Do you have constant urges to pick your hair?If that is the case, you may be picking your skin.Competing strategies include relaxation techniques, sensory substitution, and distraction.Work on managing the underlying condition if your hair is always itchy.Dandruff is the most common cause of itching on the skin.Relief is within your reach because these conditions are treatable.
Step 1: Determine if your picking is a habit.
Excoriation disorder is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder.A strong urge to pick at your skin is not the only symptom of Compulsive Skin Picking.It can include recurrent picking that leads to open wounds, lesions, or other medical distress, and an urge so great that you can't stop your picking even if you make a concerted effort.Excoriation disorder is not caused by drugs or illegal substances.If something you're taking is making you want to pick up skin, look into adjusting it.Skin picking can be a side-effect of other mental health problems.If you have a mental or psychiatric problem, talk to your doctor or therapist to see if it's related to skin picking.
Step 2: Contribute to scalp picking by identifying stressors.
It's important to pay attention to anxious thoughts that could lead to urges to pick your hair.If the urges occur more at certain times of the day, try to notice it.Being aware of triggers can help you manage urges to pick your hair.You can't just quit your job or stop going to school if you get stressed at work.Strategies to manage urges can be developed.Many people have urges to pick their skin at night when they feel stressed or anxious.
Step 3: Relax deeply.
If you notice that you have been unconsciously picking, close your eyes and relax.Take a deep breath and fill your belly with air.Hold your breath for a 7 count, then count to 8 as you exhale.Imagine yourself in a calm place as you breathe.Affirmations such as, "everything is okay" are positive.These feelings will go away.I have the power to not pick my skin.
Step 4: You can play with a stress ball.
When you want to pick your passes, keep your hands busy.Try playing with objects, such as stress balls.You can satisfy your urges to pick by figuring out which objects distract you.It is possible to help a doll by touching her hair and head.Try different objects and see what works for you.
Step 5: Track your progress with a motivation journal.
Write an entry in your journal when you overcome an urge or go without hair.Adding a sticker to your journal entries is a way to celebrate small successes.If you can't resist the urge to pick, read about your past success.It is possible to remind yourself that you have handled the challenge before.Habit awareness can be used to help interrupt picking behaviors.
Step 6: When you feel the urge to pick, call a friend.
Vent to a friend or relative if you are in a stressed out situation.If you feel like picking, reach out to a loved one for a distraction.Venting about your stress can help you find the underlying cause of your urges to pick.It is possible to keep your mind off of the urge with a friendly conversation.
Step 7: If you can't resist urges on your own, see a therapist.
Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to treat skin picking.A mental health professional who specializes in body-focused repetitive behaviors can help you recognize and address the thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors.They can recommend a medication if necessary.Don't be afraid to see a mental health professional.Maintaining your physical and mental health is the same thing.If you follow your therapist's advice, you can do the "homework" they assign, such as Affirmation and behavioral exercises.Your therapist is here to help, so do your best to keep a positive mindset.
Step 8: Purchase an over-the-counter product.
There is a hygiene aisle at the supermarket.Look for products that contain zinc, coal tar, and salicylic acid.Use the product's label as directed.You will rinse and lather some products.For 5 minutes, others recommend letting the shampoo sit in your hair.
Step 9: Try a different active ingredient.
If the first product you try doesn't work, switch to one with a different active ingredient.Try one with pyrithione zinc if the active ingredient doesn't work.If your hair feels dry, try a different product.If you have Salicylic acid in your hair, a 2-in-1 conditioner with pyrithione zinc might be a better option.Blonde, gray, or dyed hair can be affected by the presence of coal tar and selenium sulfide.If others aren't effective, the stronger ketoconazole shampoos might offer results.
Step 10: If you don't want to use chemicals, you can use a natural remedy.
Tea tree oil can be used as a home treatment.Store-bought natural hair products that contain tea tree oil can be mixed with Castile soap.If you have dry hair, you could try massaging coconut oil into it.You should rinse your hair after 5 or 10 minutes.You can mist your hair with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar.Let it sit for a while, then wash your hair.
Step 11: If your symptoms are persistent, you should see a doctor.
If you have noticed red areas on your head, it might be time for medical treatment.If you experience these symptoms, you should see your doctor.If you have a doctor or a dermatologist, they might recommend a prescription-strength anti-dandruff product.They can diagnose and address other medical conditions, such as ringworm.
Step 12: If you think you have the disease, see a doctor.
It is easy to confuse Psoriasis and Dandruff.There are two types of Dandruff flakes, one is silvery-white and the other is a yellowish- white tint.There are plaques or red patches of dry scale on the head, neck, and ears.A doctor will perform a physical exam to make a diagnosis.A small skin sample can be sent to a lab for testing.Psoriasis is treated with drugs.There are cases where an oral anti-psoriatic medication is required.Your doctor will come up with a treatment plan for you.
Step 13: Take oral medication to treat ringworm.
There are red patches of skin and hair loss that are signs of ringworm.If you have a ringworm, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.When you start treatment, machine wash towels, bedding, and clothing and dry them on your dryer's hottest setting.Ringworm can be spread by direct contact with skin or items that are contaminated.For the first 3 days of treatment, soak your combs and brushes in a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.Don't share any hygiene products, hats, pillowcases, or anything that touches your head while you treat ringworm.
Step 14: If necessary, apply an insecticidal cleanser.
If you have an itch on your head, it might be due to head lice.There are brown insects that lay white eggs.Remove insects and eggs with a fine comb if you want to treat head lice.During treatment, machine wash and dry towels, bedding, and clothing.You don't want to share items that touch your head.If you have persistent cases, you might need a prescription-strength insecticidal cleanser.
Step 15: If you have nerve damage, ask your doctor about your medications.
Diabetes and other diseases can cause itching due to nerve damage.If you find yourself picking your hair, but don't have a skin condition, it could be to blame.Discuss medications that could offer relief if you see your primary doctor.Nerve blockers could provide relief.Possible side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and weakened immune system.According to your doctor's instructions, take any medication.You should consult your doctor if you stop taking your medication.