Written by Editorial Team
Trichotillomania in children is a condition where a kid feels the need to pull hair from the body. This can become a habit which the child needs to quit. So what is trichotillomania? What are its causes, symptoms, and treatment? Let’s find out!
Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling disorder that affects the scalp and other areas of the body, such as the eyelashes, brows, genitals, back, arms, and legs. Hair is more likely to be pulled out of the scalp by children. Some kids with trichotillomania claim that pulling their hair makes them feel better, although not everyone with the disease rips their hair out on purpose. Children frequently pull subconsciously and may not even be aware of it. Others create rituals, such as plucking hairs of certain textures or colors from specific areas, however, this is less common in children. Some persons with trichotillomania eat their own hair after they’ve done pulling hair out.
The exact etiology of trichotillomania is unknown. It might be caused by anything from genetics to environmental factors. OCD and the brain’s chemical signals not working properly have also been known to be the reason behind trichotillomania in children.
The onset of the disease is most prevalent around the age of twelve, but it can occur in infants as young as six months old. Keep a lookout for these symptoms for trichotillomania in children:
Children are frequently examined for scalp infections, alopecia (spot baldness), and any other probable medical reason before getting a diagnosis. In extremely young children, trichotillomania is more difficult to diagnose.
Trichotillomania is more common in girls than in boys. Children with OCD and those with OCD in their first-degree relatives are more likely to develop the illness.
These are the treatments used to help a child get over their habit of hair-pulling:
You must watch out for Trichotillomania in children so that you can help them. This disorder of hair pulling in kids can be very hazardous to their personality. Make sure you enjoy quality time with them so that they can have a strong personality and enjoy a happy life.
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