How to Stop Picking at Sores or Scabs

Why do we pick at a scab? We know it will take longer to heal if we keep bothering it.
The itch from the healing skin or the underlying pain from the sore spot keeps drawing our attention back to that place. Here are some ways to leave it alone and let it get better.

Things You'll Need

• acknowledgement that we must leave it alone
• anti-itch cream
• clothing to cover the sore
• or bandaids
• or a liquid wound sealant

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Instructions

• 1

  Put some anti-itch cream on the sore. Most contain cortizone. There are many name brands (and store brands).

• 2

  Put on clothing that covers that spot (long sleeves or long pants).

• 3

  Cover the sore spot with a bandaid. Remember if you go into pools or spas that the bandaid will soak off and get caught in the filter.

• 4

  If you don't like the appearance of a bandaid, try a liquid wound sealant like New Skin. These are available in drugstores and discount stores. Look next to the bandaids.
  Don't put the anti-itch cream and the sealant together. The two might interact and cause burning. Follow the directions on the package.

• 5

  If you still aren't having success, try this habit breaking technique. Put a rubber band around your wrist. When you catch yourself picking at the sore, snap your wrist with the rubber band. The sting distracts you from the sore spot and reminds you not to pick at it. It takes 21 days to break a habit.

• 6

  Keep your hands busy with other activities like knitting or get a worry stone.

• 7

  Remind yourself that bothering the sore will just delay its healing. Picking at it is likely to cause more of a scar from the wound.

• 8

  Recognize that there may be more behind the behavior. If it is compulsive behavior, it might be excoriation or dermatillomania. You might seek medical or psychiatric help to change this behavior. Hypnosis is one method used and also cognitive therapy.