Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder that causes someone to pull out their own hair. Hair pulling may occur in any region of the body in which hair grows, but is typically focused on the scalp, eyebrows or eyelids. Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots which can cause significant distress. Most people with trichotillomania pull their hair in private and generally try to hide the disorder from others.

Signs and symptoms of trichotillomania often include:

• Repeatedly pulling your hair out, typically from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes.
• A sense of pleasure or relief after the hair is pulled
• Recurrent pulling of your hair resulting in noticeable hair loss.
• Biting, chewing or eating pulled-out hair.
• Playing with pulled-out hair or rubbing it across your lips or face.
• Repeatedly trying to stop pulling out your hair or trying to do it less often without success.
• Significant distress or problems at work, school or in social situations related to the side effects of pulling out your hair

Although there is currently no cure for trichotillomania, there are many treatment options available. Please contact your doctor or dermatologist for further information regarding diagnosis and treatment.