People find it tempting to pick at scabs, especially if they are dry, flaky, or starting to fall off. Although it may seem harmless, picking at scabs could increase your chances of getting a skin infection or scarring.
Others may experience scab-picking as a sign of dermatillomania (an underlying condition similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are scabs a bad thing?
Although they may not seem like an essential part of your body, scabs play a vital role in protecting wounds from infection. Your body repairs damaged skin and blood vessels beneath the scab. White blood cells are also found under the scab, which helps to eliminate germs from the wound. They draw out blood and dead skin cells from the injury.
You expose the wound beneath it to infection by picking off a scab. This can also prolong the healing process. Long-term scarring can be caused by repeatedly picking at scabs.
What’s dermatillomania?
Sometimes, dermatology is also known as a skin-picking disorder or excoriation disorder. The main symptom of this disorder is the uncontrollable urge or desire to pick at specific parts of your body.
The following are common targets for picking
- Nails
- Cuticles
- Acne or other skin bumps
- Scalp
- Scabs
People suffering from dermatillomania feel an intense sense of anxiety and stress. This can be relieved only by picking at something. Picking provides a strong sense of satisfaction or relief for many.
Picking is not always a conscious act. People with dermatillomania may pick up without realizing it.
Picking can eventually lead to open sores or scabs, giving you more options. These visible marks can make people feel self-conscious and can lead to anxiety. This can lead to a vicious circle of behavior that is difficult to break.
What is the best way to tell if you have dermatillomania?
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dermatillomania if you feel the urge to pick at scabs from time to time. If you feel the urge to pick at scabs but cannot, this could signify that you have dermatillomania.
Next time you feel like picking at a scab or something similar, take a moment and assess your feelings. Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or on edge? What about after you pick up the scab? What happens afterward?
These urges and feelings can be easier to track on paper. You may have dermatillomania if you notice that your picking tends to be triggered by stress or gives you a sense of relief.
How does dermatillomania be treated?
You can do a few things to stop picking at your scabs. These are designed to keep your mind and hands busy.
Next time you feel the need to pick, or are unconsciously picking, do this:
- popping bubble wrap
- Drawing or writing
- Reading
- Going for a quick stroll around the block
- Meditation
- Use fidget cubes and spinners
- Squeezing a stress ball
- Talking to a friend or family member about how you feel at that moment
You can also do things to decrease the temptation to pick.
- Make an effort to protect your skin from any minor cuts or scabs as often as possible
- Tossing out any tweezers and other tools that you used to pick at scabs
- Apply lotion to the scabs to reduce itching
- Apply a bandage to the scab. But remember to let it air while you are sleeping.
- Wear clothing that covers the scab
Do I need to see a doctor?
These methods may only work for some. You may need help from a therapist if you are having trouble stopping picking. If you don’t have a doctor, the Healthline Locate Tool can provide information about local options. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for many people. This behavioral therapy can help you rewire your thoughts and behavior.
You can also schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss medication options. Anxiety medications may help manage anxiety.
You can contact local universities if you are concerned about the cost. Many psychology programs offer low- or free therapy for graduate students. Ask potential therapists whether they offer a sliding fee scale, allowing you to pay as much as possible. It’s a common topic, so feel free to bring it up.
You should seek treatment if you have cut a scab or the wound appears infected.
An infection can be identified by:
- Redness and inflammation
- It is blistering
- Fluid or pus around the wound
- A yellow-colored crust is placed over the wound
- An injury that takes more than ten days to heal will not heal.
If you are unable to notice, seek emergency treatment immediately
- Warm the skin around the wound
- Fever and chills
- A red streak appears on your skin near the wound
These are all symptoms of cellulitis that can lead to severe infections that can prove fatal if not treated immediately.
How do I remove scars?
Scarring can be challenging to remove altogether. There are some things you can do that will reduce scarring.
You can apply silicone gel daily to any scars beginning to form. If you don’t notice immediate results, keep going. It is yet to be discovered if the gel works well for all scar types. Most people will see an improvement in their skin after several months of use. You can buy silicone gel on Amazon.
A dermatologist can also help you with laser treatment for scars. It can take six months to determine if a spot will be permanent.
The bottom line
Picking at a scab is not a problem, but it can increase your chances of infection. It could be psychological if you feel the urge to pick at a skin scab frequently. There are many methods to treat dermatillomania. However, it would help if you tried several before discovering the best one.
