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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

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Suggest Treatment For Trichophagia

I Hm Inswer your health queries right now ? Please type your query here... I think my daughter is suffering from Trichophagia as she has been eating her hair (after pulling it out) for quite some time. Lately she has been complaining that her bum hurts... Could this have caused an internal problem?? She s 2 years old. I know it may not be related but would be good to know. Thankyou for any advice?
Fri, 19 Sep 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are worried about your daughter's habit of pulling out hair and eating the hair follicles.

This is called Trichotillomania with Trichophagia. In a young child this is most often a sign of stress and anxiety.

Trichophagia (eating hair follicles) can be dangerous and there have been many reports of the hair balls causing intestinal obstruction. So, since your daughter is complaining of pain, you should take it seriously as it could be a complication of Trichophagia.

Please take her for a medical examination as early as possible. You also need to take her to a psychiatrist for help to stop this habit. Earlier the intervention, better will be the outcome.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Suggest Treatment For Trichophagia

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are worried about your daughter s habit of pulling out hair and eating the hair follicles. This is called Trichotillomania with Trichophagia. In a young child this is most often a sign of stress and anxiety. Trichophagia (eating hair follicles) can be dangerous and there have been many reports of the hair balls causing intestinal obstruction. So, since your daughter is complaining of pain, you should take it seriously as it could be a complication of Trichophagia. Please take her for a medical examination as early as possible. You also need to take her to a psychiatrist for help to stop this habit. Earlier the intervention, better will be the outcome. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist