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What Does Eating Of Hair Follicles In A Person Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Dec 2014
Question: why do I eat my hair folicles
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This could be impulse control disorder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
The eating of hair follicles could be a symptom of either Obsessive compulsive disorder or Trichotillomania (an impulse control disorder).

In trichotillomania, there is irresistible urge to eat the hairs. The person eats hair and then feels relaxed due to satisfaction of urge. Later he/she may or may not have guilt for his/her act.

In chronic cases, this may lead to bezoar formation in stomach.

Hope this helps you.
Any further queries are welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)
can a bezoar formation happen if you only eat pubic hair?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it can happen.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow-up query.

Yes bezoar formation can occur even with pubic hair.
An ultrasound examination of abdomen can detect bezoars.

Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (3 hours later)
how long does it take to develop?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no definite time period.

Detailed Answer:
Bezoar formation occurs in 30-40% of cases who ingest hair.

Bezoars formation does not occur in a defined time period. It may take 6 months to 1 year. It depends on amount, frequency, duration etc. of hair ingestion.

If there is pain in abdomen and other gastric problems in the person who is ingesting hair, then the bezoars are suspected.

Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2145 Questions

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What Does Eating Of Hair Follicles In A Person Indicate?

Brief Answer: This could be impulse control disorder. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. The eating of hair follicles could be a symptom of either Obsessive compulsive disorder or Trichotillomania (an impulse control disorder). In trichotillomania, there is irresistible urge to eat the hairs. The person eats hair and then feels relaxed due to satisfaction of urge. Later he/she may or may not have guilt for his/her act. In chronic cases, this may lead to bezoar formation in stomach. Hope this helps you. Any further queries are welcome. Thanks.