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Trichophagia is the compulsive eating of hair. Most often, long hair is masticated while still attached to the head and then swallowed. The hair eventually collects in the gastrointestinal tract causing symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain. A purgative can be given to induce the elimination of the resulting trichobezoar.
What else can I help you with?
What makes people eat hair?
Trichophagia may be a cause (sufferers have the compulsion to eat their hair).
What problems Hair ingestion may cause?
In small amounts, the hair should ingest just fine. In rare cases, there is something called trichophagia, which is a case where the hair is stuck inside of your intestines. It basically forms a hair ball (trichobezoar).
Can hair eating kill you?
Trichophagia (Greek: τριχοφαγία, from τρίχα, tricha "hair" + φάγειν, phagein "to eat") is the compulsive eating of hair. Most often, long hair is chewed while still attached to the head and then swallowed.[citation needed] The hair eventually collects in the gastrointestinal tract causing symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain. A purgative can be given to induce the elimination of the resulting trichobezoar..
Why do children eat hair?
Children may eat hair out of curiosity or as a form of exploration, especially during developmental phases when they are learning about their environment through taste and touch. Some may also engage in this behavior as a response to stress or anxiety, similar to other oral fixations. In rare cases, it can be associated with a condition called trichophagia, where individuals compulsively eat hair, potentially leading to health issues. Generally, it's important for caregivers to monitor such behaviors and guide healthy habits.
Why do i chew my hair?
Chewing on hair, known as trichophagia, can be a form of a condition called trichotillomania, where individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair. This behavior can be a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. It is important to seek help from a mental health professional to address the underlying causes and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Trichotillomania?
DefinitionTrichotillomania is hair loss from compulsive pulling or twisting of the hair until it breaks off.Alternative NamesTrichotillosis; Compulsive hair pullingCauses, incidence, and risk factorsTrichotillomania is a type of compulsive behavior. Its causes are not clearly understood.It may affect as much as 4% of the population. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men.SymptomsSymptoms usually begin before age 17. The hair may come out in round patches or across the scalp. The effect is an uneven appearance. The person may pluck other hairy areas, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair.These symptoms are usually seen in children:An uneven appearance to the hairBare patches or all around (diffuse) loss of hairBowel blockage (obstruction) if people eat the hair they pull outConstant tugging, pulling, or twisting of hairDenying the hair pullingHair regrowth that feels like stubble in the bare spotsIncreasing sense of tension before the hair pullingOther self-injury behaviorsSense of relief, pleasure, or gratification after the hair pullingSigns and testsPeople with this disorder often will first seek the help of a doctor who treats skin problems (dermatologist).A piece of tissue may be removed (biopsy) to rule out other causes, such as a scalp infection, and to explain the hair loss.TreatmentExperts don't agree on the use of medication for treatment. However, naltrexone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown effective in reducing some symptoms. Behavioral therapy and habit reversal may also be effective.Expectations (prognosis)Typically, trichotillomania is limited to younger children who tend to outgrow the behavior. For most, the hair pulling ends within 12 months. Children who start pulling hair early (before age 6) tend to do better than those who start later.ComplicationsPeople can have complications when they eat the pulled-out hair (trichophagia). This can cause a blockage in the intestines or lead to poor nutrition.PreventionEarly detection is the best form of prevention because it leads to early treatment. Decreasing stress can help, because stress may increase compulsive behavior.ReferencesMorelli JG. Disorders of the hair. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 661.Kratochvil CJ, Bloch MH. Trichotillomania across the life span. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009;48:879-883.
