am trying desperately to stop. It is all about determination. Everytime you do this, remember what it leaves behind, and the pain it is causing you, do something else, go watch t.v., go out, run, anything that could possibly take your mind off of it. I know it's easier said than done, but remember how much greater your life would be without the scars!

I'm not sure if this has been discussed already, I didn't read through all 40+ answers. But in addition to picking scabs, I have picked all the moles off my body (about 10 over the years) I have an intense dislike of moles and felt the need to pick them off. I noticed that I tend to pick at scabs more when I am tired. And like many people here, its an urge I cannot ignore. People will look at a scab on my arm and ask what that's from and I'll get embarrassed and not know what to say. Oh, and I'm also on antidepressants (Lamictal and Zoloft)

I don't know if their is a disease, but I kind of wish there was so we could put a name with it. I am terribly addicted to popping pimples and blackheads, and picking crusty scabs and skin. With me, its like its the only thing I can think about until I pop it or pick it. My husband gets so mad at me for popping his zits - he says it is annoying and it hurts. In fact, we have had several fights over it - he says it feels like I don't care about him because even though it hurts him I do it anyway. But it has nothing to do with wanting to hurt him, I just feel like I have to pop the zit or anxiety builds and builds and its all I can look at or think about. I do feel a release of stress when I successfully pop pimples and the stuff comes out. I need help! I am hurting people that I love!

I really don't know,I seem to have done my picking for years,but didn't realize it was so bad till now,I am 36 yrs of age,an feel so ugly.I have scars all over me.I see ppl look at them when i'm outside somewhere and close to someone.I asked my doctor what is this and he says just looks like u scratch them open,ok! Like,help me.I mean he didn't even refer me to anyone.I want to stop.I really do.I cry because I don't like myself and the way I look.But,picking my scabs doesn't seem like the only thing I do.I can not keep my hands still.I lie down for bed at night,and I'm itching all over.Like my hands won't stay still.Feels so much better to know there are ppl out there like me.Hope we can chat sometime.

For me it all started when I had to take medication for my depression. As my medication was increased my picking got worse. Its going on 8 years now and as someone else said its embarrassing. I avoid shorts and people often ask me about my scared arms. The medication I was and currently is taking is Effexor 75 mg. I sometimes wake myself up at night because i am picking in my sleep. I think its a side effect of the antidepressants. Could this be true?

I have picked my scabs for many years now and i cant get enough of the rush i get when i rip one off and make it bleed. I pick at spots, scabs, pimples, anything that i can get my hands on i will pick. The feeling of power that takes over me when i get the open cut to ooze is one that induces an orgasm and it leaves me wanting more. I'd much rather pick than have sex, its like my own form of masturbation. If happen to be with a friend who has a scab ill noticeably stare at it, casually licking my lips, until they finally agree to let me pick at it. I have no idea what’s wrong with me but its ruling my life. I also eat scabs that i pick off, whether or not they are my own... they are crunchy and melt on my tongue, ill often swallow them too. I am not ashamed of my habit and happily wear strappy t-shirts and shorts, I display an awful lot of pride in my scars because i feel that i am demonstrating the achievement of something. My cat, Toby has scabs on his legs because he licks the fur off and I pick these off whenever i get the chance. It hurts him sometimes but i feel that he must suffer for my pleasure. My compulsive scab picking has scared away a few people, maybe i could find a companion who shared this passion. I feel I really need to find a way of cutting down on my obsession, for not only my own benefit, but for my cats too! Sometimes i get to thinking that maybe this scab picking is a form of self-harm because i feel so in control when i am doing it and it feels good, so good.

I have done this for years as well, with scabs, my own pimples as well as those (pimples) of others. I can't help it and even do the same with my nose, but only the side I get scabs on. I know, gross to even write. I have such deep scars from doing this, but I can't stop. I do take Effexor, but have not noticed it keeping me from doing it or stopping it. I know it is an obsession and if I had a microscope, I would love to see what these things are made out of. Sitting in a hot bath will soften scabs and make them easier to remove with a wash clothe, so not so much damage occurs. I would not have made a good dermatologist, but I sure would have had fun!

Yes, the answer is called "Dermatillomania". Look it up on GOOGLE at it will give you ALL KINDS OF INFORMATION ON THIS CONDITION. I have suffered from it for about a year now and it's driving me nuts. It's really a form of OCD but check out GOOGLE and you will find LOT'S and LOT'S of information on this subject and you won't feel so alone anymore...Hope this helps!! :)

well my name is Raquel i am 16 years old and i thought i would never look this stuff up but its become a big deal since i was 5 or 6 i have a disease called csp which stands for compulsive skin picking i always have to pick i cant not do it i lived in las Vegas my whole life and it was always so hot and i would always wear a sweater because i dont like when people ask if there cigarette burns or when they say that its gross or consistently ask me question about it. it really hurts me to have to cover my entire body and because of the fact that i have scars i need a pimple to pop or a cut to pick i have them all over my body but mostly my arms i have over 300 scars on my right arm and the way it is caused is having ridiculuos stress or depressed or being self conscious its a major problem i thought that i was the only person but you would be surprised. and the most problem is when you cant talk to someone about it because your scared but my problem is that i would lie and tell people that i had some type of skin cancer so they would not suspect anything i have been dealing with this for a long time and i always have to pick and it is a disorder and i have adhd, impulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder and i finally told someone to day and i was so scared of what they might think of me i have had a couple of relationships and i would dump them because i did not want them to see what was really wrong with me because i thought that i was crazy and i have been told about the infections from doctors that i could get aids or some other blood disease from picking and I'm finally going to tell my mom the truth because i need help and I'm scared but i have to do it all though it feels good to pick it has to stop before i get aids or something else and i wish you the best and to your question yes it is a disease and a bad one at that

Wow. I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. I get some kind sick pleasure out of picking them and watching the blood ooze out. And the pain is worth it. You know, thinking back, I do it mainly when I'm stressed or upset. But every time something happens where i know it will scab over, i can't wait for it to heal so i can pick it and make it bleed again. and if its a scab where it doesn't bleed, i'm disappointed. And i know its gross, but i do eat them. I mean even now as we speak, I am picking at two scabs on my elbows that i got when i got carpet burn while doing some workouts on the floor. And if there isn't a scab to pick i try to make one. It got so bad that i actually tried to pick off a mole on my arm and then when it scabbed over, i picked at that too. And when i get a mosquito or an ant bite, i pick at until it bleeds and scabs over and then i pick at it some more. I also bite my nails and frequently tear the nail slivers off to to the point where it hurts. And then i start biting the skin around my nails. my cuticles and fingers look horrible. I don't have a lot of scars. most of them have faded. The ones i do have are on my arm. i have one really nasty one from when i fell at the music building at school. I picked at that one for weeks...i was so sad when i finally let it heal. and my pimples aren't immune to it either...it i get a pimple, i pop it and then pick at the scar....there are some noticeable ones on my face...thank god i'm past puberty. I never thought of this as a form of self-mutilation. To me it was just normal. Hmmm....

Hmmmm... I dunno... I DO know that there's a disease that doesn't allow blood to clot and therefore no scabs are formed at all... But the victim would die from a papercut... the blood would keep going and goin'... But, no. I guess some people just like to pick at things, kinda like me....

hi ive never written on one of these but i've been reading discussion boards on this topic for a year now. so here i go. i have been picking my scabs since i was in preschool. at first i was just picking at mosquito bites when i got them, but at some point in high school i started picking at my skin non-stop. at first i was just picking scabs on my legs, but as i started getting acne as a teenager, i moved to my arms, and then to my chest and back. i am now 24, and one year ago i finally was able to realize that i had actually been picking every single day since high school or so....and i couldnt get through a day without doing it, no matter how hard i tried. i decided to googled compulsive scab picking and discovered that i had a disorder linked to ocd called dermatillomania. the possibility that i had something chemically or genetically wrong had never occurred to me before...not in the 20 years i had spent struggling with the shame and self-hatred that came along with having scars and frequent open wounds. i would only accuse myself of being a horribly gross and sick person for craving to destroy myself in such a way. i'm still picking everyday, but for the first time in my life i've told a few people about it...and so i've finally started to confront this as a serious and dangerous addiction that must come to an end. it consumes my mind, it makes me so depressed and anxious, it makes me hide from intimacy, although thats the only thing i want, and instead i allow myself to be promiscuous because i'm to afraid to open myself up to anyone because i'm so ashamed. not to mention with MRSA and cellulitis - picking could very possibly lead to a bacterial infection that could be fatal - though that obvious fact has never stopped me before. i've been too scared to go to the doctor, the last time i did and had to show her my skin i couldn't help but cry. i know it will help me ultimately, so i have to force myself to go soon, as i think a physical, exposed confrontation with my problem might provide the urgency i need to stop. i am now seeing a psychiatrist, who i've actually told, and i've started taking medication for ocd, which i hope helps. so at least i've mentally confronted the issue, which is the first step i think. the thing is that i, like you all, probably, am very active and social, and most people would never think i had this kind of condition. but i do, and the time and energy i waste picking - as well as trying to cover up my skin after the fact and hide that i do it - is so overwhelmingly substantial. i'm a really busy person....and yet i will shirk my responsibilities at times, or be late, simply because i am so controlled by this addiction. BUT, all that said, this is also the first time in my life that i have ever felt like maybe it is possible stop, and lead the normal life i have always dreamed of...where i can go swimming and wear sleeveless dresses in the summer, and not be fretted by my secret. i've felt helpless for my whole life, and i am now starting to feel like maybe i can overcome this? i think the thing for all of us to remember is that this stupid thing is an addiction....and every human is plagued by some addiction...whatever it may be. we are all trying to rid ourselves of our addictions because they are usually destructive. but society=stress so we use our habits to cope with anxiety. but we have the capacity to stop, and i think we will stop!! none of us are alone in this struggle and i find this to be comforting, that we shouldnt feel alienated or ashamed of ourselves even though what we are doing seems very strange - but its really just an instinct left over from when we were monkeys picking bugs out of each other's hair for grooming purposes..so its actually not that strange at all. but we're all just humans trying to figure out how to deal with being alive. so at the very least i think we shouldnt be so hard on ourselves because, at least for me, the self-hatred aspect of all of this is the hardest and lonliest part of the battle.

OMG, I am so glad I found this site on google. I too am a "scab stalker"....it's crazy. I have also been picking scabs since I was a little girl but call it luck...I never seem to get scars. I must be honest and admit that if I get a cut accidentally I am a little happy that in a few days I will have something to pull off. Yes, I check the area daily in anticipation of the harvesting I will be able to do. It doesn't matter how big, small or painful they are I won't stop until I get it off my body. When I was in high school I was dropped on my face in a parking lot (almost the entire left side of my face was practically torn off...yes down to the white meat, that's just how bad it was). Well I pulled every single forming scab off after less then 10 days of the accident. Once again I got lucky because it was on the heels of taking my senior photos and the wonders of vitamin E oil....I have no scars on my face. Of course I know logically the more I pick at the scab before it has heeled will just make another scab.....it doesn't seem to matter...I try and can't seem to control myself. This week I already tore a scab off my eyebrow and I have been working on one on my elbow for the past 3 months. I have even begun to use manicure tools to help me to get the scab off (I have been using them on the elbow only because this one is stubborn). I dated a guy once who suffered a pretty bad tear to his elbow playing basketball...well my problem even reached him. He walked by me (I knew the scab was not ready, only the outside had begun to darken and heel) and yes I tore it off his arm in one quick motion. He wore a band aid over it because he no longer trusted me and assumed I was stalking the scab to tear it off again (well I was). To this day I remember the look on his face "as though I was off my rocker".

Wow and I though I was the only freak!!! Im so bad that if anyone has a scab around me, I have to pick it off!!! When Ive waited tables, I would see someone with a scab and have to restrain myself from picking! My mmom said it first was noticalbe when I was about 8, my lil brother was very clumsy and he would get scabs on his head from all the times he would fall, I would convince him that they were bugs and I had to get them off. Ive woke up in the middle of the night looking for scabs on my body or my hubbys to pick off.

This is such a relief to know that other people have the same addiction as i do. i was so fed up by the way i look bcoz i have scars all over my body. Before it was only on my legs, but then we had fleas in our house so i started itching and picking on my scabs which led to an ugly me. i cant stop them, it feel good to pick on them. I have been doing this since i was a kid. My grand father had it, my dad, and my sister had it. But they all grow out of it. I still do it and its driving me crazy. When i see my friends with smooth even skin with no scars, i ask myself if my skin will ever look like that. My skin condition is getting worse - i am almost 20. i have dated men but i always had to be very careful. I had to pick clothes that would hide my scars, i couldn't try new things to do. (i love adventure - but i cant go swimming or jet skiing) i cant show my legs. i have just given up. i know no men will want to see my scars. i dont knoe what to do :( If anybody can give me some advice on how to get rid of the scars, and to stop picking at my scabs. Please e-mail me at mery_ajnabi@yahoo.com

This is such a relief to know that other people have the same addiction as i do. i was so fed up by the way i look bcoz i have scars all over my body. Before it was only on my legs, but then we had fleas in our house so i started itching and picking on my scabs which led to an ugly me. i cant stop them, it feel good to pick on them. I have been doing this since i was a kid. My grand father had it, my dad, and my sister had it. But they all grow out of it. I still do it and its driving me crazy. When i see my friends with smooth even skin with no scars, i ask myself if my skin will ever look like that. My skin condition is getting worse - i am almost 20. i have dated men but i always had to be very careful. I had to pick clothes that would hide my scars, i couldn't try new things to do. (i love adventure - but i cant go swimming or jet skiing) i cant show my legs. i have just given up. i know no men will want to see my scars. i dont knoe what to do :( If anybody can give me some advice on how to get rid of the scars, and to stop picking at my scabs. Please e-mail me at zahabia15@yahoo.com

hello im 18 n im always piking my scaps to till they bleed i just can not stand to have a scab on my body although i no it will scar. my riends n family r always telling me off 4 it n tell me that it make them feel sick. so i just go out the room and do it. i try not to do it but i just rub my finger on it till i carnt resist the temptation any longer. im really embarresed about this proplem, im not on anti-depressants or any other medication. i also think that it is some kind of o.c.d couse for me its defo a absession and compolcive that i do pick my scabs. p.s sorry about the spelling i no its terrible

I think nervous energy may be the cause. A dis-ease of sorts.

I do it as well and can't stop I am 32 and started in my early 20's.I will not tell my dr.and have recently told my husband and he was shocked I just told him hun I don't show you my stomach.he just never thought about it.Well I ? what I do non stop.I wish I cld stop but I can't it's like an obsession I say to myself sometimes.Ok it's me time almost like when u get smoke breaks its my break I control it I get to have that time and no one else wow the more I type this the more I see control issues Iam on celexa and pray that it helps control this nasty but yet stress releiving issue that i have made for all these yrs.Sometimes I to think maybe I dhould smoke,but I know thats possibly trading 1 set of issues for another or in my case just adding to my picking issue.Oh dear god I just want to stop it is sooo grossssssss.I can't go without washing my hands every 10 20 maybe 30 minutes cause I can't stand the thought of what is on my fingers I keep germex evrywhere and I mean literally everywhere.

It's amazing to me how many people out there are in the same boat as me. I've been picking my scabs for a long time and wonder what in the world triggers the need to pick and pick until I'm bleeding. It's definitely an obsession I have. Like some I'm already on an antidepressant, but I take mine for panic disorder. I'm not sure they cure this picking problem I have since I'm still doing everyday. I have so many scars and as a result of my picking I have become anemic due to the blood loss. You'd think that would be enough to scare me into stopping but it doesn't. There's that release when I've picked a scab and it's bleeding that fills some sort of void. You could sit me on a psychiatrist's/psychologist's couch and we could talk about all the things in my past that may or may not have anything to do with what makes me have this urge. Regardless, I have a huge need to pick my scabs until they bleed. Not only that, but I am one of those "sick" people out there that actually eats my scabs. It's as if I'm a hunter eating my catch for the day. That's all I can equate it too. It's like a prize I must devour. It's so gross and unsanitary, but what about picking scabs is pretty anyway? I'm just wondering if I'll ever grow out of this. I have ruined many sheets and clothes as well. I look at my sheets after they've been through the wash and just think of how I'll never be able to use for guests. Unfortunately this problem also applies to any strange bump I find on my body. I pick until I get results. I feel like a dirty person and would like to be done with this and just need advice and/or help. No nail clear nail polish will keep me from picking. That is a promise.

I have this same issue. I have always been extremely embarrassed about it. I used to be so ashamed of it that I would never wear tank tops or shorts to school because people would always ask. I have gotten better with the clothing aspect of it but I am still not happy about doing it. Every time I have a scab, I can 'feel' it there. I feel like it is poking out and that everyone can see it. I normally pick at my arms and my head. Every time I do it, I try and tell myself to stop, but can not. I always have people asking me about my scars and where they came from. I do not like telling them the truth so most times I will lie. I never thought there would be so many others like me. I am only 20 years old, but I have always been a scab picker. There was a time in my life where I was depressed. I have cut myself but stopped doing it a few years ago. Since stopping that, I had started scab picking more than I ever have. Like I said... I have always picked... ever since I was younger, but it's almost like the act of stopping cutting triggered it. I do not believe in taking medications though for an issue such as this. I am trying to work on it without that help. All of you that have written something in regards to this question can stop. You can do it. It may take a while, but with enough will power and support from others, you can stop. If anyone needs to talk for that support, I am always here. plumagirl@msn.com

I have the same problem. I find myself picking scabs on my head untill they bleed so bad i have to grab a tissue to controll it. Sometimes the pain is so bad that it slows down my breathing and makes my heart beat uncontrollably fast. I have a doctors appointment next week to disguss this weird problem. I'm so glad that there are other people who do this too, hopefully we all can recieve help for this gross and hard to get rid of, problem. I wish the best for everyone who is suffering with this same thing. Goodluck! _CHRISTINA_

No it 'aint no disease, but i do that too. another weird habit of mine is picking my lips when they are chapped.

I started picking my scalp when I was really young. I remember having my mom always tell me to stop it if she saw me doing it so I was always trying to hide it. I also grew up biting the skin around my fingers and toes till it was painful. When I was a freshman in college I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar 2 disorder. I now take Effexor and Lymictal and it has definitely stopped many of my anxious, obsessive habits but the one that remains is the the picking of scabs on my head and eating them. I'm tried many things including wearing gloves as much as possible but the need to pick is so incredible that it doesn't stop me because I start almost fantasizing about picking. I now cut my nails as short as possible every day. Also, I put Neosporin on my scabs every time they bleed. This helps a lot because then if I'm every tempted to scratch I remember that if I do it, the grease of the Neosporin will spread and make my hair greasy. I would say that is probably the best suggestion I can offer you all. Good luck battling this. I know it's hard because it feels really good but can be painful and embarrassing.

ypur all sicoes and need help!!!

ur all sicoes and need help!!!

this is such a relief!!!! i'm not the only one!!!! i am 16. since i was 10 i have had this obsession with popping pimples! no matter where they are, face, back, legs, arms, doesn't matter, i pick them till there is a scab then pick that scab for weeks and weeks! its particularly bad on my arms, i have picked at my arms so bad that i have to hide my arms under my sleeves to hide the scars. i haven't worn sleeveless shirts since i was 10. on my chest as well, everywhere i am covered in scars from the scabs! they look stupid. the scars are these very clear and obvious circles about 1 cm each, like spots, all over my body. i have to lie and tel people that they are chicken pox scars because people always ask, they are that obvious

I do this too!! I'm 15 years old, and I've been doing this since..i was 11 i think. Maybe younger, i don't know. it used to be really bad, but because I'm older I care more about my appearance so I've stopped doing it so much. I do it everyday..they're on my forehead usually, but I have bangs to hide them. But I have some on my back now...I'm starting to get really fed up with it. I don't WANT to pick them, it's definitely compulsive and unconscious for me. I hate it..I really want to stop. I guess I could try the clear nail polish thing. Another thing that helps is to cut your nails down as short as possible..but it only lasts for so long 'til they grow back. :/ I don't know. Ugh.

I do this too!! I'm 15 years old, and I've been doing this since..i was 11 i think. Maybe younger, i don't know. it used to be really bad, but because I'm older I care more about my appearance so I've stopped doing it so much. I do it everyday..they're on my forehead usually, but I have bangs to hide them. But I have some on my back now...I'm starting to get really fed up with it. I don't WANT to pick them, it's definitely compulsive and unconscious for me. I hate it..I really want to stop. I guess I could try the clear nail polish thing. Another thing that helps is to cut your nails down as short as possible..but it only lasts for so long 'til they grow back. :/ I don't know. Ugh.

My 12 year old dau has been picking ocd for 1 year. Her tiny blemishes become 1 inch bloody sores, then she re-picks those scabs over and over=huge scars on face and hairline. She seems unaware of it-so an allergist, dermatologist and therapist are working together to help. Having her menses at early age=break outs, but this is not occassional. I also was and now less...a scab and blemish picker-which I was told IS mild form of cutting. I won't go to sleep if there is any bumps or scabs or blemishs on my body...but , unlike my dau, I don't turn mine into HUGE sores. I am on antidepressant. My dau is also adhd-so if not picking she is skirmming, cracking knuckles, picking cuticles or moving a lot. Puberty brought this on=so maybe related to school bullies/peer pressure and fear of future /my job loss and her adopted dad is ocd hoarder. She has not seen me pick...but she does it in public. I feel helpless that she has major scarring on her beautiful face. She is on honor roll, many sports, so she is not bored, and actually very confident-so maybe perfectionist? I wish someone would leave an email for her to have a 12yr -teen she can relate to. thanks, Mom

This behavior is called psychogenic excoriation and I read somewhere that a prescription may help, but with the possibility of side effects. I think it's more common than most people think.

im so surprised that this is a real problem im almost like surely ppl are just saying they do it? i never would of thought it. ive been doing it in sperts for about 6 years and i was watching that show ocd with some chic picking out her hair so i though hmmm i wonder if i look up scalp picking scab picking and here i am in amazement

they say its OCD which are all symptoms of deeper problems low self esteen depression other mental issues such as body distortion disorder(something like that) bi polor most pickers OCD have underlying mental and physical problems

it is an old animal instinct to keep a wound clean while it heals, now days we have antisceptic cream

Yes, it's called Dermatillomania. It's often associated with eating disorders, anxiety, depression etc... A lot of people do it as a form of release and can pick once a day to several times a day. I sadly have picked my scabs since I was a little girl and find I can't seem to stop. It is a compulsion. I thought I was alone until I started doing some research on it. Thanks for being brave enough to ask this question!

Wow. I didn't know. OCD it seems. Interesting. I noticed most are women. I'm male. ...and I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. I'm over 50 and would love to quit. Harder than quitting smoking. There is a weird satisfaction. I try to hide it but many people have noticed, and I'm sure more than I think. Stressfull times I itch like crazy. I noticed once when I was on cortisone pills for my exzema the itch and the need to pick seemed to subside. I'm going to actively kick this self mutilation and sick snack food habit. Dermatillomania hmmmm...

Ok so I'm 18 years old I have been completley mutalaiting my self sense I was 6 or 7 so I have many scars that are big and look bad and make me self consious about my self I wear sweaters all the time to try hiding the scars and aviod people who ask about them. So i did a little bit of research and found that it is ocd and its from a trumatic event that may of happened in your life. so you want to know how you stop? Ok well first you need to sit and think to your self about! when do you pick the most.example/ I pick at my scabs when I'm anxious and when I'm relaxed. Ok you need to find when you do it the most and you need to start finding something that makes you feel better like a cig a ball u can play with ect. You need to distract your self and have confidence that you know you don't have to pick your scabs.you need to minipulate your urge to pick by finding your stress points. After that find a hobbie that will pre ocupie you that way your forgetting about it. Then you want to start to build your strength and you can do this by touching your scab just feel it do not pick it off that's showing you that your strong then you need to do that and resist to pick you need to do it until your completley aware that you won't pick and the most important thing you need to build confidence with your scars.granted there big and there not the best looking but you need to except that there perment and you did it to ur self and u need to find a way to cope other wise its going to get worse and you going to be unhappy

i did this for years but just on one butt cheek. i stopped by doing daily skin care on the area. if i felt the urge to pick i would run to the bathroom and put cocoa butter on it and massage it. The scars actually started looking better too. If I had an open area i would put Wounded Warrior on it and cover it with a bandaid for about two days. They also have some sort of new advanced healing bandaid that works really good. it feels like silicone and if you put that on a sore then a bubble forms and it is relaxing just playing with the bubble. its like you still get to do your little habit but you are allowing it to heal too. i hope this helps somebody. Set a date to stop and stick to it.