Anonymous
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w
Scalp picking
Does anyone have suggestions on how to stop picking at their scalp?
mackenzie clossmackenzie closs
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w
I wear a head wrap. It's helped me dramatically reduce the picking. I also now have a pretty large collection of hats lol
xoxormxoxorm
- Date posted
- 17w
I’ve tried wearing hats but personally I think I look super weird in hats. 🥲 Something else that helped me was wearing bandaids on the fingertips I use to pick my scalp. I also have problems with picking my forehead and I find it is VERY helpful to constantly have bandaids on the scabs even if they aren’t bl33ding. Also you could cut your nails down and if you like the look of long nails u can get them done like acrylics or buy fake nails it is MUCH more difficult to pick at scabs when u have fake nails on.
littlecreek24littlecreek24
- Date posted
- 17w
I've managed to not pull my hair out anymore but I still tug on it. What got me this far was becoming conscious of what I was doing, and rewarding myself for stopping in the form of daily stickers. Eventually I was able to switch from pulling out to just lightly tugging. Another thing I recommend is a fidget toy to keep your hands occupied when you get in picking mode.
littlecreek24littlecreek24
- Date posted
- 17w
Also like others said, making it more difficult helps a lot too. I cut my hair into a pixie cut, got fake nails, bandaids on fingers, etc. All of these have been effective for however long they lasted.
AsleepAsleep
- Date posted
- 17w
@littlecreek24 When I was pulling my hair I used to use a ton of conditioner in the shower because I noticed it made my hair more elastic and my hair would snap before the root came out and it made me want to stop. I’d try and then wouldn’t get the satisfaction of pulling the root out. I love all the little tricks we come up with. It’s all anxiety! I’m on medication now and that’s what helped me the most.
[Deleted][Deleted]
- Date posted
- 17w
Comment deleted by user
mackenzie clossmackenzie closs
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 16w
There are separate disorders for skin picking and hair pulling, but they are very similar to ocd and I have heard that they are often co morbidities of ocd. At least that has been my understanding of it! Maybe one of the therapist could answer or explain it better lol
mackenzie clossmackenzie closs
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 16w
@spelamarela You are so not alone in this! I have the same problem. I pick at my scalp and the bottom of my feet. It's awful. I'm sorry you also have this. Do you have a therapist here on nocd? There is treatment for this, you can do it xoxoxox
mackenzie clossmackenzie closs
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 16w
@spelamarela It's a shame that it's so expensive. I'm so lucky that nocd takes my insurance. Have you thought about talking to your regular doctor? I know they aren't the best when it comes to mental health, but it could at least be a place to start? I'm so sorry you are going through this
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