Any hairpullers/ trichotillomania out there? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

danilee · 05-18-2005, 02:49 PM

I have been a hair puller for many years as long as i can remember. I pull from eyebrows, lashes and scalp. I only had a bald spot while on paxil years ago. Now I can "control" it somewhat. Problem is, my scalp has this intense itching feeling inside of it. does that make sense? The itch isnt really my scalp but more beneath or under it. I have visited trich boards and some say they have had scalp itch. But my problem is more than that and I am wondering if anyone else is suffering from this. The itch makes me want to pull but then it itches worse, So I havent pulled in a week or more, but the itch is still there on and off throughout the day. YECK. Please help me.
I am wondering if this is possible nerve damage from pulling for so many years?I am going crazy with this itchy sensaton.
Thank you
DAni

yfguitarist · 05-18-2005, 07:24 PM

I run my hands through my hair a lot. I also pick my scalp a lot, too.

BetsyAnn · 05-19-2005, 09:52 PM

I know what you are talking about. For me it is not really an itch--but that is the closest word that I would be able to find to describe it. But it is definetly a stong sensation. I think that it is related to the weight of the hair and how that can effect the angle that it is at in relationship to the scalp. When I use product on my hair I get that sensation by the end of the day. It will go away when I wash and blow dry my hair. I sometimes have to do this before I go to bed. But then I will have to wash and blow dry again in the morning or I will get "the sensation." When I have that sensation I can not keep my hands out of my hair. The waxy type of products are the worst. They really help with the flat ironing and sure do make the hair shiny, but they make the hair too heavy.

I also wanted to add that the sensation is only stong on the little patch that I have pulled from. So I do think that damage has effected it.