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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Trichophagia Be Treated?

Hi, for the last 4 years I have been eating my hair follicles. I do not eat the full hair only the follicles and sometimes a little bit past. I do pull my hair out due to stress and anxiety. I also have to wear a wig because of my hair loss. I m just afraid that I might have a big hair ball in my stomach even though I just eat the follicles.
Thu, 11 Jan 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello there. I have read through your question and would like to tell you that trichophagia is a psychological disorder and may lead to a serious problem like formation of hair ball in the intestine which will have to be removed surgically. You should consult a psychologist to help you in overcoming this impulse. Meanwhile you can follow the following steps to overcome the urge to pull your hair. 1. Wear a bandana or hat so that you don't pull your hair reflexively. 2. Wet your hair so that you can't pull it. 3. Stress is always a trigger so work on your stressors. 4. Try to divert yourself because boredom is one of the factors leading to excessive hair pulling. 5 . Join a support group. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions please feel free to write. Thank you for choosing healthcare magic.
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How Can Trichophagia Be Treated?

Hello there. I have read through your question and would like to tell you that trichophagia is a psychological disorder and may lead to a serious problem like formation of hair ball in the intestine which will have to be removed surgically. You should consult a psychologist to help you in overcoming this impulse. Meanwhile you can follow the following steps to overcome the urge to pull your hair. 1. Wear a bandana or hat so that you don t pull your hair reflexively. 2. Wet your hair so that you can t pull it. 3. Stress is always a trigger so work on your stressors. 4. Try to divert yourself because boredom is one of the factors leading to excessive hair pulling. 5 . Join a support group. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions please feel free to write. Thank you for choosing healthcare magic.