The Impact of Scalp Picking on My Health
Age: 24, Height: 5'8" (173 cm), Weight: 147 lbs (67 kg) Diagnosed with OCD, currently on a daily regimen of 60 mg fluoxetine and 50 mg quetiapine. Hello everyone! I never really thought I would share this, but it’s been on my mind a lot lately. I can't seem to stop picking at my scalp, which has resulted in soreness and worsening conditions. I find myself wondering why I engage in this behavior, as it often occurs in waves; I’ll pick until my scalp is in bad shape, then sometimes I allow it to heal before it flares up again. There are times when I’ve damaged my scalp to the extent that my fingers become bloodied. Although I recognize it is damaging and painful, I can't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction from the act. Unfortunately, this has also led to the development of bald spots, a source of embarrassment for me, particularly because my hair is quite fine. I've observed that when my picking habit worsens, my lymph nodes swell, particularly along my neck and behind my ears. Presently, I can feel three lumps in that area, which heightens my concern about the harm I may be inflicting on my body. Additionally, as a firefighter, I wear contaminated flash hoods and helmets over these wounds, which adds to my anxiety. I'm reaching out to find out if this behavior is harmful or if it's something I can manage. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 9:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important that you recognize the challenges you're facing with scalp picking, especially as it relates to your OCD and its impact on your health. Your behavior can lead to both physical harm and emotional distress, as you've noted with soreness, bald spots, and swollen lymph nodes.
Explanation
Scalp picking, often referred to as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder, is commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This behavior is frequently a compulsive response to anxiety or distress. It's understandable that you might find temporary relief or satisfaction from it, but it can result in significant damage to your scalp and surrounding areas, and even introduce a risk of infection.
The swelling of your lymph nodes could be a response to inflammation or possible infection from your wounds. This is something to take seriously, given your work environment, which may exacerbate these conditions.
Next Steps
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Stop Picking: Aim to limit your picking behavior. Consider keeping your hands busy with alternative actions, like squeezing a stress ball or engaging in a hobby.
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Protect Your Scalp: Try wearing a loose-fitting beanie or protective scarf when off-duty to minimize exposure to irritants and protect your scalp while it heals.
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Set a Routine for Healing: Focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizing of your scalp to assist recovery. Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo and consider soothing topical treatments like aloe vera or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for sore areas.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your lymph nodes and any other changes. If the lumps worsen or don't improve within a week, consider seeking further medical guidance.
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Engage in Therapy: If you haven't already, consider discussing these behaviors and your feelings about them in therapy sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for managing OCD and compulsive behaviors.
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Develop Coping Strategies: Explore mindfulness or breathing exercises to reduce the anxiety that may trigger the picking behavior.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and these are steps towards better managing your health and well-being. If you find it difficult to make these changes on your own, reaching out to a mental health professional could provide you with ongoing support.
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