What are some ways to stop compulsive scab picking?


Quick Answer

Compulsive scab picking is treatable with strategies including habit reversal training, stimulus control and psychotherapy, according to WebMD. Habit reversal training involves working with a therapist to identify situations, stressors and other factors that trigger scab picking. A healthy substitute such as a stress ball can be used instead.

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Full Answer

Stimulus control is a therapy that involves changes to the patient's environment to help curb scab picking. Strategies include wearing bandages or gloves to reduce the urge to pick at scabs, as reported by the Trichotillomania Learning Center. Lastly, some psychiatric drugs have been shown to reduce compulsive scab picking in certain cases. These include antidepressants such as fluoxetine and clomipramine.

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