Whats the big deal with picking at scabs?!


Question: Whats the big deal with picking at scabs?
i pick at my scabs, specifically ones i get from acne on my face or ears and sometimes its relieving in the same way that cutting is but ive never had a scar from picking at scabs before, yet in the past people have freaked out so much over the littlest amount of blood coming from scabs ive picked and my mom is always telling me to stop, but idk if i can and want to stop and i dont see it as a big deal, i mean at least i havent been cutting myself (though i want to so bad), its such a struggle in between therapy sessions and without medication to help me with my mental issues

Answers:

Each time a scab is picked off before it's ready, it tears around the scab itself, and can also tear deeper. Either of these can lead to the original wound getting larger, and it also leaves the wound open to micro-organisms that can lead to infection, fungal infections, and more.

A scab is the body's way of clotting the blood and other liquids from the body to form a barrier to protect the wound underneath so that it can heal. By interrupting the body's healing process, it can lead to complications, including scarring.

Had it explained to me, and sure which I hadn't when I was younger, because now I have scars.



Bob, if you pick at acne you have a high chance of blackheads, or little scars. Its best just not to do it, especially since if your hands are just little dirty, you pick open the skin, some dirt off of your fingers could get in and give you a blackhead and make skin problems worse.



I picked at my scabs too. But it doesn't mean I do it because I'm sad. I do it because I don't know why... I just felt like it. I wish I stop too.... When I stop picking at that... and allow it to heal. I pick on another scab, oh well.



It's not likely, but you could get an infection, including flesh eating disease. A scab is your body's way of sealing the wound so no microbes can enter the blood stream, just as it prevents blood from leaving.

AP Bio



it'll leave a scare.



I have a friend that was doing that to, she picked at scabs for years but eventually she started cutting so if your friends or family are worried its definitely warranted. You've even said yourself that you want to cut, and I'm begging you please don't. what ever you think you could gain from it, I promise you ITS NOT WORTH IT. medication could help you calm down if your dealing with a lot of anxiety, I know you said your not taking any but you said you were in therapy mabe you should talk to your therapist about this. I understand how you think what your doing now is insignificant or not a big deal my friend was the same way but it can escalate so fast. it was so harmless in the begining shed pick and say it was no big deal then when she started cutting she kept saying it was ok she had it under control and other people were worse then her. now her body's covered in scars :(
I couldn't stop her, I hope what I'm saying can help you

Keep fighting the urge to self harm, get help and God bless



I have noticed that it usually occurs as a result of anxiety, or stress, and may be considered as a type of coping,or avoiding mechanism. It appears to be closely related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, so view http://your-mental-health.weebly.com/g.h… & pages f, m, & i, on anxiety, stress, & OCD, and practise one of the relaxation methods, daily, and when needed. Try St. John's Wort, (preferably a German variety; local ones may vary in efficacy - take with a meal; Jarsin, Perika, or Kira brands have been recommended as being effective) which is believed to act by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters; serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, moderately, rather than selectively giving the serotonin levels of the brain a large boost, as with antidepressants. First effects usually start at around 2 weeks, approaching maximum effectiveness at 4 - 6 weeks. View www.hypericum.com & www.sjwinfo.org/ & www.drweil.com/ :Herbs, and http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Facts… but I don't recommend the HBC brand, over concerns about pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination. Use a form of occupational therapy, to keep your mind busy.

You could also take 50mg (no more) of 5-htp, and inositol, daily, with the wort. Another suggestion, for when you catch yourself doing this. Some people carry a wide rubber band in your pocket: put it on your wrist; stretch, and release, as a means of reinforcing it, and speeding up the process, re-pocketing it afterwards, but I regard this as being purely optional. It is a habit, which can be unlearned, preferably by replacing it with another, such as worry beads, or a stress ball, etc. This may take 30 - 40 repetitions, to establish. Also, give the EFT version for use in public places, a good tryout, to see if it helps you (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you employ the acupressure massage/tapping on your temples) "Even though I pick my skin, I deeply and completely accept myself". The acupressure technique can also be used to replace the skin picking. One therapy that I am aware of is to strongly grip the hand you normally use for 3 minutes, until the impulse to reoffend has passed. Professional EFT is always preferable. See www.mercola.com SEARCHBAR "EFT" & "EFT therapists", or 13 free videos at www.tapping.com Check out: http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/… & www.wrongdiagnosis.com & http://www.stoppickingonme.com/ & http://www.grossbart.com/sd/Skin_Deep9.h… & www.mental-health-abc.com and Support: http://dailystrength.org/support Chatsites/forums: www.skinpick.com & http://www.mentalhealthforum.net/ and Groups, at Myspace, Yahoo, ( http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Pic… ) and Google. Try to find a therapist who uses Habit Reversal Training. Google: "Clinical psychologists; (your city); (your state)"

Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind. 85% of people are suggestible to some degree; 15% - 20% highly so, and 15% - 20% aren't much at all, so you could either preferably seek professional hypnotherapy, or, if not an option, hypnosisdownloads.com has one on stopping skin picking. Recommended reading: The Complete Guide To Skin Picking Disorders by David Florendale, &
The Habit Change Workbook: How to Break Bad Habits and Form Good Ones by James Claiborn Ph.D., Cherry Pedrick R.N., and James Claiborn, & Stop Me Because I Can't Stop Myself : Taking Control of Impulsive Behavior by Jon Grant, S.W. Kim, Jon Grant, and Gregory Fricchione, from your bookstore, or amazon.com




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