Semi Gross Thread In Regards to Scab Picking

Why do people pick scabs? Our mothers told us not to because it would get infected but we still did it anyway. Why?

Is it like an infactuation with pain or what? I try my best not to do it when I get a cut but for some reason I do. Why? Do animals pick their scabs or is it just a human thing?

I think I did it as a child because I found the whole healing process interesting.

At some point, the scab comes off and there is a layer of skin under it - and it doesn’t bleed any more. I was always curious about when that was so I’d pick off the scab and check. I was usually premature and it’d bleed but hell, that just meant another scab to look at.

Also - I think scabs sort of itch so people pick at them.

I don’t know about animals.

Tibs.

I don’t think animals make a deliberate effort to remove scabs, but they will chew/scratch on cuts or scrapes that they have (itch thing that Tib mentioned).

That’s why they put those ridiculous looking (but quite effective) lampshade thingies around dogs heads after surgery.
As for why people do it…I dunno.

I guess I have to pick something, and once my nose and ass are both empty… (sorry, that was bad.)

Same reason I pick my nose: combination of OCD, security issues, and just knowing that it is there and can be picked. There’s a certain sense of accomplishment involved. In school, when I picked a really big scab, I used to keep it on my desk for the rest of the period and look at it. It was pretty cool.

You will be happy to know I never did the same with my boogers.

Skin is flexable and warm. Scabs are hard and cold. They are different…people pick on things that are different.

Its crunchy skin! C’mon! Can it get any more fun than ripping bits of crunchy skin off yourself?

Umm…sorry…

I guess I don’t really know…