Hair Eating Habit - Pediatric Oncall

4th Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference

ISSN 0973 - 0958

Childhood Ailments

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	Specialist Answers
Question
Problem is hair eating habit in four years old. Need advice on prevention.
Answer
Eating hair is known as trichophagia and pulling out of one's hair is known as trichotillomania. These hairs can accumulate in the stomach leading to formation of hair balls known as trichobezoars which can lead to intestinal obstruction. Hair can not be digested therefore it gathers in the intestinal tract or stomach. It can create a blockage that can be fatal if not removed. Treatment consists of prevention of pulling one's hair and eating it. Treatment consists of Behavior modification: substitution, positive/negative reinforcement and certain antidepressants. You need to consult a child psychologist for the same. Also, X rays of the stomach (barium studies may be required) to evaluate if the bezoars are causing a problem and need to be surgically removed. Back to All Questions

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