Daughter picking scab on head

[nbelval]

My daughter had some cradle cap on her head about 5-6 weeks ago. My mom watched the kids and bathed them and didn't rinse the soap out of her hair well enough and it became worse. I would gently comb some of the "crud" out of my daughters hair each day along with using oil to moisten and loosten it. Things were fine until one day she decided to get out the "crusties" and dug a whole right on the top of her head. The cradle cap is long gone, but every 2-3 days she picks the scab off in her bed and opens it up again. I've been putting a spray bandage on it to try and seal it, and was using Neosporin before that. How do you get an almost 3 year old to leave it alone. She keeps saying she won't, but if course she does. I just am afraid that this is going to be a permanent scar or bad habit and its really, really gross and I worry about infection. Haven't brought her into the DR. yet since I feel a "boo boo" seems a waste of her time, but I think I'm going to have to. I was hoping someone else has a solution for stopping the head picking. I've been keeping her nails really short too, but she still digs at it.
Any ideas?

[ladyamalthea81]

I'm not a doctor, but I suggest washing it with a little soap and water. Then putting a little hydrogen peroxide on it each time she picks it. the soap and water will help keep it from getting infected, and the peroxide will help it heal. the scab will get smaller and smaller even if she picks it. Thats just been my experince with scabs. my son (2) picks his scabs. my mother has had scabs on her legs for a long time from bug bites (she is allergic) when I suggested she use peroxide the went away. hope it works for you too.

[big-mouth-burgher]

Every time you catch her picking get down on her level, look her in the eye, and firmly tell her NO. This works for many unacceptable behaviors in toddlers. It will take many repeats, but she will get it. Consistancy is key.

[nbelval]

The problem is, she does it in her crib while napping or at night. I think it just itches and then she starts digging. It has gotten better, and I have been using a clear spray on "Band-aid" and that has helped a lot.
I keep telling her not to touch it and for the most part she has been good. It just gets to the point of almost healing and then she reopens and makes it bigger.
Right now it's okay, but if she does it again I'll bring her in to the Ped and see what we can do. I'm afraid it's going to leave a permanent scar on the top of her head. :(

[Step-Mama21]

It sounds like she may be doing alot of this picking in her sleep, which you cant really blame her for, its ichy and shes sleeping. try putting her down in some cotton gloves or mittens the way you would cover an infants hands to keep them from scratching them selves