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PRODUCTS1. Alopecia
When the habit persists over time, it can progress to alopecia, a gradual thinning of the hair leading to its temporary or permanent loss, depending on the severity of the disorder.
Trichotillomania is a pathological condition associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to pull and tear out hair or other body hairs. This problem affects millions of people, especially teenagers and women, with significant consequences on psychological and social well-being. Among the younger population, it can be a cause of bullying, while in adulthood, it can be compromising, especially in the workplace and relationships.
Trichotillomania:
Causes and Triggers
The term trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, comes from the Greek words thrìx (hair), tìllō (to pull), and manìa (mania). Although it can occur at any age, it is more common in male children and women, with a ratio of about 10:1 compared to men.
Despite the estimated global prevalence of trichotillomania being around 2%, it remains a relatively unknown disorder, and its causes are not well understood. However, some risk factors have been identified that may act simultaneously and contribute to triggering episodes.
The main factors include:
- Genetic inheritance
- Traumatic events
- Prolonged or chronic anxiety and stress
- Sedentary lifestyle and frequent contemplative states
- Psychiatric comorbidities, such as mood disorders, anorexia nervosa, or various forms of OCD.
Phenomenology and Common Symptoms of Trichotillomania
The characteristic symptoms of trichotillomania are related to the recurring and compulsive behavior of pulling out body hair.
The most common areas where this uncontrollable need manifests are:
- The scalp
- Eyebrows
- Eyelashes
Phenomena associated with this condition can be numerous and of various natures, but some frequent features stand out:
- The act of pulling out hair is often preceded by ritualistic behaviors such as combing the hair, visually inspecting the area, and feeling the individual hair between the fingers, pulling and twisting it.
- Compulsive episodes are preceded by a high level of internal tension and are carried out in solitude, for example, while watching television or during phone conversations. Pulling the hair can bring a sense of fulfillment and temporary relief from the state of tension.
- The choice of hair to pull is based on specific tactile and visual characteristics, especially in cases where trichotillomania is a conscious and deliberate behavior rather than an unconscious automatism.
What are the main consequences of trichotillomania?
2. Trichophagia
Trichotillomania is often accompanied by trichophagia, the chewing and ingestion of pulled-out hair. Also known as “Rapunzel syndrome,” trichophagia can affect normal gastrointestinal functions and lead to the formation of trichobezoars (hair masses), removable only through surgery.
3. Dermatitis
The skin is also affected by the continuous pulling action, causing inflammations and dermatitis in the areas affected by compulsive episodes. The stress caused by hair pulling also has negative effects on the health of hair follicles, manifesting on the scalp as a widespread sensation of pain.
4. Discomfort
The compulsive behaviors of trichotillomania often lead those who suffer from it to feel ashamed of their physical appearance, especially in more evident cases of alopecia. The sense of inadequacy and the reduction of social relationships and contacts can fuel psychological discomfort, creating a difficult-to-break vicious circle without the support of specialized help.
How is trichotillomania treated?
The most effective treatment for trichotillomania is cognitive-behavioral therapy. The techniques used are based on the principle that pulling out hair is a conditioned response to specific situations and events.
The therapy addresses the problem in two phases:
- Identification of triggering situations and events that lead to compulsive episodes.
- Use of alternative behaviors in response to triggering factors.
To address the aesthetic concerns resulting from severe cases of trichotillomania, there are numerous solutions that differ in convenience, duration, and final aesthetic outcome.
CRLAB has developed and patented the CNC hair prosthetic system, a trichological prosthesis that surpasses the functional and aesthetic limits of less personalized solutions, restoring a thick and natural mane to people suffering from alopecia.
This innovative, effective, and non-invasive solution consists of a biocompatible polymer base onto which natural and virgin hair is manually grafted. The implant adheres to the head thanks to the use of medical-grade adhesives (we have outlined the main advantages of the CRLAB system over generic solutions in this article).
Do you think you identify with the typical symptoms of trichotillomania?
Don’t wait until tomorrow to change your life for the better:
schedule a consultation at the nearest CRLAB center and rediscover your love for your image every day.
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