Trichotillomania - Dr. Feriduni

Pulling your hair

Trichotillomania (from the Greek 'thrix': hair, 'tillein': to pull and 'mania': disturbed) is not a hair disease. It is cauded by an uncontrollable impulse to pull out one's own hair, eventually leading to patchy hair loss. In most cases psychological factors are the cause.

Who can suffer from trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania may occur in both adults and children, i.e. it is not age-dependent. 70 - 90 % of patients are women. The age at which trichotillomania can break out varies greatly, with cases known of it affecting children of 2 or even under, or adults over 60. The basic pattern of hair loss in those suffering from trichotillomania can be very similar to that of alopecia areata. However when suffering from trichotillomania many more broken off hairs are visible. Such a symptom does not occur with alopecia areata.

Trichotillomania treatment

There is no medication available for this disorder, with patients often needing to be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Tips to stop trichotillomania

The only way to solve the problem is to stop pulling out one's hair. In certain circumstances the hair follicles have already suffered irreparable damage, meaning that complete restoration of hair growth is impossible.