Trichotillomania
(Hair Pulling)
Trichotillomania is the term used to describe the habitual pulling and tugging of hair. Constant pulling and tugging of the hair like this leads
to hair being pulled out of the scalp and if the habit is severe, large bald patches can appear. Trichotillomania doesn’t only result in loss of
scalp hair; some people also pull facial and body hair out in the same way.
When the hair is pulled out of the scalp during trichotillomania it is plucked directly from the hair follicle, sometimes trichotillomania also
results in the hair staying in the scalp but it gets broken off close to scalp level. Trichotillomania shows as a patchy hair loss problem but the
patches aren’t usually completely smooth as in alopecia areata for example. Usually stubble is visible where the hairs haven’t quite been pulled
cleanly out of the hair follicle, as mentioned above, rows of broken hairs are commonly found with trichotillomania.
The patches of scalp where the results of trichotillomania (hair pulling) appear usually also have open sores visible, this is due to the
trichotillomania sufferer accidentally, or sometimes purposefully, scratching their scalp with their finger nails during the pulling process.
Where Do The Effects of Trichotillomania Show The Most?
The results of trichotillomania are usually noticed in hidden areas of the scalp as trichotillomania sufferers usually try to keep the results of
trichotillomania out of sight as much as possible. The bald patches are therefore usually found around the nape area or around the ears, generally
pretty well hidden under healthy hair growth. However, in severe cases, the results of trichotillomania can appear visibly on top of the scalp or
near the face along the hair line.
Is Trichotillomania a Hair Problem or Not?
Trichotillomania (hair pulling) isn’t really a hair disorder as such, there is nothing wrong with the hair itself and there is no underlying
dermatological cause to this type of hair loss and trichotillomania isn’t caused by any systemic disease. It is purely an anxiety linked
condition; it is a bad habit like biting your nails for example. Trichotillomania usually starts during or following a really stressful and
emotional time. The act of pulling the hair out is thought of as a release from tension by trichotillomania sufferers, it’s just as if the
stress goes away once some hair is pulled out.
Can Plucked Hair Re-grow?
With most cases of trichotillomania, once the habit has been broken the hair re-grows completely. In some cases, if trichotillomania drags on
for a really long time the hair follicles can be permanently damaged, leaving permanent bald patches on the scalp. Sometimes scarring can also
develop on the scalp with trichotillomania; this is due to finger nails constantly scratching the scalp as a result of the trichotillomania.
Any scar tissue on the scalp will destroy hair follicles.
Help! I have Trichotillomania, What Do I Do?
If you suffer with trichotillomia, the first step is to visit a registered trichologist (such as Vanessa Bailey at The Hair Clinic) who will
closely check your scalp for any signs of hair follicle damage so that you are fully aware of what your chances are of recovering the hair that
was lost due to trichotillomania. Most of the time no hair follicle damage occurs with trichotillomania (hair pulling), if there are signs of
damage this will be discussed with you.
The best course of treatment for trichotillomania is some form of therapy to help with underlying anxiety and stress. Most people who suffer
with trichotillomania consult therapists or counsellors to get to the bottom of what’s really causing trichotillomania, but the determination
to break the habit has to be there on your part, the trichotillomania sufferer, for the treatment to be successful.
The Hair Clinic and Trichotillomania
If trichotillomania has caused large visible areas of hair loss, non surgical hair replacement can be used to cover up the patches. Our resident
wig designer, Heather Morris, can design hair systems to discretely cover areas of hair loss. In fact, by covering areas of hair loss caused by
trichotillomania, it would be less likely that the trichotillomania sufferer could reach their “favourite” hair pulling areas, therefore aiding
recovery from trichotillomania, not unless trichotillomania is so severe they choose to pull out other areas of scalp hair instead.
With plenty of determination and willpower, trichotillomania can be overcome. The Hair Clinic is highly experienced in dealing with
trichotillomania (hair pulling), although trichotillomania sufferers are usually recommended to ask their GP for a referral to a counsellor to
really be free from trichotillomania.
Trichological treatment can help treat scalp injuries and infections caused through trichotillomania and tips and pointers can be given on how
to avoid pulling out hair. However, it is always stressed that the trichotillomania sufferer must seek help with breaking the habit and that any
underlying stress factors are dealt with.
Referrals can be made to our wig design department through the trichologist following consultation, or appointments can be made directly by
telephoning Heather Morris on 020 7935 9200.
By Vanessa Bailey Copyright 2009
All wording by Vanessa Bailey MIT FRSPH author of The Good Hair Guide: All Your Questions Answered.
www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Hair-Guide
All consultations and check-ups at The Hair Clinic are FREE.
Call today on 020 7224 4640 to book an appointment for a Trichological consultation or
click here to complete an enquiry form.
|
