People who have a skin picking disorder or compulsion pick and consume their own scabs, claims SkinPick.com. It belongs to the same class as other self-harming activities as a psychological condition.
According to Wikipedia, dermatillomania, also known as excoriation, is the disorder that is associated with picking and eating scabs. People who adhere to this order ritualistically and compulsively pick at their skin, usually where there is an imperfection or scab.
This action is accompanied with anxiety or stress, and engaging in it provides some measure of alleviation for the person. One affected individual told ABC News that there is enjoyment in the picking.
According to the Trichotillomania Learning Center, skin picking can be a sign of a number of medical conditions, including autoimmune illnesses, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive, developmental, and drug abuse disorders.
Although the specific aetiology of this issue in some people is still unknown, it is sometimes brought on by a disease or accident that leaves a healing wound that the person may be tempted to pick at.
Another reason people pick and eat scabs is when something incredibly stressful happens. Scabs can be eaten without harm, but picking at the skin excessively can leave scars and discolouration that last a lifetime.
