Trichotillomania and hair pulling

Medical terms

Trichotillomania, trichotillosis

Common terms

Hair pulling

Overview

Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder characterised by the repeated urge to pull out hair of the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose, genitals or other body hair which results in bald patches.

Symptoms and signs

Bald spots on the affected area often with a prickly stubble from the broken off hairs. This condition can occur in children and the parents may not be aware of what is happening. This is why examination by a Dermatologist can be helpful.

Treatment

Treatment may involve medication and habit reversal training.