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Scalp picking and eating :(

15 Sep, 2012,  by gingersnappcarrottopper
Hi, I'm Rachel. I have this thing where I pick and rub at my head, then I will eat my scalp. Its disgusting and disturbing. I've been doing it since I was like 6, I think. Now I'm 12 and I'm STILL doing that!!! Its like I try and try, but no matter what I do, I can't stop. I really need some advice, But I do NOT want to go to a counsiler. It's embarrassing and humiliating. I have really good parents. I've been raised well. But I did read about why people usually do it, and As it says, I have had some emotional-traumatic experiences. I still remember everything. And it makes things even worse because I have red hair and I heard that red-heads have sensitive skin. So now, I have some acne. But, I already am getting some treatment for that. I don't pick at my acne, just my scalp. And I eat it!!! Thats worse than picking at it, alone. I am so ashamed at myself. My friends have already questioned me, and so have family members. I don't think I'm insane or have any mental disorders... Well, apart from ADD and ADHD... I think I might have paranoia because Whenever i walk past any windows or Go outside, I think I will get killed, and I freak out.... But I have also been watching tons of crime shows,,, soo. and when ever I think about getting killed, I start doing it. :( and since i've gotten back to school, There has been a lot of drama and they are all trying to pull me into it. So, thats counts for more and more stress. so maybe thats why I'm doing it.? I don't know. But its become almost on a regular basis. I have gotten to the point to where I go to school, I don't do it, much. Now and then at school, I will pick and eat. But, not so much. Now, when I'm alone, I will do it constantly and I will eat it. I don't know why. Can anyone help me? Is there more than just counsiling? and does anyone else do that, too?

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September 17, 2012

I WAS just like you--I picked at my scalp and ate whatever I found. I am 31 and think I started around 15 or 16. I've just started quitting now, finally! Here are some things for you to think about: your parents love you and you think they are good parents. Why not speak to them about your picking? They won't judge you and will be there to help you. Trust them to help you and be there for you. They may recommend you see a Therapist, but tell them that you want to try to quit picking on your own first. You are very young, and I think that gives you a big advantage--it's easier to learn new behaviors when you are young! Learn a good behavior (NOT picking) now and have it for a lifetime. Also, I am just like you another way--I refuse to watch scary movies anymore. I even turn the channel on TV when a commercial for one comes on. I am highly sensitive to that type of material and it makes my mind run wild. I'll lose sleep, afraid someone will come in my bedroom and kill me. It's not worth the quick thrill to watch the movie, trust me. You will feel much better when you quit the movies. Since I've already graduated school, I can tell you in no uncertainty that there will be MORE drama as you get older. Find a friend or a family member who you can talk to about your school issues, and try to distance yourself from the people at school who create the drama. When you graduate, you might keep a friend or two for the long term, but most of those people you will probably never see again. It's not worth making yourself upset over, trust me. Have you thought about journaling? Keep a daily notebook of your thoughts and that can be very comforting too. Plus later you can look back and see how you've progressed. If you find you can't stop picking on your own, don't be afraid to get professional help. There are people out there who specialize in helping pickers, and they won't judge you. Much love to you, Rachel. You can do it! :)
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September 20, 2012

Thank you so much!!! I'm already getting better. :) I'm so happy that I know now that I'm not the only one.
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September 21, 2012

You definitely aren't alone!! Keep strong, and do this for yourself. (I'm telling myself the same thing, let's both hope it works!)
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September 23, 2012

I'm in my 60s and have been doing this for years picking my scalp occasionally eating the scabs Yes, this is gross. I watched my father pick his scalp growing up. Then my husband started doing it, and one son also does it too. Is it hereditary or just modeling behavior that we've observed others do or a combination of the two.? I'm an anxious person but I function fairly well and was never abused or had severe traumas as a child. I used to pull my hair out when a teen in one spot after my brother hit me in the head with a toy truck. It was a minor injury but after it healed I started pulling the hair out just in the same spot. nowhere else. I no longer pull out hair. I seem to always need to be active w. my hands. I love playing the piano, gardening. I've started wearing a skull cap, hats, or scarves tight around my head to keep me away from my head. It works if I wear it. But I still love myself and am grateful for this website. I've never had any bad health effects from this longstanding habit even tho' I'm constantly opening up multiple sites on my head. However, I fear I may. It seems impossible to stop altho I sure wish I could. Good luck to all and whatever else we are, we are just trying to survive on this crazy planet. Our weird habits are stress relieving coping tools I guess.
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February 01, 2016

HI rachel, I'm alot like you. I'm a readhead, and I pick, eat, and I have some strange paranoid fears. Wow!. Now, I'm 18 almost 19. I've been picking at my scalp like this since I was 11 or 12. I also chew my nails and I think they are alot alike. I don't have any advice for you, because honestly I find it soothing and I am afraid to stop however I try not to do it in public.. but I understand how hard it is.. I just want you to know you're not alone!
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May 06, 2016

Omg I'm 14 and I've been doing it since I was 9 , I don't know how to stop either , pick and eat... Ya I know how you feel... My scabs have grown, and it hurts now but ... I'll start digging in my scalp.. I don't know how to stop, but I hope me relating to your situation helps, I have adhd too , and dramatic past

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