If you have a constant need to pick at your scalp, you may have a compulsive behavior disorder that makes you want to exfoliate. This problem can be overcome by applying relaxation techniques, using sensory substitution, and engaging in distracting activities. If your scalp is itchy, try to deal with the trigger. Dandruff is the main cause of itchy scalp, but it can also be due to psoriasis, tinea versicolor, and head lice. If you experience this complaint, don't worry! Apply the following instructions.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Controlling the Compulsive Scalp Picking Behavior
Step 1. Determine whether or not you are behaving compulsively
Excoriation disorder that makes the sufferer constantly want to peel off the skin is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). No matter how hard you try, this distraction triggers such a strong urge that you keep on scraping your skin and doing it over and over again resulting in cuts, abrasions, or other medical problems.
- Excoriation disorder triggers compulsive behavior that is not attributable to illegal substances or drugs. If you are taking certain substances or medications that trigger compulsive behavior, stop them before you start treatment for excoriation disorder.
- The habit of peeling the skin can be triggered by mental health disorders. If you are experiencing mental or psychiatric problems, see your doctor or therapist to find out if there is a link between this habit and the problem you are experiencing or just regular compulsive behavior.
Step 2. Determine the stressor that triggers the urge to exfoliate
If you are feeling anxious or stressed, determine whether there is a connection between these conditions and the desire to pick your scalp. In addition, observe the location or time that often triggers excoriation disorders. Although the triggers are difficult to avoid, the urge to scratch the scalp can be controlled by being aware of each time the cause arises.
- For example, if you're experiencing stress at work or school, you can't avoid stressors by quitting work or school. However, you can apply some ways to deal with stress that forms bad habits, for example by practicing breathing or doing activities that distract you.
- In general, excoriation disorder or the desire to scratch the scalp appears at night when the sufferer is stressed or feeling anxious.
Step 3. Control compulsive behavior by breathing deeply and think positively.
Close your eyes and relax as soon as you feel pressured or notice that you are exfoliating. Take a deep breath while blowing the air into your stomach. Count to 4 as you inhale, hold your breath for a count of 7, then exhale slowly for a count of 8.
While taking deep breaths, imagine that you are in a quiet and comfortable place. Say positive affirmations, for example, "I'm fine. This anxiety will pass. I don't need to pick my scalp."
Step 4. Squeeze a stress ball or elastic toy
Try to keep your fingers busy so you don't want to scratch your scalp. For that, keep your fingers busy by squeezing a stress ball, making souvenirs from a silly putty, or playing bekel. Look for objects that serve as sensory substitutes and suppress the urge to peel.
Try petting the head and hair of a doll or other object to find out what works best
Step 5. Keep a journal to motivate yourself and monitor progress
Record in a journal if you can cope with the urge to peel or if you don't pick at your scalp all day. Stick a star sticker next to the note to celebrate this success.
- If you're about to give up, read a journal about successfully controlling compulsive behavior. You can survive by remembering that you have overcome this problem.
- Use an app or other tool as a reminder to interrupt the urge to exfoliate.
Step 6. Call a friend when you want to peel off the skin
Talk to a friend or family member if you're feeling stressed or thinking about things that trigger anxiety. Even if you're not anxious about a particular stressor, share your thoughts with someone close to you to distract yourself as soon as you feel the urge to peel your skin off.
Telling others that you are stressed can reveal why you want to exfoliate. A pleasant conversation helps you to temporarily divert the thoughts that trigger the urge
Step 7. See a professional therapist if you are unable to treat excoriation on your own
This disorder can be treated by undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and various speech therapy techniques. Mental health professionals who specialize in dealing with body-focused repetitive behaviors can help you identify and change thought patterns that trigger compulsive behaviors. If needed, he can prescribe medication to treat anxiety or depression.
- Don't be afraid or embarrassed to see a mental health professional. Taking care of your mental and physical health is equally important.
- Also, trust the therapist by taking his advice and "doing homework" given, such as saying affirmations and changing behavior. Therapists are ready to help you. So, make sure you always think positive.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Itching from Dandruff
Step 1. Purchase an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo
Look for anti-dandruff shampoo at the pharmacy or supermarket. Choose a shampoo that contains salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcinol, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Read the information on the package carefully and use the shampoo according to the directions for use.
Certain brands of shampoo can be rinsed immediately after shampooing, while other brands of shampoo must be left to soak in the hair for 5 minutes
Step 2. Use a shampoo containing different active ingredients if dandruff doesn't go away
After using the first shampoo for 3-4 weeks without success, use another shampoo containing a different active ingredient. For example, if shampoos containing salicylic acid are not effective, use shampoos containing pyrithione zinc.
- Buy a different brand of product if the shampoo you are currently using makes your hair and scalp dry. For example, if your scalp becomes dry because you use a shampoo that contains salicylic acid, switch to a shampoo and conditioner that contains pyrithione zinc.
- Be careful if you want to use a shampoo that contains coal tar and selenium sulfide because it can fade the color of hair dyed blonde, gray, or black.
- Although they are more expensive, shampoos containing ketoconazole are more effective at removing dandruff than other shampoos.
Step 3. Use a natural shampoo if you don't want to use a shampoo that contains chemicals
Tea tree oil is quite effective against dandruff. Buy a shampoo that contains tea tree oil or add 1 drop of tea tree oil to 30 milliliters of Castile soap.
- If your hair and scalp are dry, use coconut oil to massage your scalp. Wait for 5-10 minutes, then wash your hair thoroughly.
- In addition, a mixture of water and apple cider with a ratio of 1:1 is quite effective in dealing with dandruff. Spray the solution on your hair, wait 5-10 minutes, then wash your hair thoroughly.
Step 4. Consult a doctor if the problem gets worse or doesn't go away
You may need medical treatment if your scalp is scaly, has yellow crusts, or becomes inflamed and red. See a doctor if you experience these symptoms or if your scalp remains itchy and flaky despite treatment with home products.
Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains more effective ingredients. If needed, he will diagnose and prescribe medication if you have skin conditions, such as allergies, psoriasis, or shingles
Method 3 of 3: Overcoming Other Triggers
Step 1. See a dermatologist to determine if you have psoriasis
Dandruff and psoriasis are difficult to distinguish because they both make the scalp itchy and flaky. The difference is, dandruff flakes are usually white and slightly yellow in color, while scalp flakes due to psoriasis are silvery in color. Psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of red inflamed plaques or patches due to scaly skin on the head, neck, and behind the ears.
- The dermatologist will examine the patient's body in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. Occasionally, he takes a small piece of the patient's skin as a sample and sends it to a laboratory for examination.
- Psoriasis can be treated with shampoos that contain medications and corticosteroid ointments. If the condition is severe, the patient should take antipsoriasis drugs. Dermatologists are able to explain the most appropriate therapy according to the patient's condition.
Step 2. Treat tinea versicolor by taking medicine or using a shampoo that contains medicine
Panau is characterized by itching, round red patches due to skin irritation, and round or oval shaped hair loss. See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and cure tinea versicolor by taking medication and using antifungal shampoos.
- When therapy begins, machine wash towels, sheets, and clothes, then dry them on the highest temperature. Thrush is spread by direct contact with infected skin or contaminated objects, such as clothes, combs, hats, and sheets.
- Soak combs and hairbrushes for 1 hour in water that is bleached at a ratio of 10:1 for the first 3 days of therapy.
- During treatment for tinea versicolor, do not borrow or lend objects that come into contact with the head.
Step 3. Use an insecticidal shampoo to kill head lice, if needed
If your itchy scalp isn't due to dandruff, psoriasis, or tinea versicolor, the cause may be head lice. This animal is a small brown insect and its eggs are white. Free your hair from lice using a shampoo containing permethrin. Remove head lice and their eggs with a fine-toothed comb.
- Just like treating scurvy, wash and dry towels, sheets, and clothes in the washing machine while you are undergoing therapy. Do not borrow or lend hats, helmets, head pillows, and other objects that come into contact with the head.
- If the problem doesn't resolve, you may need to use a shampoo that contains more effective ingredients as prescribed by your doctor.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about medication to relieve itching due to nerve damage
Health problems, such as diabetes and kidney disease can trigger neuropathic itching or itching due to nerve damage. This condition can be the cause of the desire to exfoliate the scalp, but there are no symptoms of skin problems. See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and discuss the most effective treatment for relieving itching.
- Oral or topical medications containing corticosteroids and nerve blockers can relieve itching. Side effects vary, such as fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and weakened immunity.
- Take the medicine according to the doctor's instructions. Consult a doctor if you want to stop taking medications prescribed by a doctor.
Tips
- Cope with stress in a variety of ways: practicing breathing, meditating, and engaging in relaxing fun activities. Stress can exacerbate problems that trigger excoriation disorders, such as scratching an itchy scalp caused by dandruff and psoriasis.
- If you are picking at your scalp compulsively, trim your fingernails short so you don't injure your scalp. Also, put combs, hairbrushes, tweezers, or other makeup tools in a drawer or cupboard to keep them out of sight.
- Wear a hat or bandana so you don't scratch your scalp.
