Pickers?

There may be some hereditary tendency to pick, but also think about how itchy a dry scar can be. I would try using some type of ointment that has an anti-itch factor. I use one called Derma-Cort that I get from the Melaleuca company (online). It gives me almost immediate relief from any type of itching problem.

I think that it's nervous behavior. I too am a picker and always have been. It's been worse since I stopped biting my nails (another nervous habit) and I now have some scars to deal with. However, I don't have bad scars until recently. So hopefully she won't either. I am not sure if there is something that can be done about the behavior. I am not sure about it being OCD or not. If it was (for me) at least maybe that would be a way to get over the compulsion to do that. Keep her lubed up with lotion, neosporin, and keep bandaids on them as much as possible and then also get Mederma (I think that's right) it's a scar treatment. I am not sure if it works but have heard it's pretty good.

I, too, am a picker. And a nail biter. And for a little while there I pulled out my hair, too. The scab picking was never much of a problem. I think I ate them until I was probably about 9, because I liked the way they taste. I also liked licking the blood afterward. I know this sounds creepy, but I swear it wasn't. It was more of a primal wound-licking than a vampirism.

I guess you two could try to figure out why it is that she picks. Does she like to watch it bleed? it it because it's bumpy? (that's become the reason into adulthood for me)
It does make the scars worse, which is only a big deal if she might ever consider a career in modeling.
Does she do it when she's nervous or anxious? Does she bite her nails, too?
Find these things out. You may not be able to cure her of it, but at least you'll understand it.

Greetings G.: There is a differance between heredity and enviromental learning.
As the oldest of 10 children mostly brothers. I saw that some couldn't stand the scab feel so tore them off, some like the facination of seeing the body protect and reheal itself and took them off to watch the process ( so goes the medical part of the family professions) and for others it was abadge of honor.
What you have seen and learned from a person is enviromental learning- I still cook items like my
grandmother that is enviroment--- then there are the things that seem to come down the blood lines hair, eyes, skin problems that are heredity. So thought I would just help you see that what may be a tradition can be broken but will have to know like my brothers why they do it.
Good Luck, Nana G

How about getting some character band aids? I know if I put a DORA band aid on my little one she will leave it there for days and not touch it. If that doesn't work they have these really strong waterproof band aids that might be hard for her to get off. Also try keeping neosporin on the scab to keep it a little softer and maybe it will not itch so much.

Hi G.,

I have a daughter who started picking at her fingers (along with nail biting) when she was little - maybe only 2 years old. I tried EVERYTHING, but couldn't get her to stop.

Over the last couple of years our family has changed our diet according to the guidelines in a book called "Little Sugar Addicts" by Kathleen DesMaisons. Basically, it's about watching when your child eats, how much, getting a set amount of protein and whole grains, and eating sugar with meals. The purpose of this way of eating is to balance the child's brain chemistry.

The interesting side effect was that my daughter has stopped picking at her fingers! When I posted about it to an online forum I discovered that others had had the same result - less nail biting, less picking, fewer nervous habits.

I think the fact that it seems hereditary is a clue, as addiction to anything - alcohol, sugar, picking - is often hereditary. If her behavior keeps up it might be worth trying the simple guidelines from this book to see if they help.

Good luck!

I too must confess that I'm a bit of a picker. It seems to be worse at times, and I relate it to levels of stress, tiredness and boredom. Fortunately, I leave my face alone, but cuticles and small scabs on arms and legs get bothered. Anyhow, I use lotion and bandaids and yes the waterproof kind are the best. BTW--my mother and brother are both pickers too, so I'm not sure if it's learned behaviour or hereditary. I have been told it is mild OCD behaviour, but don't know for a fact.

I think the tendency to pick at anything is somewhat hereditary. I'm a bit of a picker. Hopefully she won't get too many booboos, that way she won't have too many scars. Considering all the picking I've done, I'm actually not too scarred up. However, scars aren't that bad, in my opinion they are a testament to the stuff you've done in your life. I have three on my knees from different causes, and I like them, 'cause they remind me of my life.

What you could consider doing is supporting the nervous system and reduce "nerves" or low levels of anxiety in the CSN so they don't have the temptation to pick.
b complex (follow bottle)and dimagnesium malate 500-800 mg in the afternoon, calcium citrate 500-800mg before bed(before bed because it should enhance sleep). Check dosing levels with your doctor.