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Scratch till it bleeds...

Discussion in 'Physical & Sexual Health' started by duende84, Feb 14, 2014.

  1. duende84

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    Scratch till it bleeds...

    This might be somewhat gross for some but I feel the need to write about it.

    I have this nasty habit of picking a sore/scab/scratch/injury intil it bleeds and there is a gaping, bleeding hole.

    For example: since puberty I got some acne on my shoulders and I would, subconciously scratch and pic at them until the blood is running. I do this without thinking about it. In my sleep, in conversation, when I work. :icon_redf

    This I believe is related to my anxiety spells. I hate it that I do it to myself. My body is riddled with scars. :icon_sad:

    Anyone here share a similar unconsious trait?
     
  2. Richie.

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    Sounds like an unwanted habit, habits can be broken, just takes will power. Try not scratch every time you do the more likely you will stop.

    I'd go check it out at the doctors Too, might be something they can do for you.

    Hope it gets better,
     
  3. duende84

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    Hi there Richie

    Yes, it is a nasty habit. I hate it.

    Unfortunately I dont have medical aid to afford a doctors visit. I just have to break the habit. I must say, when I was with my last BF it dissapeared because he put some calming spell on my or something ;-)
     
  4. Richie.

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    The thing is why you start it's hard if not impossible to stop scratching is very satisfying when you start, but if it's bleeding it hurts I presume.. You have to weigh up what you want, the satisfaction of the scratch or the bleed.

    Don't you have a pharmacist, it might be worth a trip.
     
  5. AlamoCity

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    I love to pick at scabs too. The itchiness just begs to be scratched. What I do is put some Witch Hazel extract (not sure if you can find it in SA) but you put some of the liquid in a clean paper towel and apply it to the site of the scab or whatever and in seconds, I get itch relief and forget all about it.

    My other unconscious habit is biting my nails. I haven't had to cut trim them in about a decade.
     
  6. Richie.

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    Antihistamines too
     
  7. Blondeye

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    I HAD trichotelomenia for a few months... Very OCD... Even my teenage kid knew I did it cuz it was nonstop!

    I have it up for my New Years resolution
    And now it is a part of my past which feels awesome!!!

    I love eating them... Yuck
    My kid caught me and was disgusted

    Maybe list off reasons y u want to stop ?

    Is it painful?
    Does it make ur scars worse?
    It interrupts the healing process
    It could lead to sepsis/infection
    People may c u doing it
    What else???
     
  8. duende84

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    Yes, I would like to stop.
    It leaves a small scar. It does not bother me but its not nessesary.
    It does keep it sore for weeks on end where it is supposed to heal in a few days.
    Luckly never had infection doing that but never say never right...?
    People do see me doing it and just give me a weird look then I feel ashamed.
    I want my body to always look healthy.

    :confused:

    It is just a damn nasty habit. :bang: :bang:
     
  9. Rainbow Panda

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    I used to have the same habit (I say used to but it returns when I am stressed), I used to pick at things in my face or I would just keep touching it which resulted in a lot of scarring which really bothers me today. - Anyway I just wanted to say that I got rid of the problem when I realised that I just needed to have something in my hands all of the time to keep them occupied. I dont know if it it she same for you, but I wanted to say it just in case.
     
  10. duende84

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    Thank you Rainbow Panda. Yes, I need to keep my hands busy but I want am weary of developing some other strange compulsive thing...
     
  11. apostrophied

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    It really helps to cover them so you can't scratch them. Try using a powerful Vitamin E cream (like 12,500 IU kind of powerful) and a band-aid on each scab. After a couple of days, they should have fully healed, making it less tempting to scratch it again.
     
  12. duende84

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    Cool. Will investigate.
     
  13. gracymay

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    I do this too! I end up with horrible weeping wounds. I usually wear a pot bandage to keep my hands off it.
     
  14. LostInside

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    It most likely is anxiety related. I do that sometimes too when I'm nervous, worried anxious etc.
     
  15. Iamqm

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    Hey

    I have the same problem. Especially when I'm stressed...