Scabs on scalp, a condition that is highly reported due to scalp dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and even dandruff, depending on the severity. Scalp scabs, if untreated produces a recurring pattern that soon follows, pinpointed itch on scalp, investigated by one’s fingers, small crusty, even pimple like feature found, scraped off by fingernail. The result, open bleeding sore and the steps repeat over and over again.
Hello and welcome to my blog! This topic, that many may find, a personal attachment to, not by way of affection by any means, but out of sheer annoyance of what, I like to describe as “Bleeders”, a name I coined to refer to this extremely annoying scalp condition that has us scratching until our scalps resemble a bloody, crusted over, micro minefield.
Bleeders, nice huh? This catchy term, has established itself in my household for years, when I say years, I’m talking about the last ten, this is a conservative number by the way, thinking about it, as I type this in real time, more like pushing fifteen years, seem more accurate in my memory.
Here is a little taste of how “Bleeders” has dug-in so well in my world, to complement my on going itchy scabs on scalp battle, and the extremely habit forming act of picking scabs on scalp till they bleed.
- Whatcha, scratching hon? Bleeders?
- Put your hands down. Leave them bleeders alone!
- Nice bleeders Dad!
- Give me a pen, I want to connect the bleeders.
- Dang, did you have a bleeder party last night? The pillowcase is dotted with blood smears.
I could type out a page long list of these cute, little sayings and terms of endearments, that my wife and kids use to lighten my scalp scab situation. I take no offense to these sayings, I laugh, in the end it was my word, to begin with. Laughing, at the evils in one’s life can be great medicine.
What’s the point of this blog? Simple, It’s my personal quest to find a solution, report what has worked, while giving me an outlet to share my story. With any luck, helpful to fellow scab pickers.
Stay tuned, more to come!
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Yeah, I’m 11 and I have this problem. I’ve looked many places so far, and so far it says either Skin Cancer or Lice. Could this be true? Or is this all going too far into my head. I’m always thinking it’s Cancer or Lice, but could this just be something I could use some tar based shampoo on? Or is it something I should get checked out. I’m very concerned, should I be? Or should I just check it out with someone. I appreciate the help.
Hello Cara,
You are worrying way too much here with thoughts of skin cancer. I would bet at age 11 you are using all kinds of hair products. Doing so would more then likely cause build up on the scalp if not rinsed really good. You do sound very concerned, so the best thing to do is tell your parents. Please go and explain this issue you are having with them.
You tell them, you will feel much better
and I bet they will have a solution to stop your scalp itch.
Hello ive been having the same problem but now its like complete war this this thing on my head I scratch them all the time on my head and I got a little peice of it off and and a hair was on it and when I managed to rip the whole thing off I dap my finger on the spott I ripped it off amd blood when I rip it off itgroyws back again right now I fw
Hey Scalpattack123
Wow, you have to try something to get this under control. Not so good if you are pulling out clumps of hair. Not only will you be dealing with scalp scabs, but also bald spots too. You do have a vicious cycle going, you need to break it some how. If you haven’t tried a good scalp treatment, it might be time you do so. At least try using the bandanna method on your head whenever possible.
It’s a tough habit to break, but not impossible….
I have had this problem since 2010 when I started to deal with a lot of stress I have tried changing shampoo but nothing works both my mom and boyfriend try to get me to stop I put fake nails on to avoid it but seems like I try harder to pick at it
Hi kelsey,
Welcome! Stress is a big factor with this scalp issue. The scalp is so easy for the hands to reach that it does take a beating when stress overtakes one’s body. If you really think it is all due to stress, somehow, someway you need to find calmness.
If it’s your shampoo causing scalp scabs and you did make a switch. Did you compare product ingredients? Especially if you stayed in the same brand name line.
Boy if I had fake nails when I was picking, there be a hole clear to my brain
Try wearing a bandanna along with your nails, just that thin barrier helps a lot.
Hope you the best, and really check out those ingredients…..
I am 13 & I have them really bad esecially in the area where my bangs are. I part my bangs for school & can hardly find a place where they aren’t visible. People at school point it out a lot & I feel so weird. It just started out as one scab about a year ago & now there is a lot. I have beautiful long hair & don’t want it to fall out. My mom constantly nags atat me for picking at it all the time. My brother & I are the only ones in my family that have this problem.
Hello Mashyla,
I have talked with a person who had the same problem. Where the ends of the hair touches the face area. This area ended up being very itchy with a rash. The problem ended up being her shampoo, she had and allergic reaction to a certain ingredient. I want to say a type of “silicon” as I can best recall. It only caused her to break out where the hair ends brushed against her skin. Anyway a change in the brand of shampoo cured her problem.
Could this be happening to you? Maybe try a new brand of hair products and see if it goes away.
Hi,
I googled scalp scabs and came across this blog. I have recently gotten little bumps in my head (moreso only on the back of my head) and as I’ve read I have been picking at them, I would think they would heal but I guess picking at them doesn’t really help because it just opens up again. What do I do? What kind of doctor would I go to see for this? Sometimes they hurt, but thats really rare. It has started since I’ve been going to the gym regularly, do you think sweat could be the problem? because I am unable to shower right after my work out. It hasn’t spread but it doesn’t seem to be going away. Help me please!
Hey worrywart
You may find it’s and endless circle if the picking continues so I hope you can get this under control quickly. Family Doctor would be a good start, if not a Dermatologist would also be a good choice. I’m sure excessive sweating may have something to do with it, possible a change in hair care products too. There could be a number of factors. Are the scalp scabs something new, just recently started?
I would love to help you, so my very best advice to give, make that doctors appointment. Let see what the Doctor has to say first.
And I thought I was the only one that had this problem….I’m not going crazy
Scratching away at my scalp has been complete torture for years for me, not to mention how embarrassing the feeling is when you know others are staring and notice the “bleeders.” I want to crawl under a rock but….
I found this blog sometime ago and whenever I feel down after picking, I stop to read comments from those who do the same. I want to thank Laurie, if I never would of read her comments I may have never tried the leave in oil treatment. The best I can describe it in one word “relief.” I wish I would of purchased the shampoo too, wasn’t sure which one to buy. Next order maybe. Thank you for having a blog where we can just vent about this problem.
Hello kraton,
Welcome and thank you for commenting.
No, you’re not crazy…just a scalp picker
I started this blog exactly for that purpose “to vent” had no idea this problem was so wide spread, like many I thought it was just me. There was no direction or much thought when this blog was born, it now has taken on a life of it’s own….a place for folks to let it off their chest, get angry at it and vent. If this alone helps, maybe makes them feel just a little better, I’m happy to be apart of it
The leave in treatment is wonderful, I’m glad you tried it. The shampoo, really comes down to personal choice, picking one that zeros in on your issue would be best..is it scalp itch, scalp fungus ect..You will know best.
Have a great day!
My grand daughter lately has had itchy scalp and when she scratches it slightly bleeds .It isn’t lice though. She,after always being told not to ever use anyone’s comb, hat or anything of a sort after an outbreak of lice in the school several yrs.ago, put a little girls hair bow in her hair the other day and after, the little girl told her she herself had dandruff.. now, after wearing the hair bow my grand daughter has been having this problem.. what can it be?
Hello Judy Marlar,
Great lesson to teach the young ones, about not sharing personal hair items. If it is lice and she is in school, the nurse would of caught on very quick and notices would be sent home, so I think you are safe there. Dandruff from another child would not be the cause of your granddaughter scratching at her scalp.
What can it be then? At that age it could be a number of things and usually something harmlessly looked over. Maybe shampoo / cream rinse not being fully washed from the hair. Maybe hair spray or gel that the kids like using these days causing an itch. Then again she may have dandruff herself, that is causing her to pick at her scalp.
I would look for the simple answers first, (hair products, dandruff), if nothing comes to mind, a quick trip to the school nurse or family doctor should be the next avenue to go down.
Best of luck to you and your Granddaughter..
Wow I thought I was the only person in the world with this problem I feel better knowing now that I’m not.Mine started when I was nineteen, I lived in a rural part of the country and had a very limited social life,So I was bored alot of the time.I would sit around and scratch at my scalp and cause little sores to come up then I would keep picking and they would get bigger and spread. Somehow I could not stop picking knowing they were there. they look awful, but to this day 35yrs later I still pick at my scalp sores’ they have come and gone over the years and I even stopped a couple of times for a long period of time. I guess mine started as a nasty habit, I just can’t help myself.
Hey jerryneal
Nope you are not alone with this crazy scalp issue, I can guarantee you that.
I can see boredom being a underlying cause of scabs on scalp and a doorway to the beginning of being a picker. The spreading of the scabs goes without saying, you pick they will eventually spread and get bigger. Thirty five years, is a long time, many years of picking there, which may / will cause this nasty habit to stop quite hard. Though it can be done, when you are good and ready to put your mind to it.
Are you ready?
It’s been 2 full days with minimal itching and less scratching. Used the oil once this morning and caught myself scratching and stopped myself. I am feeling better already…
I think I “got” a few little scabs, but the big ones are on their way to healing. I didn’t touch them… LOL
I highly recommend the leave in treatment. The shampoo I got so I didn’t have to use the stores toxin shampoo… I also stopped using my brush and started using a comb only.
Hey Laurie,
Thanks for keeping us updated
Hmmm, The switching over to a comb, instead of using a brush, interesting… Are you doing this to lessen the scraping against the scalp as it heals? If so, I would of never thought of that…
Well, it started out that I noticed my brush got very dirty even after I washed my hair (and brush) and even with the oil treatment. I just seem to scratch and itch less when I use the comb. Maybe I’m allergic the brush bristles? It’s the same type of brush I’ve used for years… ? But, yeah, I guess it does help by not scraping the scabs as much.
I’m cold natured and after living in Florida for 10 years, I tend to get chilled here in Maine. This is my 1st Winter… It seems to help. I don’t wear it all the time and when I itch, I use a little oil. The cap is my last resort.
Hey Laurie,
From Florida to Maine, LOl, I can see why you have the chills. Good, wear it when needed and you will do fine. You may not even need it at all, that was just my little twist in addition to the treatment that helped me. I found it to be useful so I just passed it on. I liked the bandanna, it was thin enough to rub through if needed, without breaking open the scalp scabs that were healing. Best of all it didn’t make my head sweat. Just worked very well for me…
Yeah, I noticed if I had night sweats i itched really bad. The biggest scab and the most problem I have is the nape of the neck with small pimply bumps around the ears. I’ll get a bandana/scarf too.
I think I used too much oil treatment.
A little will do ya… LOL And I love the smell too… so refreshing. Finding this site and eventually the treatments was the best day ever. I’m really excited to get rid of this problem. I can’t thank you enough… and to everyone who wrote a huge thanks, cuz I know I’m not alone and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. 
Hi Laurie,
Thank you for that wonderful comment
It’s a rewarding feeling to have my blog be part of your journey to a healthier scalp.
You will eventually find that sweet spot on how much to use for your situation. Good about adding a bandanna, I was just a little worried that a winter cap may cause sweating, but you will know better then I, what works for you.
Great Job Laurie!
Hello Laurie
What wonderful news you have today. I am so excited for you and scalp too
I’ve been waiting for you to comment on the leave in treatment, and to hear how happy you are just made my day.
The drying of the scabs is normal and a good thing, they are in the process of shredding off. You are doing right by wearing a cap, just watch how much the cap will help. I liked a bandanna myself…Oh, just make sure your cap, does not cause your scalp to start sweating, let it breath…
My scalp was bad, I used the leave in treatment whenever I needed to do so, be it once a day, every other day. Even if you have a bleeder that you can pinpoint causing some discomfort, a little dab of the treatment using a finger, will do you.
To you and your healthier happier scalp
Have a great day!
P.S. keep us updated on your progress..
I got the shampoo and the leave in oil treatment. Used both this morning and wrapped my head in a towel for a good 30 minutes afterward. It was wonderful to be itch free!!
The only thing is, once the scabs dried up, they started to itch again (about 3 hours) I reapplied the oil on the areas where it itched the most and so far so good. I also bought a snow cap to wear. I’m normally cold anyways, even inside the house, so I can deal with it.
My question is, can you apply the oil treatment whenever needed or is it a once/ twice a week thing? Thanks so much
I have been getting scabs in my head with bugs in it but i don’t think it is lice due to they’re brown/black(they’re really tiny) what should i do?
Hey Someone,
You have some type of bug/parasite eating at your scalp? What should you do? I think a visit to a doctor is in order ASAP.
Hello! I’m pretty excited (weird?) to see that I’m not alone in this battle. I’ve had dandruff my whole life. It wasn’t too bad and I was able to keep it under control. I lived in Florida the majority of my life and it’s very humid there, possibly helping my scalp stay controlled?
Anyway, about 2 and a half years ago I moved to Washington state with my husband when he got out of the military. Over about a month or 2 I noticed my scalp was getting very itchy and I had extreme dandruff.(I blamed it on washington having very dry air). I would flip my hair upside down and it would pour out like snow… Id look down at the bathroom carpet and it would be all over it.. I would then of course scoop the carpets up and throw them in the laundry so my fiance wouldn’t notice.. I didn’t know what to do.
After a year had passed it had gotten so bad I was horrified that people would see it.. It’s the worse feeling ever when you see very clearly that someone has noticed something weird about you but you know they aren’t going to mention it out loud.. It’s the worst feeling. I know it’s noticeable becasue when I go into public bathrooms I always check.. and of courae see white all in my roots and scabs on my scalp.
I don’t know if its a condition or me constantly scratching my scalp and picking flakes that caused me to get all these sores on my scalp. It started mainly at the base of my head by the neck. I scratch and pick and pick and scratch untill my head is so sore and they bleed. I pick because i’m scared people are going to see all the scabs, especially on my part.. When in reality i’m probably making it so much worse.. I can’t help it though I have to get them OFF my head. I feel like it makes me dirty and gross if they stay on my head…
I remember being so embarrased when a head and shoulders commercial came on and the women swung her hair to the side and there was an overly dramatic amount of white flakes all over her shoulder. My friend then stated “Oh my god, as if anyones dandruff is that bad, that’s so exaggerated” I wanted to bury my head in my hands because I knew I could blow that “fake” dandruff commercial actor out of the water with what’s in my hair!
I’ve tried everything. I asked the girls in the salons… I’ve bought 50 dollars shampoo and conditioner. I’ve tried making recipes for home made natural shampoos and conditioners with tea tree oil…I tried fungal creams.. I even covered my whole head in Diaper rash ointment! Nothing works and no one I explain it to quite understands the severity. I’m honestly at my last straw and thinking about shaving my head. Did this work for you guys?
I just want to be rid of it. I picked so much that its spread across my hairline where my hair meets my forehead. All the hair in the front is thin and broken revealing my problem to everyone. My wedding day about 3 months ago… yeah.. I spent most of the time worrying about my “bleeders” And if people will see them.. will they show in my wedding photos? Will I try to pick at it during the ceremony and not realize it. I spent all the time being so worried about it instead of enjoying the day.
I hope someone finds a solution. I’m sorry this is SO long. Good luck to everyone
Hey there Jamie Lynn,
I appreciate that you have taken the time to leave a comment, thank you..
Many think the same, about being alone struggling with this scalp problem. I can assure you, you have plenty of company.
I’m sadden to hear how much this problem has caused in your personal everyday life to the point of being shaken upside down. Seems as though you are always on alert to who, what and where events, waiting for your scalp to embarrass you.
I would be cautious on spending high dollar amounts on products sold at salons for treatment. I would suspect these shampoos are more geared to as being a “beauty product” more then a targeted treatment for a specific scalp issue.
You have to keep looking, keep trying as I do believe you will find something that will work for you. If you stop, you’re giving in and you can’t do this. You have to break the cycle of itching, picking and bleeding. If you can just get what is causing the itching under control, the picking and bleeding will fall in line
Best of luck to you
Have a great day
Thanks so much for your reply. I havn’t scratched or picked in 2 days now. I caught myself a couple of times but I instantly think of your blog and all the other people struggling and easily stop!
I saw you and Laurie talking about a shampoo and leave in treatment. Could either of you share what the shampoo or leave in treatment is exactly? it would help tons. Or maybe I missed it in the previous posts?
Other then that for 2 days I made my own leave in treatment and it helps A LOT with the itching. I was so amazed. I put it on my scalp at bedtime and in the morning. You look a little funny with a slightly greasy scalp but its worth it when you’re around the house and it washes out easily. I made a double boiler and heated extra virgin olive oil with a very generous amount of fresh rosemary and dried nettle from the herb store. Apparently rosemary is antiseptic and anti fungal and nettle helps to strengthen your hair. I Put the oil and herbs on a double boiler (made it with a glass bowl and pot of boiling water) and covered. Let simmer on low for about 3 hours. Once done I strained it with a cheese cloth and added vitamin E oil. Stores in a nice dry jar.
It really helps the itching a lot! It also seems to help all the scabs heal.. Unfortunately like laurie said .. even though its a good thing it still makes it itch! Oh I hate the healing itch! When that happens I add a little oil and it goes away.
I’m going to try one of the previous posters remedy once my stuff comes in the mail. 4oz of peppermint castile soap, 1 tsp rosemary 100% essential oil, 2 tbs salt and fill the rest of the bottle with apple cider vinegar.
I really hope this works!! If it does I will deff let everyone know and give the poster a million thanks!!
Hello Jamie Lynn,
Welcome back
I do my best to answer each and every comment, though some have snuck by me here and there, and to the ones I missed….I apologize
Laurie has been wonderful, taking the time to comment and keep us informed with updates, while trying out the “leave in treatment”…so far, so good and she making progress.
I do have the link for you to follow, I guess it’s kinda hidden in a past post and could be hard to find. I do it for a reason, I wanted this blog to be more of a place for scalp pickers, itchier, ect. to have an outlet to just let lose and say whatever is on their mind, knowing they are around others with the same scalp issue.
Maybe the “oil leave in treatment” needs a bit more exposure for those who want to learn more. I place a banner type link in the sidebar for more convenience, or follow this link Organic Skin and Hair Care Products.
So you are giving a homemade remedy a try, very good. I have no experience doing this myself, but it does sound interesting and fun too. Wow, can you imagine it you stumble on the perfect mix, and found the “Holy Grail” to end all scalp issues. You never know
**Please feel free to jump into Laurie’s conversation and join in,**
P.S. I notice in your first comment, You live in Washington State. I did too for some time, Ft.Lewis. I love that state, spent lots of time hiking Mt. Rainier. I hope to make it back there some day, so green, so pretty…
Have a Great day!
Hi I had this exact problem for about a year but I finally went to see a skin specialist. She told me that I had a localized infection in my scalp. Which means even when some of the scabs heal the infection is still there. I was prescribed a 3 month course of antibiotics (4 a day) I was also prescribed ‘cocois ointment’ which is like a cream you rub into your scalp and leave for an hour before washing your hair. Within 6 weeks my symptoms were completely gone! I still get a dry scalp but not nearly as bad and i use calpasal shampoo To keep it under control. I would definitely recommend telling your doctor the antibiotics treatment or going to see a specialist. Hope this helps!
First of all thanks so much for starting this blog and letting people know that they are not alone
I too have this horrible habit & I dye my hair black every month to hide the bleeders. It started when I was younger I went on holiday to Greece with some of my family & I got severely bit by mosquito’s… When I came back to the UK, I went to the doctors & they diagnosed me with impetigo. I was prescribed with antibiotic’s & had to stay in my room with no lights or human contact unless I was being fed or being given my medication. After sometime I was better but I am now 18 and I still have the scabs on my scalp. I have always put it down to me having impetigo when I was younger but, I also had chicken pox three times when I was younger prior to this so I guess I have always blamed it on them but, so many people on this blog talk about OCD and stress which is the reason why I pick my bleeders. I pick them because I am clean & tidy, I don’t want scabs on my scalp they make feel untidy and horrible about myself. Stress: I seem to only pick them when I am stressed or I am looking for an outlet to relieve all the stress, sadness & anger that I have in me. I have had a lot of bereavement in the last two years & I am still in the process of dealing with it all. Sure I have been to the doctors about the bleeders they just gave me some cream to stop them itching but they also told me that I probably won’t ever get rid of them… He didn’t even tell me the cause of it. When I was younger I used to pick then I went years not doing it but I was still aware that the scabs were there. Somehow two years ago or more and I am back to square one. They don’t seem to heal & I have Anemia so I am pretty sure that doesn’t help right? I feel so much better now that is all off my chest!!! Thank you!!!
Hello Pick her,
I found your comment to be very interesting, but first…Thank you for taking the time to let us all, in on your story.
I have no experience with impetigo, but for some reason I found the healing process for this to be so… “mid-evil” for a lack of a better word at the moment. Stay in a room, no lights, no human contact…interesting.
Then you had “chicken pox” three times. Talk about lousy luck, I always believed the “chicken pox virus” was a once in a lifetime deal. Learn something new everyday
Don’t you just love it. When the Doctor says “I dunno what it is” but here try this cream. I think so many of us with this scalp problem has heard the same reply in the past. I imagine it boils down to, what doesn’t cause it? There are just so many variables, that are different in each and every scalp case. The easy thing for a Doctor, is to give a blanket answer/solution.
You do sound, as if there is much stress going on in your life presently. I’m sorry to hear this:(. Maybe the best approach right now, is to become calm and stress free. Not easy, I know, but maybe the journey to calmness, would be enough to start the healing process.
I hope you do find your inner peace
Hello, first of all thank you for replying. You are so understanding!!!
I really hope everyone that has been reading these comments or have submitted one all the best in your journey to a scab free life. I wish someone would think of a cure for this, although it seems to be alot of things that trigger it all off. However, i don’t think a lot of people know about this condition unless they have it…
I wish everyone the best; thanks admin… you are such a kind person.
Pick her,
Each scalp is a different story, though with one thing in common, scalp scabs.
Hello and welcome back again
Thank you! Thank you so much for leaving such a warm comment, it does mean a lot to me.
I understand what each and every person that comments is going through. I live with it myself. I wish I could help, and have the answers everyone seeks. Unfortunately I don’t
I do my best to listen, answer and help when I can. All the comments and personal stories are truly appreciated, each one gives my blog a whole new meaning.
Thank you for being part of my blog!
BTW my name is jim…
I finally ordered the leave in oil treatment and shampoo. Waiting on it’s arrival. I’ve toned down the scratching/ picking and that has helped some. But there are times I am scratching like crazy at the ‘pimply things’, which I know will turn into scabs sooner or later. I’m just dreaming of the time when I’m itchy no more….
Hello Laurie,
Welcome back and Happy New Year to you!
Good for you…even if you are able to cut down a little of the scalp picking. It’s a step in the right direction and that’s what counts. I think you will like the leave in treatment. I have my fingers crossed that you’re on your way to a healthier scalp.
Wow, amazing, I always knew that I had some sort of problem because no matter what I couldnt stop picking at the scabs. I do it all the time and im sure everyone notices. After reading all these stories I have to say I do not feel alone in tis weird battle. I dont understand why I do it, its just an impulse. I have alot of anxiety and I think that always triggers it. Like most of you I just pick at the scabs, they bleed and i run out and wait for the morning to pick again after they healed. They are not very big and when i take them out they are usually white and dry sorta round. I thought it was fungi on my scalp but if i stop picking at them they go away. I am gonna try my best to stop picking. I have lived with this for so many years and I think its time to stop. I am afraid of having a patchy salp and no hair
Good luck to everyone!
Hey Lils,
Welcome and thank you for leaving a comment
It does seem many that suffer with scalp scabs are divided in two categories. Those with a scalp skin condition and those who pick out of anxiety. No doubt, both end up causing terrible sore scalps.
I hope if it is anxiety that has you picking, you find some calmness. Though it’s much easier said then done, but you have to try. Those patches on your scalp are just gonna keep growing. Then that self conscious feeling is gonna kick in, whenever you are around people.
I hope you the very best at stopping the scalp picking, be strong
My picking just started a couple months ago out of nowhere….one night my head kinda hurt and after running my fingers thru I felt a few scabs….well after picking them now I can’t seem to stop:( it has become more than an obsession it is a way of life! I can go one day tops without digging my scalp open! It drives me crazy!!! I have to do it!!! I’ve tried to stop but only feel right after I dig my whole head raw:( HELP PLEASE???????????
Hello mlong,
The good news you have been scratching for just a couple of months. Lets hope this habit has not settled to deeply within you. As you see it’s can do some horrible damage to the scalp. Image how sore the scalp will be after six months, a year or longer, it doesn’t get any better and much harder to stop over time.
First thing, visit your Doctor if you have not done so already. Might be a simple cure for your particular problem. Could be something as simple as dandruff.
Though if you read through many comments left here, many have visited their doctors and still the issue continues.
If this happens (I hope not) you are left to find a solution on your own. This is usually trial and error, but you need to try. I have left tips and methods that worked great for me, just have to do some reading here. Plus some folks have left tips that worked for them that you can try.
Please get this picking of the scalp under control asap, or you will be in a long miserable battle to stop.
I wish you the best
Hey Laurie
It didn’t work, sorry to hear that. Well, you at least gave it a try and that is important. Never know what might work.
I hope the oil treatment does it for you. Another thing I did in addition to any treatment, was wear a bandanna. I wore one when every possible, this helped keeping me from picking, but still allowed me to rub my scalp when the urge was there to do so. It prevents from opening up new sores and give old ones the chance to start healing.
I wish you the best of luck in getting your scalp back in good health
Well, I tried the apple cider vinegar solution. It didn’t resolve the itching completely, it’s where I can handle it and when I catch myself scratching I stop before breaking the scabs.
I’m still going to buy the oil treatment stuff. Just knowing there is something out there that doesn’t break the bank helps a great deal.
I had this years before, but it cleared up and started again. But, I never had it this bad.
Just wait until I tell my doctor what solved the problem… hope she recommends it to others.
Hi, I am a itchy scalp sufferer also. While it drives me nuts, I was too embarrassed to really talk to anyone about it, even my doctor. When I finally said something to her, she had me try T-gel, which is supposed to be good. Well, it wasn’t!
Within hours, I was back to scratching and scraping the scabs off. I also have what feels like pimples which occur around my ears and neck. Sometimes when I pick at the scabs it burns, but I do it again later anyway.
I saw the leave in treatment and I’m wondering if I that would work or if I need something else? I read about all kinds of treatments both at home remedies as well as over the counter and stuff you get from the doctor. I’d rather use home remedies first, but am unsure which one is right for me. Please help because I can’t endure this much longer… Thanks
Hello Laurie,
I put no faith in any of the products that are found in the local stores. I tried them all, just a wast of money for me. I found one product that worked for me, I like it and happy with it. Yes, it’s the “leave in treatment.” Though, I thinks it a great product, keep in mind it’s an all natural treatment and everyone’s body is different. Will it have the same effect on you as it did for me….I can not say. I do not make wild claims or push the product on everyone that leaves a comment looking for help. I have it listed for everyone’s consideration as an alternative treatment to products found on the shelves of local stores, that just don’t work.
Check out their website, they have many nice “all natural products,” email them, with your concerns and take it from there.
I wish you the best, in putting this scalp problem behind you
Thank you for replying. I went and got apple cider vinegar and peroxide Faith talked about. Haven’t used it yet… Will do as soon as I finish this. I’ll also get the leave in treatment stuff. Will let ya know what happens
Hi Laurie
You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment
I have never tried the apple cider vinegar and peroxide, so let us know if you had any luck with it.
I’M BACK, AND I FINALLY FIXED MY HEAD!!
Link
Seborrhoea causes this. Depending on what you shampoo your hair with you may have presumed dry scalp or oily scalp. But it’s the over production of oil that causes the scabs to always be itchy and needing to be picked, and the discomfort that causes the scratching in the first place is usually caused by a combination of possible Seborrhoea and the simple fact that 95% of shampoos out there contain sodium lauryl sulfate and other sulfates. While the agents apparently don’t cause cancer – they do agitate the scalp and specifically people with Seborrhoea. Tea Tree oil and Mint have also been said to aid Seborrhoea.
I finally had enough and did a ton of research. I listed a shampoo that works for me but all you need is one that has no sulfates, has tea tree oil, and has mint.
Hello notds,
Good to hear from you again
You finally found a product that works, wonderful, good for you! Seborrhea + using the wrong shampoos, very interesting find. I never put the two together, but always did find the common store brand products to fail miserably, which is why I gave up using them a long time ago. Big waste of money. It’s strange that these shampoos found at local stores promise relief / cure, but include ingredients that work against those suffering from Seborrhea. Good way to keep the consumer coming back for more, until they realize it does nothing, but puts a temporary bandage on the problem.
I’m happy you finally found your cure that works, I bet your scalp is happy too. It has to be a wonderful relief to finally stop the scratching and picking
Hello Wendy,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Stress does seem like a common condition shared among many that deal with scalp scabs and picking. You have to find away to get your stress level under control, I know easier said then done, especially in these trying times most of us have been going through. How can we not be stressed?
The “healing ray” I like that…I know exactly what you are saying. You can actually pinpoint a certain scab and feel the tingling and it is like a ray burning at it. When this happens the temptation to pick is at it’s greatest, but doing so turns into a vicious circle. To be stronger then temptation is really hard at times. I hope your willpower is strong
I started doing this when I was a teen as a form of stress relief. It went on and off.
One time when my scalp was icky I went to get a hair cut at the salon and saw the lady who was working on my hair look down at my scalp in absolute horror. I was so embarrassed I felt like I was going to die inside.
I was able to stop doing it not too long after that, but then it would re-emerge in times of extreme stress.
I’d run my fingers through my hair and find the scabs and peel them off, then run them down the strands of my hair to free them and throw them away because I didn’t want anyone else seeing scabs in my hair.
I was able to stop again until recently I was under a lot of stress and it started back up again for a few months. I decided to stop for good this time and I’m wearing a hat and reminding myself that the itching is only the sensation of it healing. I imagine a beam of light “a healing ray” being directed at the scab making it itch but at the same time healing it. This visualization helps me to tolerate the itching.
I have about 6 spots right now that are in the process of healing and they take turns itching but they are getting better every day. I am wearing a hat to help keep my hands off my head during this process too as well as using sheer will power to stop.
I think this mostly had to do with anxiety and a low self esteem.
The self esteem is much better these days so I think I’ll have to find another way to deal with anxiety that’s less stressful. I think I’ll carry around something smooth like a little rock I can rub or maybe get one of those talc filled balloon stress balls to squeeze instead so I don’t do any more self harm.
If I can work on my self-esteem plus find a coping strategy for dealing with anxiety, then I think I can break this for good this time.
Hello Allie,
Thank you for your comment and visiting my site.
Please don’t hide this from your parents, do tell them asap and seek a medical doctor if you are having any concerns.
You can read how serious this has become for many by reading comments left by other Scalp Pickers above. You may even note, many stated this terrible habit started at a young age and has continued well into their adult years. Don’t let this happen to you. Please go to your parents and find out what is going on with your scalp, before this habit of picking sets in.
let us know what happens and best of luck to you
Until today I never realized this was something other people might have. I’ve been picking on and off ( mostly on) for about five years. I’m in highschool and today I went home early because a “bleeder” I have wouldn’t stop and was so close to my forehead I kept worrying about it dripping down. I’ve never really thought twice about my picking but now I’m starting to. Ive never told anyone about it because its gross. Should I tell my doctor or parents about it? Can anything serious happen to me because of it?
Well, I don’t pick the scabs myself but it does not help at all. It I leave them alone, they just start bleeding out of nowhere so I then have to bleed out by rinsing my scalp clean when taking a shower (rinse it until the bleeding stops and I’m left with a sore scalp and open wounds).
I just don’t see another solution. Then the process repeats – I leave it alone, wash my hair gently, treat it with tea tree oil, get happy that it is starting to heal and then it starts bleeding on it own again.
Hey SimplyComplex,
I always appreciate ones time for their in-depth comments about their struggle with this condition….so thank you.
I really hope you try to get this under control, it just can’t be good picking in the same spot over and over again. Your scalp really does need a break. Why don’t you give the bandanna treatment a try. Stopping any hand to scalp contact, even if it’s a few hours a day can help.
I’m almost 27 years old and I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. I have only been able to kind of stop once cause I needed a haircut so badly. After that I started right back up.
I believe it started with getting sunburn, especially where my part was. I picked off all the dead skin and then some. That was just the beginning of it. Sometimes I get dandruff in winter, and that just gives me an excuse. Other times I comb through my hair with my fingers and pick at little imperfection. I think I’ve only gotten more clever in how I hide it over the years. I’ve never told anyone! However, when I was younger my mom would yell at me if she saw a scab. I don’t think she knows the extent of it. Nobody has ever questioned why I’m always finger combing through my hair lol
I’ve always been a scab picker, I just prefer my scalp I guess. It’s gotten so bad recently that my lymph nodes are enlarged. I just can’t seem to stop! Recently I keep picking open the same 3 spots.. again and again. At least I’m not creating new ones lol I know with me it’s OCD related, of course stress brings it out worse. Other times it’s mindless, just a habit.
This is so embarrassing, and is just an endless circle. It’s wonderful to know I’m not the only one. I really didn’t think anyone else out there could possibly be doing this too.
oh boy, i have been struggling for this problem for about 35 years now if you can believe it. the severity has ebbed and flowed, but it’s become increasingly worse. i remember exactly how it started – i was about 10 years old and i noticed a tiny, lone flake of dandruff near the part of my long hair. i panicked because i thought “holy cow, i can’t have any flakes in my hair or on my clothes” so i thought i’d be proactive and gently scratch off the dry skin and shake them out before they fell off themselves. this way, i could control the flakes (mind you, it started with one tiny flake.) fast forward through the years, when i started to dig into my scalp to pull of scabs, create more scabs, cause my spots to bleed, etc. i typically do this when i’m stressed. i would leave my desk at work so i could go to the bathroom, look at the damage in the mirror, and cause more bleeding. i feel several emotions – sometimes it’s relief when i cause the wounds to bleed, sometimes it’s frustrating, and sometimes it’s sad. sometimes i just zone out so i don’t feel anything at all. that’s all for now, i’m shocking myself just by writing into this site because i don’t talk about this and am very secretive about it (though i think everyone knows!) just wanted to post and curious to think if people think i’m downright NUTS.
Hello Pickchick,
Thank you for telling us your story. You stated this picking started at a young age, and if you read some of these other post by visitors, many of them seemed to start picking early in life. This scalp picking is a funny thing, the habit it turns into can really become destructive as we get older. The discipline it takes to stop picking after so many years is not easy to overcome, but possible if you set your mind to it. Maybe some tips That I have mentioned may help. I hope you the very best in beating this scalp problem….and No, you’re not nuts
Found this blog as I was researching because I am worried about myself, but mostly embarrassed. I know what my problem is – For years now I have had acne, mostly concentrated on my face. As I have gotten older my acne has calmed down and so have my breakouts. But it has been a whole year now that I have this scalp scratching obsession ever since I got a few pimples on my head. I brush my hands through my head, feel a bump (scab/acne), and scratch. Over and over. I play with my hair a lot, and feeling that scab trying to heal I get this automatic urge to scratch it, thus it never heals! I also tend to scratch the acne I get on my face, which is why I know why I scratch my head also. I just don’t like when there is anything bumpy on my skin.
I have had family and friends point and question the spots on my head. And now I need, or rather plan to get a haircut soon, I’m afraid to go as the last two times the hair dresser pointed them out. And it’s embarrassing as ever.
I have about 2-3 spots going right now. And there are slight bald spots there which makes it more noticeable, and more noticeable that they are in places were my hair tends to part.
I want that haircut sooner or later…I think I’m going to just go hard core and try and control myself, and not give in again like I did the last time I tried to stop. And maybe give my scalp some extra care and love.
So, I just wanted to post, to say that head acne can also contribute to picking.
Sometimes I just sit and scratch my head even if it’s not itchy. I’m trying really hard to stop this because I’m really worried that scratching and picking my scabs (which sometimes even makes it bleed) will cause hairloss. I’m 13 and I don’t want to go bald!!!
So can doing all of this cause hairloss?
Hello….
Well, obviously im not the only one that deals with this! I think ive had this scalp problem for about 3 years now, i always thought it was because i wash my hair everyday then tie it up still wet, but the little scabs always come back. Ive searched so many times online and started panicing that it was psoriasis, and im in the process of losing weight to join the Air National Guard…having psoriasis is a big no no with the military…youd get disqualified! So of course i didnt want to go to the doc for it just try and treat it myself and never mention it to the military LOL Now i see from everyones description its scabs. I have been dealing with alot of stress over last few years…being seperated from my husband and him coming back and forth…obviously not good for me stress wise or mentally lol Sometimes its not so bad, maybe a scab or two…other times theres alot of them all over top of my head! I looked at pics of psoriasis and i dont have red spots like that and no where near my ears or lower neck. Most of the time i can run my hand through my hair and i feel them raise up which causes me to pick them out, and sometimes their moist and hard to get off…then i get irritated and accually get a baby comb and start pulling them all off…which of course hurts and causes some bleeding…but its when i wet my hair later that i pay OUCHIE!!! Ive used Nutrigena T-gel..sometimes that helps but i have really long hair and its sooo hard to brush my hair afterwards i tend to not use it everyday. Im going to be cutting my hair shoulder length this week…just easier to maintain and get ready for Air Force lol Im going to try some of those home remedies ive seen people post, its worth a try! Oh yeah….ive noticed when i spend a few days swimming in the ocean it clears up….but always returns days later like an unwanted horrible mother in law! LMAO Thanks for this blog! Its helped alot…feel like maybe theres hope after all!
Hello Yvonne,
Nope you are not the only one dealing with scabs on scalp, I promise you that. It sounds like you have a very busy time going on in your life, and being under some stress is perfectly normal. Three years of scalp picking will leave your head in a sore condition for sure. You have to find away to control the picking, and let the scalp start it’s healing process. Yes. I know if only if it were that easy. Trust me, it can be done. I left a few tips here within the blog, the best is using whatever you think is best for your scalp and block hand to scalp touching. I like to use a bandanna whenever possible during the healing time. Give it a try.
Yvonne…Thank you for wanting to serve your country, good luck, Good bless and stay safe!
Try getting acrylic nails put on. Tell the nail tech to make them thick. You’ll still try to pick but won’t be able to. Eventually you break the habit.
The habit does return after they are off — but just put them back on.
Hope this helps.
I have been using this for a week – no itching and the scabs are almost gone – I cannot believe it. Still waiting on the lavender and teetree oil – I will let you know how this works out – just remember to use enough but do not drench the scalp rub in and then rinse off
Let me tell you – I used apple cider vinegar – hydrogen peroxide and water. Put it on my head, massaged it in and the itchy is gone! I also used it this morning in place of shampoo and rinsed it out – my scalp is dry, welts are down and I do not itch, therefore i do not scratch! I found this on another website.. 1/4 cup of vinegar and peroxide and 2 1/2 cups of water, do not use the whole thing, just enough to massage in scalp, leave on 1-5 minutes then rinse – it also says to use teatree oil and lavender oil massage in head leave overnight – I did order this from amazon.. I cannot believe how something so cheap and easy to make works!
Hey faith,
Sounds like you have found a great system, the perfect mix to sooth your scalp issue. I’m sure this will be beneficial to others looking for a cheap fix.
Thank you for leaving such a helpful comment
Hi, Im 37 yrs old African American female and Ive been dealing with this issue for so many years, but it has gotten worse. I shampoo my hair once or twice a week depending on the severity of my scalp. I mainly get the scabs at the back of the head. I try not to scratch my scalp too much because it causes the scalp to become sore with moisture. So what causes this to happen? I also pic the scabs from my scalp, but this makes the scalp sore too. When I shampoo my hair, I comb thru the scalp with a comb to lift up the scabs. I can only do this when my scalp isnt sore and unbareable to touch. If I do it then my scalp feels like someone poured gasoline on my head and set in on “FIRE.” What can I do about getting a relief from the dandruff and the burning that comes along with it?????? I NEED HELP REALLY BADLY!!!! My 17 yr old daughter is having the same issues tooooo!!!
Hello Chin,
I’m so sorry to hear that you have been suffering from scalp scabs for so many years. I wish I had the answer to the cause, but I don’t. Foe each person it’s different, could be just simple acne, maybe a reaction to certain hair products. Even OCD problems. It’s just not a simple answer. Have you tried any of the tips I mention in the above post? It just may help.
Hope to hear back with some better results…
Question? I did see the anti fungal leave in product. Could the same ingredients in Athlete foot cream work? it is a fungal cream that cures ring worm, why not this? I also use it for underneath breast area where a rash tends to occur and it cures it in one day. and I know no picking first and foremost!
Hey faith,
I can’t say for sure, nor do I like to give any advice on using medication on one part of the body when it is intended for another. Saying that, you never know until you try
Be Careful and Good Luck!!
if you dont scratch the scabs do they go away? Today is the first day of not scratching and picking scabs – what shampoo or remedy do you suggest?
Hello faith,
By not picking and scratching it is giving the wound time to go through it’s healing process, so try your best not to pick…
I’ve been down the shampoo route, tried many, I’m not a big fan of these shampoos at all. They ended up being nothing more then a band-aid with no real results to be happy with. I like the natural leave in treatments the best.
Have a great day!
This site is so interesting to me I’m glad I found it. I am 18 now and heres my story:
I remember when I was 12 or 13 my scalp was really itchy. I would scratch and scratch wondering what it was and started worrying I had lice or something. After a few months I remember scratching and then feeling some sort of bump and at that moment was when I picked the very first scab. In the next few days I would actually search my head for them (because in the beginning there was very few) and felt oddly satisfied when I would pick them off. As months and years went on the condition got worse but I have noticed that it does go through phases or “not good, bad, worse” sort of cycles and I’m not sure what the cause of that is. I thought maybe temperature changes sometimes but I can’t pay attention enough to figure out if thats it.
I definitely think stress/nerves is a contributor. I don’t think it is the main cause but I think it doesnt help. I tend to be a very …fidgety person. I can never be completely comfortable I always end up moving. I have the habit of focusing energy on things like picking my scalp or fixing my fingernails or cutting my cuticles etc random things like that so I think it is my own lack of self restraint that probably keeps my scalp scabs coming back. I notice that I do it sometimes when I am bored and I have the habit of doing it when I am taking a test and it sounds so stupid but I will literally stop taking the test to finish completely picking out the one scab. Way to prioritize right?
Another aspect I thought was interesting is that my father and sister have had the same problem. My sister was lucky and it was always only on one part behind her head and lower on the scalp. Mine was the worst because it has definitely been at each part of my scalp before. Dermatologists have told each of us that they suspect psoriasis but we have it no where else on our body so I’m not sure that thats it… honestly your descriptions fit my condition much more than the dermatologists known skin conditions. I just thought the possible genetic aspect was interesting. AND I did not know my dad and sister had this until after I started so it wasn’t a habit I picked up from watching them.
Right now I have these same 4 or 5 in this one area at the top of my head that are relatively big and hard and bleed each time because I cannot seem to go one whole day without picking it even though I know I shouldn’t. In a way though Id rather have this small group even though it is a thick scab because I remember when I had it almost everywhere on my head and it is just miserable. I don’t use any products because I’ve found none of them help and what helps is me trying to stop touching it. I think sometimes heat and sweat make my head especially itchy though and I cant help myself from scratching and picking and its almost as if I ignore the pain or just don’t care because theres a weird satisfaction attached. Even when they don’t itch I pick them UGH.
Anyways this blog is great I just wanted to share the aspects of my story as part of your research. I am definitely going to try the bandana/head covering idea maybe just at home. And I do wake up with stuff under my nails.. I didn’t even think it was because I was sleep scratching so thank you for the heads up. I’m really glad I could read all of these comments because I feel better that I am not alone in this.
Hello dealingwith,
First let me say…Thank you for taking the time to leave such detailed comment on your struggle dealing with this crazy scalp problem.
After reading your story, there are so many areas that overlap what other suffers had to say. Starting at a young age, going through cycles, being bored. The worst part that you, even other that left comments is in the end, you are still picking, bleeding and living with a scabbed over scalp.
I’m just blown away when I read these stories, it’s such a sad condition to have.
Have you given and thought on trying the leave in treatment, plus the bandanna?
Thank you for sharing your story…..
I’m 25 now and have the same problem with bleeders for 5 or 6 years now. It started when I moved to another city to study in the university. The water in my temporal apartment (old building) was very calcareous so I guess that it may have been the cause of this (I had similar condition with my forehead which went away when I moved back home after I got my bachelor’s degree).
At first the scabs where small and I was not bothered by them but a couple of years later I started to notice blood running while washing my hair, so I had a look at my scalp and saw the horror. The scabs where all over the place – especially where I was getting bald (yeah – the scabs are visible by a mile away on my head). I have tried a lot of thing to get rid of the problem over the last few years but only had temporal success.
Tried not washing my hear for ~10 days and had a hat on 24/7 so that my scalp would not get scratched by accident thinking that I just had to give my head some time to heal. But it did not work. When I removed the hat, I saw that my head was covered in blood – as it turns out, the scabs get filled with blood until they burst on their own.
So the next thing I tried, was to wash my head every day to get rid of the excess blood in my scalp. But that led to sore and irritated skin.
After googling the condition, I found several solutions. First, to smear the spots with Manuka Honey. It help a bit – some of the smaller scabs went away and the the bigger wounds healed up a little. The problem with honey was that it does not allow for scabs to form so as a result, as soon as you wash it away blood starts to run from the spots.
The other thing was Tea Tree shampoo. It did not get rid of the scabs but relieved the inching and cooled the scalp (it feels like you have ice on your head).
After that I tried raw egg yolk mask. It also relieved the inching and dried up the scabs and removed them gently so after washing the yolk away my scalp looked pretty good. I even thought that I finally got rid of the problem, but the next day scabs were back.
Also I have tried Tar shampoo. It helps to keep the situation under control, but does not fix the problem.
So far the best solution is not scratching the scabs and to be gentle when washing my hair. That way the scabs at least do not get very big. Although I have to bleed out sometimes as the spots get sore and painful.
I heard that antibiotics helped some people with the same condition, but did not try that myself – I hate doctors
and you need prescription to get antibiotics.
I think I’ll try out Sudocrem next suggested by NotSpotty. Not sure about washing your head with salt water – salt will burn like hell the open wounds.
I have had this problem for years. It gets better, it gets worse – lately it has been mostly worse. It got much, much better – almost non-existant – when I went on a cleansing type of fast. No meat, no gluten, no dairy (it was basically the Daniel Fast, no sweets, no coffee. I ate a lot of veggies, drank juices and green smoothies, quinoa (did I spell that right??), tempeh, tofu, etc. My head cleared up, but I got very depressed and not thinking clearly. (I think it was a lack of fat – after watching the documentary “Fathead.” So now I am back to eating the standard American diet (SAD), and my head is full of sores again. It makes sense that a great deal of vitamin C would help something like this – and I want to go back on some kind of health kick, but this time make sure I’m getting everything I need. I think this needs to be healed from the inside out. It is hard though, to be good all of the time when it comes to food – so I appreciate the topical suggestions here. I especially appreciate that someone is talking about this, and offering suggestions. Thanks.
Wow… I have the exact same problem.. i think ive been doing it since i was like 8! and i am now a 21 yr old mother. i remember my grandmother had it as well.. it seemed to start as a little pimple or somethin untill i scratched and scratched then it turned into a scab and then i would scratch off the scab. i just couldnt resist! im so embarresed when i go to get my hair cut becuz of all the red spots and it burns like hell when i dye my hair. My doctor told me it was sebereha [not sure how to spell] without barely even looking at it… I’ve learned now my boyfriends niece has one, and i wonder if she could have caught it from me? nothing works becuz i cant stop picking at the scabs it just drives me nuts! but what is this natural products stuff? is that the name of thr brand? where can i get it? do they have a website? anyway, thank you very much for the blog!
I had spots / scabs on my head (just as described here – very much NOT your normal spot) for months and months. Picking them, leaving them, washing excessively, not washing with soap, etc made no difference – they simply would not heal. Then I used Sudocrem nappy cream and I kid you not, they went within 5 days. Gone. Better than that, I’ve only had a couple since and they go very quickly with a dab of Sudocrem.
The stuff is a marvel for clearing up spots on your backside too if you happen to suffer from that particular complaint (and no amount of washing / wearing lose clothing / etc seemed to clear them up either).
Hope that helps someone!
Hey NotSpotty,
Thank you for letting us know, what has been working for you, might be of some help to our readers.
Enjoy your day!
Seborrhea or Seborrhoeic dermatitis – causing constant itching, leading to scabs which in turn itch and cause an undying need to reopen them all the time.
At first I was thrown off by this because I have the oily type, but there’s a dry type too. I’d recommend Aloe Vera Gel used as shampoo for anyone with scabs on their head that they can’t shake. I’ve been fighting this for a while. Nizoral helped but didn’t relieve. I’ve had amazing results.
h**p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis
h**p://www.livestrong.com/article/132865-aloe-vera-seborrheic-dermatitis/
Hello notds,
Welcome back!
Thanks you for stopping by, and your recommendation to use Aloe Vera, should interest some scalp scab sufferer to give it a try.
Have a great day
cut ur nails to the skin and wash ur hair wit salt water . do u drink lots of water, didn’t think so,give it a try
joe scab,
Cool name! If it was only so easy……
but sometimes a remedy, so simple can be the answer.
Thank you for visiting..
Hello Jim,
Thank you so much for taking time, to visit and leaving a wonderful comment, your participation on the subject is truly appreciated.
Thinking you can stop and stopping can be worlds apart, starting at 13 and still picking into your 20′s, and stating “there is no sign of it going away” sounds either like at on going scalp issue, or the picking has settled in as a habit.
I had to laugh about your picking habits, thanks for being so honest…
I think you hit the nail square on the head there, “pretty damn fun” if most were that honest with themselves, it’s what keeps them picking and hunting for scalp scabs, a guilty little self-mutilating pleasure.
I like the idea of conducting a survey of what you mentioned, and will look into the proper way of doing so, and incorporating it into this blog, I’ll have to do some testing on the workings of installing a survey script.
Thanks Jim,
Have a Great Day!!
Dear Helpful Blogger,
Thank you for your post. This has been so helpful and you are so incredibly nice.
I too get scabs on my head of all different kinds: sometimes they are white flakes with a red center, other times they are just red spheres (presumably from coagulated blood). Although I do bleed on occasion, it’s never enough to get on my pillow.
I think my hair does a pretty good job of covering it up, but I wouldn’t doubt that someone could see them if they scrutinized my head carefully. While this condition does make my head itchy, I don’t think I am addicted to scratching. I think I can stop any time (which, from the sound of your posts, is unusual for someone with this condition). I would really like a diagnosis and I would really like to know if it could lead to any chronic health damage. I have had this condition since I was maybe 13 (I am 20 now) and there is no sign of it going away.
I think maybe it would be a good idea to conduct surveys of people who have this condition. We could use your website to look for commonalities. For example, I am an askanazi Jew in the Northeast U.S.A. I have been a vegetarian all my life. I am a male. I have hair that is on the longer side (does not reach my chin though). Maybe this data could be helpful.
I also want to offer a different view point… Provided that there is no chronic health impacts of this condition, then who cares? Why does it matter? I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I don’t think it matters. Sure I look like a psycho picking and playing with my scabs in public (I have even gone as far as to pull out a compound light microscope in the middle of my science class to examine it!). Sure I bleed on occasions. But in all seriousness, I think it is pretty damn fun. If you have or had the same thing as me then you would know just how good it feels to finally find a ripe crusted scab. I even like it when it gets caught in my hair on the way out (that way I can have a pleasant surprise later in the day). I know this is kinda weird, but I kinda like doing this. It gives me something to look forward to in the shower. With that said, I can understand how this can make some people feel insecure.
So, to summarize the intention of this post: 1. to ask if a diagnosis has been found and to discover if there are any chronic health impacts 2. encourage “victims” to pool demographic data, and 3. offer an alternative view point.
Best of luck!
It is nice to know I’m not the only one with this issue! I don’t have any suggestions, but I am trying to stop looking for anything on my head. I heard once that it takes 21 days to break a habit. I am on day 2.
Scalp picking due to OCD is called dermatillomania. It is an OCD compulsion. I have suffered from this for the last 25 years. I have slowly learned that I must keep my hands busy otherwise they are drawn to my scalp. I am by no way cured but I have gotten a lot better over the last few years just knowing that I am not alone and that there are other people who are doing the same thing. It helps to know that there is a reason for the “need” to find the imperfections. I have gone from 7-8 open sores to only 1 which I have managed to leave alone for days at a time. It is an every day battle for me.
I just wanted to say that I am glad I found this site. I wanted to be reassured that I wasn’t the only one with scabs on scalp, itchy scalp and flakes. I, too, like to pick the scabs. This may sound weird, but when I go to find the scabs I can sometimes hear the crunchiness of them as I rub my finger across. Anyway, I sometimes think as someone else mentioned that this is related to fungus. I rub tea tree oil on my scalp prior to washing and it seems to help. I also take a supplement to kill yeast. Now, if I could just find a blog that addresses gooey eye drainage that constantly comes out of my eyes…
I hope you will try the methyl b 12 you just let these dissolve and also the folic acid but again in the methyl form which is the 5-mthf. IF this is from b 12 and folic then you can take a regular vitamin and eat well and even regular b 12 and folic and not get any help.. if you by chance have a problem absorbing the b 12 and folic than this might be why the skin scabs pimples on the scalp. Give it a month or two or three to see. the methyl form is just better absorbed by all, I believe but if you have something where you are not absorbing it it helps with that. ALSo for me this was what I believe was the first sign of the low b 12 and later as I got older Many more things happened, lack of energy celiac and also nerve damage. So worth looking into now and even trying As far as I know you will just pee it out if you do not need it… but make sure you take the methyl form.. and see it may clear it up. Also with the things that sound like OCD , I think once the pimples are gone then you would not feel as if you needed to pick at it, I hope. Maybe wear gloves during t.v time
it might help you stop from picking even those plastic gloves costcos has in a box for cheap. I feel for you and I hope you find a solution to help.
Hello Sara,
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to leave such helpful comments.
Your knowledge and success of using b12, will surly spark some interest, giving readers, another area to explore in their quest for healthier scalps / skin.
Have a wonderful day!
Hi everybody,
I have had “bleeders” since i was about 8 years old. I am 13 now and have tried a lot of products and things i think could help. I have switched shampoos many many times thinking it was a build of left over shampoo. One of the products was selson blue which i am using now. It doesn’t seem to help very much though. I am also trying a bandanna (only on the weekends though) i pick and pick thinking that it will go away if i get it all off but i never works. A lot of times if i am reading or watching a movie, things that are relaxing my fingers find my head and i don’t even know it until i. Starts to bleed or sting. I am usually in a lot of stress at school with grades and people. The scabs are usually small and white or a peach color(usually when there i some blood under it) and they sometimes build up into mounds when left alone for a few hours. Being very thin and small, they break apart and stay in my hair (like a few inches into my hair) i also pick in my sleep. Its cool to know that I’m not the only one who has this thanks for starting this blog:)
Hey Ems,
I really hope you get this condition under control, if you have read any of the other comments, left by some of the other visitors, you will see, many have stated this condition started at a young age.
Hope you have told your folks, what is going on.
I know what you are saying about those shampoos not working, I invested lots of money, trying one after another, never had any luck myself with them.
Using the bandanna is a good start, just try and wear it anytime you are home, and keep your hands away from the scalp.
My concern, please don’t hide this condition from your parents, let them know asap, so they can get the medical attention you need.
Thank you Ems, for sharing your story.
Hi I just posted about b 12 and folic, I also want to mention Zinc. But make sure you have a good diet. But that is not always enough and as I said try the MEthyl b 12 you can get at whole foods etc, and also 5-MTHF which is the folic I believe throne makes that and a company called Priority one.
garlic helps to clear this up some I do not think it is all OCD. I think that it can be from the lack of vitamins such as B 12, Folic and Zinc, and you can be taking vitamins and not get a result if your body is not using them properly. The methyl form is the key to that. Hope that helps, just might work for you. I am sure if you have a tendency to OCD this would trigger it worse. BUT if you are stressed and it breaks out more, you may have used up your B 12 and folic being stressed and so think of this with that too. It may take a month or two to see results try garlic pills during that time.
I just wanted to add that I found that a lack of B 12. For some people they can have normal b 12 levels, and still be lacking greatly in b 12 and Folic acid Look into . Look at intrinsic factor & MTHFR gene mutation. For people do not have ability of the small intestine to absorb vitamin B12. The stomach produces a substance called intrinsic factor to absorb vitamin B12 from. In those cases I have been told you need to take the Methyl form of B 12 and 5-MTHF which is the folic acid in methyl form. And or get shots for methyl b 12 and folic. This can affect so much and it also can affect skin scabs on the scalp I believe.
Hello, just read some of the comments here and they describe me so well. I like to chill out and just run my fingers through my hair to find any tiny scalp defect. I can actually remember the first time I tried this, I was fascinated. For me the scabs bring no pleasure to pick, they’re just an adequate substitute for my real targets, sand grain sized pieces of skin loosely stuck to my scalp.
This sounds hilarious but once I cause a scab I tend to leave it be because they interfere with harvesting the tiny skin balls.
This blog helped me recognize my pass-time as a habit. I am highly competitive and love a challenge, so I intend to put this habit in a grave while enjoying every second of not picking. Good luck everyone.
Nice website. I’m glad there is some place where I can relate to this seemingly unspoken-of condition. My problem lies in stress, and of course probably types of OCD that I have.
First my problem started off as having lice as a kid. You know, about 9 years old. I daren’t tell anyone about them at the time, so I tried to physically remove them myself using my fingers to scrape them out of my hair. After I actually got rid of that problem, the searching around my hair habit stuck and that ended up turning into trichotillomania – basically pulling out my hair. I’ve had that problem ever since. However recently (1/2 years ago) the constant abuse has wrecked my scalp and it has caused scabs all over my scalp. Whether that is a result of pulling, or an actual scalp condition I’m not sure – but the habit is so frequent I feel my hands are in my head picking at these scalps most of the time I’m sitting around.
I feel like I must remove at least one before I take out my hands again from my hair. I really must keep tight of it, or otherwise it’ll be stuck in my fortunately still thick and healthy hair for all to see. The flaking is obvious, and although no-one has said anything to me, I know everybody notices.
I really wish this would go away, but I am glad there are other people going through the same thing.
Hey Partly,
Thank you for contributing your story.
Trichotillomania, compulsive pulling and twisting of the hair until it breaks off, very interesting. This act of “OCD” hasn’t crossed my mind as a cause for scalp scabs, I’m gonna have to look into this a little deeper, for a future post. What little, I do know about it, is it’s a symptom one picks up early in life, usually in the teenage years.
Scalps really do take some abuse, from different forms of “OCD” , the close proximity of hands and scalp make it the perfect area to abuse, as it is so convenient to reach.
I know exactly what you mean by, having to find that spot to pick at, and until you satisfy that accomplishment, the probing with the fingers continues.
For it to go away, I wish, I had the answer for you, as combating “OCD” can be a difficult habit to break, but it ca be done. Like breaking any type of bad habit…..willpower, determination and strength. You just have to want it badly enough.
Have a great day, Partly!
Wishing you the best….
ahhh my head is so itchy and i cant stop picking at the scab i have on my head.. they have been buggin me for about a year now i try to put hydrocortizon cream on it and i tried that selsom blue stuff and nothing seems to work can you please help me
((( i don’t want to have one giant scab on my scalp
Opio,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Oh yeah, those scalp scabs do have a way of itching, don’t they?
I think you will find, those medicated shampoos give a quick relief, but not much in the way of actually healing.
I would stop wasting money on products that have done nothing for you. You tried them, they don’t work… time to find something else…
Look for something that targets your exact condition, and I believe you will like the results.
I gave out some tips, that have worked great for me, they can be found in many of my answers, to most of the comments above.
Wishing you the best in healing your scalp…
It has just come to my attention that I may have a thyroid issue, and in researching this, I found a dry scaly scalp to be a symptom. @justanswer.com/medical/3g76c-dry-flaky-scalp-low-thyroid.html So sufferers may want to look at the thyroid (which males and females can both suffer from). Regular Drs. often do not help with this, as their normal range is too broad. I am seeing an endocrinologist. Just FYI – thanks.
Hi!
It’s a relief to hear others have the same condition, feeling isolated is probably the most stressful part of it. I noticed I’ve had this condition for a few years, and I remember there was barely anything in the beginning, but during the last ~4-6 months or so, I think it has got many times worse (it felt like I had 1-2 scabs at first but now I can’t keep count of them). I don’t really know why this thing started, but lately I haven’t been able to keep my hands away from my head, so it’s become a problem.
Years ago, I was diagnosed with eczema/dermatitis but since about half a year ago, I got it under control, and now my skin is just fine because I got rid of most of the stress I had (which was causing it). I’m wondering if picking those scabs could be my new stress relief? I also have a few pimples/sores near the hairline, and they don’t seem to heal for some reason… Unlink most people sharing their stories, one difference I noticed was that my scalp is not really itchy at all. When I pick them too much and they bleed, then that hurts but that’s basically it. But it’s annoying, and I always wonder if other people can see (I have short-ish hair).
I think it may be due to OCD, so I’m gonna keep an eye on what my hands do, and try not to touch my head or face. I’ll see how this goes.
As I understood, it takes weeks to heal, so it’s quite a challenge not to give in to this nasty habit again but now I’m determined.
ordinaryextraordinary,
Hello, Glad you stopped by for a visit…
It does start that way a few scabs, no big deal… but after picking for months, maybe years the only way for this condition to go is from bad to worst…
I think it is a type of relief, as there is satisfaction from the act of picking for many that suffer from “OCD”. The horrible part, once you picked what was available, the need to find more becomes an obsession. Then what happens?
Your hands and fingers are constantly probing the scalp for more, you won’t stop till you either find a new bump to pick or open a previous picked scab….it’s all about satisfying the habit.
I can tell you this, if you scalp is full of scabs, and your hair is short, they stand out like a glowing red beacon. I know this from experience.
You admit and conscious to the problem, this is a great start to healing, and understand what needs to be done, sometimes easier said, then done… this is where the battle begins.
Good luck, stay focused and you will beat it…..
Hello Beccah,
Thank you, for dropping by to share your story.
The more comments that are left, the more “stress” / “OCD” comes into play, as a direct relationship with this condition.
What is interesting in your comment, “itchy skin on your arms”. I did notice the same thing, when I was scratching at my scalp, I also was doing the same to my arms, between the wrist and the elbow. I suspect these areas are targeted because of being in easy reach.
This condition, as many reported by their comments, seem to develop, on the scalp, face area, and arms, all with in easy reach to be scratched at, nobody has stated other regions of the body being affected, the harder to reach areas with our hands.
OCD, I believe is a part in all our lives at some degree or another, some may call it a daily routine or pattern, that must be followed, and satisfied. If not, it kinda throws off our balance, makes us nervous, agitated, and then finding ourselves taking this energy out on something else, most of the time it’s our bodies that take the punishment. The nervousness sets in, our hand go right to these body parts like a magnet, and we start scratching away.
The term for this OCD behavior, is called Dermatillomania or also known as compulsive skin picking or “CSP”. I have been researching this condition for a future post, that might be helpful.
Sounds like you have a very busy lifestyle, that takes up a lot of your time, whereas your desire to fulfill the need to be organize has fell to the wayside.
Somehow, the “my time” has to be found, to satisfy the pleasure you seek in organizing your life / environment. Find the time, see if it has any change to your scalp condition.
Take care, Beccah, I hope things get better for you.
Wow! I’ve tried searching for this problem before, and never found anything. I felt like a freak, that I was the only one in the world that had this pestering problem. It started back in Junior High. It comes and goes, I noticed most frequent breakouts come in times of stress.
My search tonight was prompted by my needing a haircut bad, and I postpone them as long as possible to allow the scabs to clear out. I was doing well, with just one sore on top of my head near my forehead. For no known reason to me, I scratched a spot in the back of my head (I didn’t even notice an itch) and then felt the dried blood. What?? It wasn’t there before…and now I have another “bleeder.” Dang it!! This cycle is maddening and embarrassing! I was once diagnosed with an overactive pituitary gland, but was told the itchy skin I had on my arms as a result was a one-time occurrence and it would never happen again. I wonder if this is related? The OCD thing has me curious. See, I used joke that I had it, I do like certain things organized in a certain way. Never went to a Dr. about it though. But since having 3 kids, a full time job and volunteer work for my kids’ various activities, I just don’t have time to organize the way I used to. I thought I had gotten so laid back that my “OCD” was cured…..maybe it just manifested back in this form?
Nory,
How are you? Thank you, for stopping by and commenting, sorry to hear that you, are also dealing with this scalp problem.
You stated “waiting to pick the scabs over and over”, I believe this holds true for many. There is a gratifying, pleasurable feeling, in doing so in some weird way, as long as this habit can be hidden from view by our hair, the picking continues, until it gets out of hand.
I’ve used the same shampoo in the past without much luck, I did find it gave quick relief, but short results, then moved on to the next one, that lines the store shelves, without much luck.
The nervousness, stress and yes even boredom is also a big factor with this condition. Trying to find that balance in life will surly be helpful.
Children will mirror our actions, monkey see, monkey do type of thing. What did you do to get her to stop? Sounds like you were successful in doing so, why not apply the method to yourself?
Nope, you are not alone with this scalp condition, and being skeptical is a good thing. I didn’t have any good luck with store brand products, so I searched for other solutions, hoping to find a better product that produced results. The products that are presented here are different, natural, more skin friendly.
Picking a product is a personal choice, and once the store brand shampoos have been exhausted, by users they seek something different. I offer something different for consideration, but never push it on my visitors, other then have a look at this product.
Thank you for the kind words about my blog, I appreciated it, I feel good about giving folks and outlet, even if it’s just a place for them to leave a comment, and if that makes them feel, a little bit better, I’m happy.
Have a great day, Nory
I have the scalp problem too, the whole picking and digging, itching and waiting to pick the scabs over and over. I have had this problem off and on lately being more on. I do remember a really bad outbreak of these sores coming up once when I used a head and shoulders product in the blue bottle and the product was orange, I think it is called clinical strenght now. I notice I tend to pick more when I am nervous, bored or stressed. The doctors are no help and it just frustrates me. My daughter started doing this too, but somehow I think we got her to stop, I only see one sore in her head now. I am so glad I found this site I was beginning to think I was the only person with this problem. Hopefully soon I will try the shampoo remedies I have read about here, I am just so skeptical because I have tried all the stuff in the stores as well. Thank you for making this site I really appreciate it.
Hi,
I too have had this problem for about three years. I am a diabetic(type 1). My scalp itches all the time and begins like painful itchy pimples. I proceed to scratch and they become sores. Now i have a few on my face. Went to the dermo and she said it is bacterial folliculitis.I used all the stuff she prescribed but it came back. the funny thing is that this appears seasonal. sometimes my scalp is completely clear and other times i could scratch my whole head off. any suggestions??
Hello Lisa,
Nice to have you here, Thank You for sharing your story.
Bacterial Folliculitis, caused by the Staphylococcus family of bacteria, that enters into the body by way of cuts, breaks on the skin’s surface….
So, knowing these two facts, Staphylococcus, and seasonal…
Very interesting. My very first thought, without knowing more details, is Hot-tubs…
Hot-tubs,(being a seasonal activity for the most part) and the lack of water maintenance, are listed as the most popular way of contacting Bacterial Folliculitis. Do any Hot-Tubbing?
Another thought..
Have you explored the possibility of yeast as being the problem, as this also could be the culprit, and easily controlled with a quality yeast supplement.
If it’s a form of Staphylococcus, I would have to suggest another trip to the doctors for prescription medication, if you are finding over the counter products not doing any good.
Start to narrow down, Staphylococcus / seasonal, what activities are you doing when breakouts happen?
I also have folliculitis but on my legs. I’ve been to 3-4 different dermatologists and finally found one I like. My dermatologist told me I’d probably have it for the rest of my life. It’s always there but seems to be more prominent during certain seasons. I have found that Altabax (not sure how to spell) helps the best.
good tip, thanks buddy.
thanks for replying and for the advice, as I type I have a beanie cap on
I’m glad to hear that the getting the weekly haircuts shouldn’t be a problem. I wanted to ask the forum if anyone has used a shampoo and conditioner kit called Zincplex? It claims to heal the scalp and get rid of dandruff etc. Before i fork $40 for this “shampoo kit” was wondering if anyone has tried it. Thanks again for the help.
Hey JS,
Glad to be of some help, hope things work out for you.
I’ve seen the product online, but have never used it myself. I would look closely at the active ingredients, if it’s the same ingredients found in products costing 1/4 of the price, spending more, will not increase results.
Wow, I’m glad I found this blog and also that this blog is recent, also makes me feel better in the sense that I’m not the only one with this problem so I don’t feel like a freak or something… Anyways, I have a lot in common with some of the other bloggers especially Courtney. I too find myself picking away at my scalp during high stress situations (at work), or when I’m bored (at work), what makes me angry is that I don’t notice that I’m doing it until I have a “bleeder” on my hands. Obviously its embarrassing to walk around with a bunch of little scabs on your head and definitely makes me self conscious when going to the barber shop to get a hair cut. I really don’t know why I started doing this, I remember as a kid in grammar school doing this nasty habit, I stopped during high school and now as an adult I find myself doing it again. I liked the idea that was thrown out there to wear a hat or something to cover your head to keep me from picking away, I find that this does help and since I’m a guy with short hair it really doesn’t mess my hair up, also what helps me is cutting my fingernails short. I would like to find out whats causing the itchiness as well as if there is a certain shampoo i should be using (I currently use “Head & Shoulders for dry scalp”). Should I to the doctor to find out?? I noticed that special shampoos and conditioners are mentioned was wondering if we can get some names of those shampoos?? Another question I have for the admin is; do you think getting weekly haircuts is a good thing? I go once a week and get a bald fade, this type of haircut requires for the bottom half of my head to be shaved with a straight razor, was wondering if that might be to much abuse on my scalp. Well thanks in advance for any help or tips, also I hope my situation helps someone out just like the bloggers helped me out, thanks again.
Hello JS,
Welcome aboard, and Thank You, for sharing your story.
First, you are definitely not alone with this problem, I can tell you that. This site gets quite a bit of traffic each day, from people looking for information on this whole “Scabs on Scalp” issue. I wish there was a “cut and dry” answer to give, but as more people share their story, maybe a common factor will stand out.
Stress, I feel ranks high as a contributing factor, it can make our bodies and minds do some crazy things.
I feel for you, about going to the barber shop. It can be very embarrassing and it goes to show, that these scalp scabs, do more then just itch and bleed….They cause social problems too.
Covering my head was a little trick, I came up with. I had to find a way to keep from picking, while trying to heal the scalp. I really like using a bandanna, it prevented hand to scalp contact, but thin enough, to rub and satisfy an itch, without causing more bleeders, helps big time.
The shampoos I’ve used in the past, were the common types found in most stores, such as Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T, Sulfur 8, and one that came in a small green bottle that started with a “T” can’t remember the exact name this second, but it burned like hell.
These shampoos, gave very short results, for me. Unless your sure it’s a skin condition and not some other factor, like stress, causing you to scratch, I think they are useless, as there are better ways to go about healing the scalp.
If you’re thinking of going to a doctor, to seek help, then by all means please do, maybe you’ll uncover an underlying issue that you haven’t thought of, or realize you have.
The hair cuts, are interesting to me. I shave my head now, and has helped a lot. I find, if I let my hair grow out some, I start to itch and scratch, the beginning, of the start of scalp scabs.
I shave my head every other day using a razor, and has no effects to my scalp, so not sure, what to tell you there.
This is my method, if it’s doable for you, give it a try.
1. decide it’s time to heal
2. shave, or cut hair as short as possible
3. pick a head cover, wear as much as possible to prevent scalp contact.(until scalp clears up)
4. Don’t use alcohol base shampoos. ( just drys out the scalp more)
5. Use a natural scalp oil, or leave in treatment.
Give this a week, the healing will begin.
Hello notds,
Looks like we took similar step to fight the scalp itch.
Your comments and the willingness to open up on your scalp condition, has given me an idea.
I would like to get more reader to contribute, on their dealings with this condition, as it may be beneficial to others to read, what they are doing to control, fight or eliminate the itchy scalp scabs all together, their story, in their own words.
I would like to add a section to this site, something along the lines as “Guest post / readers personal struggle”.
Would you be willing to do a small write up on your struggle? That is if you’re are interested / have time / willing to share.
It only takes one, to get the ball rolling, could be very interesting for visitors, to read and see that they are not alone in dealing with this condition.
That is my thought, right now, adding more relative information on the subject, giving readers a better experience when they visit.
*****************************************************
I would like to put this offer out there, for anyone, that may read this. If you would like to share you story, we would love to hear it.
Yes, I was doing this for a while. I found that I still had to take time to shampoo my head due to oil. But that defiantly stopped the itching.
I really appreciate your website and it’s conquest to figure out this problem. It’s really annoying. Stopping the itching of them never seems to help for long. The oil / fungus seems to be the key to starting the scratching..
I also read that people with fatty diets, consuming a lot of lipids will cause an influx of oil in the scalp. I do believe eating a healthy low fat diet can help. I just love to eat… that’s my problem. Lol.
notds,
Thanks for coming back..
I’m a veggie person, I’ll always choose a nice salad and steam greens over most foods. I feel my diet is pretty good.
It is some what of a mystery to figure out what/why makes this condition come out, kinda like chasing the cause of hives, if you ever had a run in with those, not fun..
What, I do now, I shave my head, might be extreme for most, but it works for me. The itching and scratching was driving me insane.
At times, I do let my hair grow out, I notice once it gets to a certain length the issue begins.
I then have to treat my scalp, shave hair and things are good.
Wonder, if it’s possible to be allergic to your own hair?
I have oily scalp and prone to the over growth of the naturally occurring skin yeast called malesia furfur. This is the same fungus responsible for sun spots you often see on many Spanish folks necks. And causes constant dandruff if not treated.
While I haven’t figured out how to make this go away for good. I have found decent relief. Nizoral is the best over the counter fungus killing agent I’ve found to date. If you go to a dermatologist they prescribe psyllium sulfide, but I don’t think it’s worth all the hassle when there’s Nizoral and it works well to kill the fungus.
The problem I’ve found is that my scalp still had issues with just using Nizoral, it was still too oily and with that much food for the pesky yeast to eat it would come back shortly… I found a product called “folicure” online, it’s for hairloss but the idea is simple.. de-oil the scalp. I urge you to try any similar products to do this if you’re like me.
Also cutting my hair pretty short helps.
Now as for the “bleeders” – I found this to be also related to stimulated behavior.. OCD or just use of stimulants all the time (even unknowingly by drinking lots of coffee or soda)… caffeine specifically. I purposely dose my self with caffeine daily to stimulate my brain (due to ADD) so I can focus. The side affect is twitchy hands and constant grooming for the head and other areas.
While I don’t plan cutting the caffeine I figured I’d bring it up. It does make you as a person more obsessive over it. It was probably the same obsessive behavior that caused you to look this website up.
Now, it should also be noted that the reason why it’s a constant issue, I believe the fungal infection you have gets into the scab and makes it itch and causes you to open it up over and over due to the itching.
All visible large fakes of dandruff are caused by fungus. A Healthy scalp doesn’t flake like that.. you normally shed your skin almost invisibly.. cell by cell. It’s the fungus that holds it all together and kills it off in sections. It’s not healthy for your scalp, and possibly your hair.
I wish I knew the permanent answer for this issue.
Notds,
Thank you for contributing with this great post, very informative. One part really stood out to me, cutting the hair short. That is exactly what, I did and helped out tremendously, it’s an option for the guys, but for the women, not practical, thus another remedy needs to be found.
My scalp is free of any skin conditions, but I still pick and scratch all the time, I think it’s due to my nerves and stress. I really need to clear my head up, so I’m going to take your advice and see if the leave in treatment will help. Maybe once I get rid of the scabs,I’ll have nothing to pick at and can leave my head alone.
Hi Sammy,
Yes, stress and nerves could possibly be the cause.
Clearing your scalp of scabs is a good start, without scabs to pick at you may break the habit of picking.
Find a good product to use, the leave in treatment is popular, there are a few different products to try out, it’s a personal choice, I’m sure you’ll find the one that suits you best.
My name is Courtney, and since I was nine I’ve had theses scabs on my head actually. I’m eighteen now and whatever caused them in the first place, doesn’t matter, because they’re there, and I pick and pick and pick, and you know what? Sometimes, I hate to admit this gross habit, I pick them off and look at them and then like shed them off just so I can pick at another one.
Sometimes I link it to stress and for 1 year I didn’t have em because I cut the habit…but then…they came back actually this year and here I am again in stress, and just old habit, picking and picking and picking. They bleed sometimes, sometimes they’re small white-scaly things, sometimes they’re black probably from coagulated blood, sometimes they’re really large. But I just can’t stop and now, if I were to count I’d have to say I have four main one’s near the part of my hair, right side, two big ones as well to the left, a small one right in the center of my part closer to my forehead, two near my ear, and one randomly at the left side of my head..
I’m upset that they’re back and not sure how I kicked the habit before but see no hope.
I’m worried about hair loss.
I look ridiculous because I just pick in public and then roll the scab around my fingertips. God I sound like I’m a pycho!
I just need some help, I’ve tried many things to help it but the problem is: I just pick. No matter how much shampoo I use for it, or oils, or medicine, nothing can make them go away if I don’t stop picking.
Hello Courtney,
First, I want to say thank you, for your comment and a look into your personal struggle with scalp picking.
Wow, that was me at one time, is what my thoughts were, after reading about your situation.
Stress affects each differently, and during times of overload we look for comfort to counteract our feelings of stress to make the pain go away, some turn to smoking, others to drinking. These pacifying acts often turn into habits, most are of an unhealthy nature. You are left with stress and now a habit to break in the end.
Scalp picking is a gross habit, but at the same time it’s gratifying in a way, the act of finding a scab to pick, then the feeling pleasure to have picked. People that do this will understand what I’m saying here verse, people that have a skin condition that causes scalp scabs.
You say, stress is the underlying cause, but have you been diagnosed with any form of OCD?
If life is stressful for you, talking things over with someone, a doctor, trusted family member could help defuse some pressure you maybe feeling, talking and letting some feeling out is great medicine for our bodies.
I know the feeling about being in public and looking ridiculous with a scalp full of scabs, and that was my turning point for me. I had someone standing behind me once, who said, ” what the hell is wrong with your head”, I thought my hair did a fine job of covering things up, not so.
You’re not a pycho, so stop with that kind of thinking…
For me, I had to decide, that I needed to stop, somehow, someway, but I had to stop. Once that decision was made, I locked it into my brain.
I’m not gonna kid, it was hard in the beginning, keeping my hands away from my scalp, to stop picking, especially when I could feel them healing and crusting over, begging to be picked, it was tough. I went as far as shaving my head to help the healing process, while wearing a head cover to prevent me from picking.
If you are wanting to try and beat this on your own, as I did. Find a scalp product to start the healing, letting the scabs dry up and shed off, wear some type of blocking wear for your head, such as a stylish bandanna that can be worn throughout the day, to help prevent picking.
This method worked great for me, but willpower is also needed, and will be a big part of ending the picking.
Courtney, I wish you the best luck in kicking this habit, would also like to hear back from you on your progression and what steps you are taking to beat this habit.
Best of luck to you!!!
Hi, I want to let alot of you know that I too had this problem and nothing I did helped, Dr’s would tell you to try this and that and this again, well I tried a home remedy that a friends grandma told me about and It works and no meds or harsh cems,I am a person that believes in home remedies, well here it is, Mix this in a small bottle 4oz peppermint shampoo (CASTILE), 2tsp roemasy oil, 2 TBLS salt, and fill the rest of the way up with “RAW” APPLE CIDER VINEGAR shake it up really good, wet hair and then pour in on just like you would reg shampoo scrub it in to your scalp and hair just like washing your hair then let it set for about 3mins, then rinse and condition with peppermint conditioner works great I use it every day
Courtney, you sound like me. Only I’m 34 now. You keep on searching, you don’t want to be dealing with this same issue for 15 years or more. Hang in there
Well. I’m glad to confess to someone. Especially to people who will understand. I was about 10 years old when I had a BRILLIANT idea at the beach one day…. Shove my head into the sand and plow along like a bulldozer! It was fun!
When I got home and showered up my head was loaded with sand, of course. I couldn’t get it all out. But, as a resourceful and obviously clever kid, I came up with a clever solution: eh, leave it…it’ll wash out later. Over the next few days and weeks in my 3rd grade class, I’d put my rest my head in my left hand while doing my math or writing. And isolate and remove grains of sand. It was fun. And rewarding: I could find out the size and color of the grains… Huge ya?!
At some point I either ran out of sand of or picked a mole… I remember thinking that I must have pushed a grain of sand into my scalp skin cause there was a lump there, and it was tender. So, having been reared properly, I knew all about pimples and how they must be popped. (older brothers), so I dug a little deeper in that spot, but couldn’t find the grain. The sand was either gone or almost gone by this point. But the habit was set. There was a sore to keep it going!! A small pimple here or there to add interest over the years…
It’s been 25 years (give or take) and I’ve got to tell ya…it’s a heavy load. I’m a CLOSET picker!! My husband doesn’t know. I’d hate for him to see this disgusting side of me, I like to think he finds me attractive
My hair is long and thick and gorgeous. Cause I rarely get it cut. Cause I’m embarrassed by reaction in see on the beauticians face in the mirror. They don’t say anything, but they see the spots where the hair has been accidentally removed (after all that careful picking, I want to see my prize and if I don’t keep it pinched tight I’ll lose it in my hair and perhaps – horror of horrors – someone else would see the scab hanging there) sometimes a hair gets pulled or broken off. So there are bald spots. And they are red. Plus, when they wash my hair for me, it can be tender on the fresh spots.
Here are a few fears:
My husband will find out My kids will ‘catch it’ Someone will see a red bald spot if my hair parts wrong If I stop, how will I handle the little things this habit gets me through in a day, What if I go bald and everyone can see I’m afraid that all this picking/scabbing comes with a smell…what if I wreak but I can’t smell myself… What if my head gets more and more scabs and it’s sore all over and I can’t hide it anymore… Will I really deal with this for 80 + years?!!!
Here are a few things I’ve done about it:
Cleacin T. But it smelled bad. So I quit. Shaved my head down to a #3. (my dad once said that he had a few sores on his head that wouldn’t heal, but that they had when he’d shaved his head) (this was after a professor spoke about people picking their heads till they bled and how those people didn’t even realize they were doing it after a while…I got desperate.
Shampooing everyday Shampooing every other day Shampooing once a week (this lasted 1 week) Wearing gloves Reminding myself to stop Once after being in the water all day, I picked a spot and a REALLY huge deep scab came out. I thought that maybe that was the end of it, that I’d “rooted” it out. Has anyone else ever had these things dug out and removed? Could that work? I’ve wondered about fungus or bacteria.
I’ve justified! Oh, man! Have I justified… There’s a scripture somewhere that says in the last days the daughters of Zion will be smitten with a crown of scabs. I just sort of mentally said, “well, I’m a daughter of Zion, then” I’ve also told myself that it’s not hurting anyone else.
But that’s not true…
I don’t cuddle my head into my husband’s crook of his arm, cause I’m afraid he’ll smell a stench. I don’t let my kids brush my hair. Even my daughter. I don’t go get pampered I the beauty salon with my friends. Well, not hair anyway… A girl DOES need a pedicure now and then.
I was a model in high school. They’d always want these elaborate hair-dos. I’m glad for those photos now because I never style my hair…
The products make it worse.
I had to get honest with myself in reading these postings, I always told myself that I was just removing ‘flakes’ so I didn’t look like I had dandruff. But the spots do get raw. And there is blood sometimes. I hope I can overcome this thing. There are times when it’s a lot less. Just 1-3. Seem like I do it more when I’m relaxing and vegging out. Driving, reading, going to sleep, etc. And those more frequently during stressful periods in my life…. New baby, new job, sickness, transitions…
Well. I’ve done a good job purging this tonight. It’s been a good thing for me. Maybe it’ll help someone else somehow.
Thanks for having this blog. I knew I wasn’t alone. But, ya know, it’s nice to really know that others have some understanding of what I go through.
Beautifulhair,
Wow, wow, wow, amazing story you have shared,and with a little humor mixed in as well
You have been struggling with this problem for many years, and I can feel your pain through your words, some parts were very sad to read.
This scalp condition is horrible, but as more folks share their story as you did, I’m just really floored. I knew it was a problem, but it goes so much deeper then just a scalp condition.
Peoples worlds are being turned upside down, to the point of scalp scabs dictating the way lives are lived. It’s a huge problem, and a sad one at that.
Your post, has made my realize, this blog needs to be split into two main focuses.
1. Scalp scabs that are caused by common skin conditions.
2. Scalp scabs that are caused by OCD, stress, and the likes.
Thank you for posting your story, a lot of time, energy, and thought went into it, it is a wonderful ( if this problem can be anything but wonderful) contribution to this blog.
I hope it helped in some way, as an outlet to get things off your chest. Talking about our problems, can be the start of healing, the first step in seeking help.
Beautifulhair, thank you again, I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hi, my name is Mackenzie and I have HORRIBLE hair!
For example: I have little brown scabs on my scalp. I always pick at them! Cause its just a habit! I mean I’m in middle school, hopelessly looking for a cure to get these little buggers off my scalp! I’m just petrified of someone finding out that I have these! My mother has absolutely no interest of taking me to a doctor because she said I have to stop itching. What can I do?! Help PLEASE!!
Hello Mackenzie,
I would sit down with your mom and explain your problem with her in more detail. If you are having a scalp problem that is becoming bothersome to the point it has you petrified. Expressing this to your mom, will be the best way to handle this. Mom might be thinking it’s nothing, show her your scalp so she understands the concerns you have.
Hi Courtney, to help with the picking habit, I wear a bandanna. I do have a problem with picking in my sleep though and i haven’t figured out how to prevent that(maybe duck tape my hands together lol)
I hope this helps with the picking
Ems
I thought I was the only one who did that!! Thank god. I have the EXACT same situation except maybe worse. When I wash my hair there is blood in the water, my hair has knots made out of blood, I wake up with blood stains all over the pillow, and noting helps. I really need help. I’m beginning to get infections in my scabs. They are at the point where they aren’t even scabs anymore, they’re open wounds that I use my nails to rip open. I am so glad I found this.blog I thought I was the only one who did this! Please please reply with anything that might help. I’m so desperate for help, please!!
So what did you do to fix it, I have the same problem
Hey Cory,
I tried everything, whatever I could find on store shelves, I must own a bottle of every scalp shampoo treatment known to man..lol
I even went as far as shaving my head, thinking I was allergic to my own hair, to sitting in the sun, hoping the scabs would dry up…. I was a mess.
For me and what has worked with nice results, was going with natural products. I really like the leave in treatment, along with a targeted gentle shampoo without all the chemicals that most have, you know the ones, they burn like hell. I believe these do more damage then good. They burn, take away natural oils that are beneficial to the scalp and hair.
Hello, my 7yo son has black scabs all over his head? Was not sure this was due to the gel he uses and not washing it out on a daily basis or is this a medical condition to be concerned of? Thanx for any of your help, any is needed.
Mom of Mikey
Hi Denise,
If the gel is suspected in your son’s scalp scabs, I would take a break from the product, and use a gentle shampoo, as a medicated shampoo is gonna sting the little guy.
Using the gel improperly, such as lathering the scalp, instead of correctly applying to just the hair strands, may have blocked scalp pores and hair follicles from breathing.
The black scabs you mention, could just be from dirt and grime build-up, or just dried blood from picking.
My advice, is stop the gel, treat the scalp gently, by removing any build-up, thus giving his scalp a chance to breath and heal.
Always, seek medical attention, if condition continues.
Good luck, stop back and update us, on your son’s condition, interested if the gel was the cause.
Just curious, did you ever find out what the problem was….my grandson has pin size black spots on back centre of head. Like miniscule scabs, when picked seem to return…just curious
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
You are welcome, if I have helped, Great!
Please, feel free to post any advice, dealing with scabs on scalp, that may be beneficial to our visitors.
My hair is very short, so from all my picking, the redness and scabs stand out big time. It has become very embarrassing for me.
I’m tying the scalp fungus treatment now, so far, so good. My scalp feels much better, it’s working and I’m pleased with the product
What is the product called? Does it really work?!
My grandson, almost 2, and now my son, have scabs on their scalps. They are crusty, some small, others 1/2 “. Apparently, this is catchy. Could this be impetigo? My grandson came back from Disney World in August and had impetigo under his nose. The scalp issue came after, went away, and now is back. All the doctor says is she doesn’t know what it is, and gave him more antibiotics. (which I don’t like) I thought an antibiotic cream would be better. Any suggestions?
I guess this isn’t an overwhelmingly common problem . . . . Thanks, tho’.
Wanda
Hi Wanda,
Impetigo is a a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area of children. Could the scalp scabs be related, maybe…but, if the condition didn’t improve after being treated by the doctor, his scalp condition could be a whole different issue.
The itching, scratching can very well become an overwhelming problem, if not treated, especially for children, it’s hard for them to understand “it’s not, ok to keep scratching and picking till their scalps bleed”, most adults can’t control the itch.
My suggestion, “leave in Treatment” with a twist…the twist being, use a bandanna as often as possible, after applying the “Leave in Treatment”, as this will help greatly, in stopping, hand to scalp contact.
“Just Natural Skin Care” has some wonderful products for you to explore, and can be found at the top of the page bottom banner.
P.S. Hope everything turns out, ok for the little guy…