Solution to STOP scab-picking?

I have a serious problem. I pick scabs all over for no reason. They have started as mere scrapes, or paper cuts, yet I pick at them so much that they bleed and never really heal-resulting in SCARS. My upper arms and shoulders have so many scars, I can't even count. I cannot wear halters, strapless tops, or even sleeveless shirts because it looks so bad. Being african american, the scars are very dark, and noticible. I've even used fade creams to lighten the scars. NOTHING HELPS, AND I STILL CAN'T STOP!

I've been told my bad habit could be an obsessive compulsive action, however, I am not interested in looking to MEDICATION to stop my habit.

Has anyone personally dealt with this or knows someone who has?
What are some methods I could use to stop picking at my scars.

Any good , hardcore skin creams you could reccomend?

i'm a picker too. honestly, it's not easy to stop, but you just have to do it!

everything you start to, consciously STOP. if you think about it, and the more you think about it, the more you are likely to stop all together. it will take time, but you can do it.

I have a couple ideas.

First, see if you can find a reasonable substitute habit. A lot of common habits are fairly irritating in their own right, like gum snapping, fingernail biting, and knuckle popping. Less obtrusive habits include pulling/tearing tissue, moving a coin across your knuckles, moving the top coin of a stack to the bottom one-handed, and other manual manipulation things. Maybe you can think of something suitable.

Second, and maybe a better idea, is to pick at substitute scabs. You can create an artificial scab with a drop of superglue. Don't work at it too hard and it might last a day. You might also try other adhesives, or an aggressive adhesive tape. The beauty of this idea is that you can move them around so you do not irritate one spot.

wear gloves

I do have some experience indirectly with what you're going through. I am not an expert, but I have them in my family. I believe, (i'm not certain, i'm no expert), but it sounds like an anxiety disorder and some possible abuse or neglect. Yes, medicaiton is usually prescribed, but I've done a lot of research, as well as biofeedback, counseling, anxiety support groups, etc., which has all proved to be very helpful. If you can come at it from all angles, and really attack it in as many ways of your life that you can. And try to avoid whatever is causing you so much stress, if at ALL possible. However, there are many other options if you want to try those first. I understand not wanting to take medication, I didn't either. It makes you feel like you are really "crazy." But look at it this way...the psychological field is making new discoveries all the time about the brain, and having a chemical imbalance is so widely accepted now that schools even make accommodations for them. It's like having diabetes...would you not take the insulin and tell yourself if you don't take the shots then you don't have diabetes? It's the same thing. A brain is a part of your body. It's like taking medication for your heart, or your liver, or whatever. I recommend self help books on anxiety, counseling, journaling, exercise, diet, good rest every night, relaxation CD's to listen to at night, yoga...etc. Hope this helps. I do think, definitely counseling, and try all others "together" to try and make yourself feel better that way. You are in my prayers.