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Scratching my scalp and eating whatever comes out from under my fingernails
I super sensitive skin so sometimes my scalp gets irritated and make little bumps on my head. I have got in the habit of scratching my head every single night as a sort of ritual. I do it so often that there is always some sort of scabbing and I scratch them off along with just dead skin and the bumps themselves. making more damage. I then will scrap it all out from under my nails. I then will eat whatever comes out from under them, Scabs, pus, dead skin, etc...
Sometimes this is the end of it, but more often then not in shifts to picking at other part. Bumps on my arms and leg. Sometimes my face. I just want to be able to have a night time routine, but if I try and do any sort of skincare, it leads to me picking my face like crazy.
I have been doing the route of having acrylic nails on, but I have stupid nails that even if everything is done perfect. Buffed right, primed well, applied well, but my nails just pop off after a week or so... its so annoying and expensive.
Does anyone know a good way that even if you scratch you dont do damage, of at least a whole lot less than before? I really want to kick this habit. Its bad. my brain knows this, but it feels like muscle memory at this point. Help!
Hello! I have the same problem my friend. The one and ONLY solution for me are the gel nails. If you find a good nails salon they won't fall out easily. When I have the nails this habits doesn't exist but when I don't have them... I really damage my scalp.
Everything is going to be alright! Just try to do things that works for you.
Hello,
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with this habit, and it is so commendable and brave that you can share your experience with us.
Kicking a habit is not easy, and especially if you have been doing it for so long- and you are right, it may seem like muscle memory that you act without giving the behaviour or compulsion much thought, even though you know it is damaging.
If the nails are not helping and are proving to be too expensive to maintain, I have heard that gloves also work effectively. Have you tried those? Or even perhaps wearing a head scarf to bed, it may act as a barrier between your fingers and your scalp.
Wanting to develop a night routine is a great idea. Perhaps try something that is not related to skincare- perhaps this is triggering for you? What about doing some breathing exercises or even gratitude journalling before bed?
You are not alone, there are so many people that are going through the same, if not similar experiences. Sharing your experience helps others to identify their behaviours and seek help- so thank you for sharing!!!
Wishing you well on your healing journey.