Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the urge to pull out hair from the scalp or other parts of the body, including the eyelashes, brows, genitals, back, arms and legs. Children are more likely to pull hair out from the scalp. Some with the disorder say pulling hair makes them feel good, but not everyone with trichotillomania pulls out hair intentionally. Kids often pull unconsciously, and may not even remember doing so. Others might feel compelled to remove hairs of certain textures or colors, or hair from specific locations, although this is less likely in children. Some people with trichotillomania also compulsively eat their hair after pulling it out. This is considered a related disorder known as trichophagia. Trichotillomania may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

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