Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is characterized by a repeated urge to pull at one’s own hair, resulting in hair loss. It can affect males and female, but is more common in children. The cause of trichotillomania is unknown, but it is thought to be a coping mechanism to stress or anxiety. Patches of hair loss usually occur on the scalp, but facial and body hair can also be affected. Clinical examination can reveal short, broken or absent hairs. Children normally grow out of trichotillomania, but repeated removal of hairs can lead to irreversible scarring.