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utopia78 , 03 Apr 2014

Scab picking

I'm new to this and have never spoken or written a msg on a forum before, so hello. I was recently alerted to the "skin picking" condition after watching a television show on strange addictions. I've always been aware of my so called scab picking, however I nearer knew it was an actual condition and thee are others out there like myself. I remember picking scabs from a young age as I was and still am, allergic to mosquito bites and once I've scratched at my skin - I create scabs and sores that get very infected and weepy. I've picked at my scabs all my life, they have always been mainly on my legs which has always made me very self conscious growing up and still, ago the age of 35 yrs old - I'm still very self conscious of this. I also pick my nose, so much so that when I was younger I had constant nose bleeds and even now as an adult, I have a perforated septum, I believe from constant picking! The revolting thing is and I have NEVER told anybody this, is that I eat my scabs and boogies. It's disgusting and I'm unaware as to why I do it! Does anyone else do this? I constantly pick at anything, scabs on nah part of my body, my nose, scabs on my scalp, skin around my fingers and I eat all the skin!!! I have come to the realization that I do this all the time, without any awareness and have only now realized that his is an actual condition and I need help. I also suffer from major depression and anxiety - that I was officially diagnosed with about 4 yrs ago. Can anybody relate? I'm kinda grossed out by myself and embarrassed.
4 Answers
Jessicabj
April 05, 2014
I have also recently become aware of this condition. I pick at my fingers and toes which isn't as noticeable to other people but my son picks his cheeks and arms and legs which scab over and then never heal because he continues to pick. I recently took him to the dr because I didn't know what to do. He said the only way to really stop is to get at the root of why you pick and then to replace the behavior. I take my son to his first counseling appointment at the end of the month. I'm hoping behavior modification therapy will help.
cmpg1965
April 05, 2014
I to am a picker since I was a kid. Like you it started out with mosquito bites. I've never felt comfortable with my body due to all the scars on my legs and arms. Through out the years family and friends tell me to stop picking and I want to, but I can't. I keep asking my self why do I do it and before finding this site I read on another site the following; (1) a compulsion to engage in the negative behavior despite knowledge of the harm; (2) a lack of control over the problematic behavior; (3) a strong urge to engage in the behavior prior to engagement; and (4) a feeling of pleasure while engaging in the behavior or a feeling of relief or reduced anxiety after engaging in the behavior. This is it exactly. I am ashamed that I do it, like others had said I zone out. People who don't have this problem don't understand why I (we) can't stop. I'm so glad I found this site and there are several others out there just like me. I thought I was the only one in the world that picked constantly at my scabs. I'm happy to know that I'm not. I'm hoping this site will help me.
ldgill92
April 07, 2014
Hi i have the same issue with scabs picking at them 24/7 and eating them from a very early age around kindergarten don't worry ur not alone
charlesiiamjean228
June 20, 2014
First of all Good day! I would just like to give thanks to the admin who posted this one I really appreciate it thank you. Yeah right I totally agree with you! The revolting thing is and I have NEVER told anybody this, is that I eat my scabs and boogies. Keep up the good work and Godbless! Be with us to, purchase instagram followers

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