Why do people like picking at scabs?

Scabs on the skin have often been hinderance for a smooth and glowing skin.

Whenever with are injured externally and its the skin, the healing takes place with the formation of a scab on the surface of the skin. Though this scab works as a protection to the injured area, yet to us, it looks like an ugly protruding thing which we want to do away with as soon as possible. Moreover, this scab at times is the cause of itching sensation that automatically is the cause of  picking at scabs.

People who are aware of the infections that can result from the picking at scabs, refrain from it and allow it to fall off naturally. However, habitual picking at scabs is a kind of mental disorder, known as 'Obsessive Compulsive Disorder' or 'Excoriation Disorder'.  

People who have a low self-esteem and are often depressed take to scab picking to the extent of hurting themselves. They keep on picking at their scabs until it hurts and bleeds. Such patients pick at scabs that have occurred  because of some trauma or accident.

Picking at scabs is not advisable where health is concerned. Scabs should be allowed to fall of naturally.

Some people have the tendency to get hurt externally time and again. It may be due to fate or their carelessness. Such situations lead to skin injury with a number of scabs coming up that looks ugly. The person feels conscious and wants to get rid of them. This leads to picking at the scabs which turn into a habit later on.   

Children often take to scab picking to attract the attention of their elders especially their parents. No parent wants a child with a bleeding skin. So the moment the child picks the scab and bleeds the parents run to the child to apply some ointment to stop the bleeding. The child enjoys the concern of its parents.