Hair Pulling

Stop hair pulling disorder

Hair pulling is one of the causes of alopecia or hair loss. Let us first understand hair growth. Prior to hair growth there is formation of the follicle. Hair follicle is that part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together. Hair grows in cycles of three phases. The anagen phase is the growth phase, catagen is the regressing phase and telogen is the resting phase. There is also a shedding phase which is known as exogen which is independent of the resting and regressive phases. At any given point of time up to 90% hair in a healthy scalp are in the growth phase, 10-14% in resting phase and the rest in regressive phase. Fifty to hundred club hairs fall each day from a normal scalp. Alopecia or hair loss is a condition in which fewer hairs grow than are shed. There are two conditions that fall under the category of pulling hair as a cause of alopecia. Pulling hair may be voluntary or involuntary.

Voluntary pulling is mostly due to inappropriate hairstyles like excessively tight ponytails or braids. It also includes the use of hot hair irons used to change the structure of hair. Involuntary hair removal may also be due to burns caused by hair relaxers containing substances that can destroy hair. Involuntary pulling hair is primarily a psychological hair pulling disorder marked by an impulsive compulsion of pulling one’s hair. Medically termed as trichotillomania or trichotillosis it is still doubtful as to how it should be classified. At times it seems like a habit or an addiction or a tic problem and sometimes as an impulse control disorder. People with trichotillomania live normal lives but may have bald patches on their head.

Trichotillomania is seen in all age groups but more common in the first twenty years and more common in children between 9 and 14 years. Both genders are equally vulnerable. Just like any other psychological problem, treatment to stop hair pulling involves the use of drugs like antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.

Pulling out hair may just be casual. Many people get the urge to pull out single hair and use it as a dental floss. Some people may also form the habit of eating the pulled hair, a condition called trichophagia. Severe trichophagia causes severe pain and may require surgery.

Behavioral treatment involving awareness and relaxation training is another mode of treating for compulsive hair pulling. Behavioral treatment of trichotillomania is similar to treatment of behavioral disorders like nail biting, thumb sucking and skin picking. Also known as habit reversal training, it is an accepted and tolerable treatment.

Since the area becomes agitated it intensifies the feeling, which results in an obsession to pull. If not treated the bald patches may grow rapidly. Excessive hair pulling can also affect self confidence and a person’s ability to function normally and also associated with depression.

Discover how hair pulling is related to alopecia. Stop hair pulling disorder and prevent a premature loss of hair due to pulling out hair.

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