r/adhdwomen • u/KirisLeftButtcheeck • 2d ago

General Question/Discussion Why can’t I stop picking my scalp?

When I (21F) was just about to start 5th grade I got lice, we took care of it fast. Then in 6th grade I got lice again but this time my mom didn’t want to tell my dad about it. Luckily I was in online school so i didn’t spread it in school. But I had lice until just before I started 9th grade. During that time I was, obviously, itching my scalp a lot. I also was picking lice and lice eggs out and killing them.

Ever since then my scalp has always felt itchy and I pick at it. I go through fazes luckily. But during the faze I can barely sleep because I’m constantly picking and it causes bleeding. It also makes my hair gross and overall it’s embarrassing, I’m always worried when I do it in public.

(I also will preface that I do pick and eat the parts of my scalp that come off. I know it’s gross but idk why I do it)

Is there anything I can do? Can I stop it because it was caused by the lice and not a mental health thing or is it now a mental health thing? I do have depression, anxiety, ADHD, mild OCD, possible autism but I haven’t been tested yet.

I also want to say I do the same to my boyfriend’s scalp but not as severe. I lightly comb through his hair and pick the bits of scalp I feel. I also look for the dander cause his hair is super dry. I figured this info would be relevant to my question.

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u/AbjectSprinkles5007 2d ago edited 2d ago

r/dermatillomania

I have this as well, it’s called dermatillomania. It’s a body-focused repetitive behavior along the lines of OCD. absolutely a nightmare to deal with and unfortunately pretty common with ADHD and OCD. The only thing that’s helped me is finding fidgets that are a similar sensation to scalp picking (I use a Koosh ball and pick at the center), and Wellbutrin.

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u/KirisLeftButtcheeck 2d ago

Wait really? I thought I wouldn’t have it because the lice caused it

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u/SuperciliousBubbles 2d ago

The fact you know what triggered something doesn't mean it can't be a specific thing. I have ME/CFS that was caused by tonsillitis. That doesn't mean I don't have ME/CFS!

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u/AbjectSprinkles5007 2d ago

Well, that might’ve triggered the original behavior, but you’ve continued the behavior since 8th-9th grade and you’re 21 now (and no longer have lice)..it’s no longer being caused by the lice, it’s a compulsive behavior. (Zero judgement in my comments here, I am in the same boat aside from the original trigger)

Check out the subreddit I linked, some of the posts might resonate with you. It’s a really supportive community as well!