Suggest Treatment For Hair Stuck Inside Rectum

Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My Mother, 75, called me to the rest room tonight. She thought she needed to have a bowel movement, but what happened instead was that she pulled out what looked like a hair ball from her rectum. She left it on the toilet paper and showed me. I asked if it was attached, did she have to pull it. She said yes. Is this a concern?

Answered by Dr. Pravin Gore (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rupanzel Syndrome, coloscopy

Detailed Answer:
If its as you described, Please do colonoscopy & gastroscopy to find remaining undigested hair in intestines & stomach to avoid obstruction of intestines. This subconscious habit of eating hair is called 'Rupanzel Syndrome'. A psychiatric evaluation is also required.
Would help you if you need any further help. You can take picture and upload it. You have upload reports or images option at right side of your dash board.
Dr. Pravin Gore.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju