i pick my face and vagina until they bleed and scab over.

Hi streetToker ~ I also pick --- mostly my scalp, arms, chest, top of my back, shoulders, knees.... and even my breasts! I also want to tell you that the area you are referring to as your vagina is not actually your vagina....your vaginal is internal. You are talking about the "pubic hair region" over the "pubis bone"...over the vaginal area. ANYway, I do pick at that same area too...but not as much as the other places I just mentioned. We are not alone...I am finding out that there are so many other people that do this...mostly women. And, from what I read, it is a form of OCD. Most people that have told their doctors about their picking are given anti-depressants which also help OCD (in addition to depression.) . I don't think a lot of people are being helped without adding "talk" therapy also...and many people still don't stop even with anti-depressants and talk therapy. I have not been able to bring myself to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist yet. I do taken anti-depressants, but I was taking those way before I started picking. I've been picking for about 10 yrs. now. Anyway, streetToker, I just wanted to respond to let you know there are others who do this. I am sorry I am not much help to you as to how to stop. I am an older woman (I'm almost 70!)...and I am seeing that most people that do this are young...from teens to in their 40's. I didn't start picking until I was about 58. the main thing that worries me is that I will get an infection. You should see a doctor so that you can ask for an anti-depressant and see if that helps you. As I said, they will probably want you to seek behavioral/dognitive (talk) therapy from a mental health person that is experienced with OCD. ~~~~~~...It is EXTREMELY important that you keep your mouth clean...because of bacteria...if it gets into your bloodstream it can go to your heart. Also, I use tea-tree oil shampoo and tea-tree soap which helps to heal. However, this is the bad part...I have noticed that once a scab starts to heal, then it starts itching and I start picking it again when I start scratching where it itches. I wish I could help you more, but I just don't know how to stop. I hope you get more people to reply to your post. Good luck and God bless you.......Coolbreeze... ♥♥♥

Hi, you say its been going on since January of this year? I'd say you are probably in a good position to be able to stop it as you've been doing it for months as opposed to years. Talking about it is the first step so well done for posting here I know its not easy. As useful as it is to talk to us is there someone you're close to who you can talk to about it in person? Someone who knows you well would be in a better position to be able to help you stop. Maybe they could help you decide on a plan of action as it were to combat it. I can understand your fear and worry I used to have panic attacks about it. You're not alone and you can stop, let us know how you get on