Picking scabs

Does anyone have any tips for stopping yourself from picking scabs? Your own, not other people's ;)

When my anxiety is getting bad, I tend to unconsciously scratch whatever patch of skin is closest. Right at the moment I have 4 decent sized scabs, 2 on my arm and 2 on my face. They're hideously attractive as you would imagine.

My problem is, I cannot stop myself from picking them all the time! Dressings don't tend to stay on me for some reason. I bought spray bandage, which hurts unbelievably when I spray it on, and while it frustrates for me for a day or so, as I can't get under it, I still work at it til I get there.

I'm not sure if these scratches would've left scars anyway, I already have 3 that have completely healed and they've scarred, but I picked them. I would very much like to avoid further scarring - any tips?

Do something else with your fingers! Knitting, sewing, piano, even scratchcards - at least you can pick at those LOL. (As I know you don't gamble paying that much just for a scratching fix doesn't seem quite right though.)

I also like getting the tweezers out and getting my hands hair-free. Same level of attention is needed for tweezing as picking and you're using your hands, too.

go and get yourself some acrilic nails...I know when I have them on I can't pick ;)

wear gloves?

Hmm, that's not a bad idea PO5. They're not as sharp as normal nails, so I wouldn't be able to do as much damage with them. Hmm... :thinking:

You'd think I would've thought've that TFB, given that I already use crocheting/knitting to distract me from scratching in the first place....but apparently not :rofl: I'm sure Professor would adore it if I were to take up housework in place of scratching :)

I can scratch in false nails - they get better results for me, just as a warning.

I was just talking about this with a friend last night! She has a specific spot where she pulls hairs out of her head when she is anxious. I pick on the inner sides of my elbows (does that make any sense..? insides of my arms? ) and I also bite the insides of my mouth & lips and even my tongue.

I have been totally unsuccessful in stopping biting my mouth, most of the time I don't realise I am doing it until it is sore and bleeding.

I can stop picking though, just by realising I am doing it and making a conscious effort to busy my fingers with something else, and doing some deep breathing, lower the anxiety.

I recommend see a clinical psychologist for a few sessions of hypnotherapy, and some mindfulness training. These tools are likely to help right across your life. Xxx

I'm a shocker for it, especially if I'm a bit tired or stressed. Best bet for me is to not have scabs in the first place. Not all that attainable. So next step - put vaseline or pawpaw ointment over the top of them. It softens them, and then you can't pick.