First of all, let’s determine if trichotillomania is really part of the hair and scalp diseases. It is a condition that lies within impulse disorders. Technically, it falls under the category of self-injury. It consists of an irritable urge to pull ones’ own hair. Not necessarily just that of the head but anywhere hair appears on the body. It is a sad event and something out of the control of the sufferer. The damage it causes can be quite extensive.
Sometimes hair and scalp diseases can appear in the teenage years such as trichotillomania. At first, it seems to be just an unpleasant habit, but as it progresses it soon become evident that this is far more serious. It can be triggered by stress or a bout of depression. Many times, it is an event that is not brought to the attention of the medical staff, as it seems to be considered a habit. Sometimes the problem can be so intense that bald patches will occur.
Individuals who suffer from trichotillomania are aware of the damage being done to their hair, they just cannot control it which is often the case with many hair and scalp diseases. They will use various methods to try to conceal the bald spots that may occur. It occurs in various stages. In some cases, the hair pulling is very mild or intermittent, while it others it is aggressive and frequent. These individuals may posses beautiful healthy hair, but it does not prevent their actions.
For some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally manageable. For others, the urge to pull hair is overwhelming. Some treatment options have helped many people reduce their pulling or stop entirely.
It may be difficult for the uninformed to recognize the problem at first. There are many reasons why an individual may develop bald patches. There are signs that will go along with this condition that when one knows what to look for there is no mistaking them.
Aside from the bald patches, you may notice the sufferer chews or eats the pulled out hair, while others will play with them. Then some will gently rub the strands of hair across their face and lips. Sometimes this condition can lead to other scalp and hair diseases.
The most common place to attack is the hair on the scalp. Particularly around the crown area. As the condition progresses often these individuals will be identified as having the “Friar Tuck” sign. This is a balding circle encompassed by a fringe of hair.
For the most part these individuals will simply put the hair out by the root using their fingers, but there are some that will resort to tweezers, combs and brushes. Interestingly enough some of these individuals realize what they are doing and develop a type of ritual, while others are not aware that they are doing it.
Although there is no
hair care products per say that will eliminate the problem however providing the individual with quality hair care products may fend off some of the damage for a period of time. It stands to reason it will take longer to destroy healthy hair as opposed to already damaged hair.
For some people, hair pulling is intentional and focused. They're aware that they're pulling their hair out and may even develop elaborate rituals for doing so. This is one of the symptoms that goes with trichotillomania other people pull their hair unconsciously. In any case every effort should be made to get it under control to prevent other scalp and hair diseases.
