Trichotillomania and trichophagia leading to trichobezoar

J Dermatol. 2000 Jan;27(1):24-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2000.tb02112.x.

Abstract

A 14-year-old female presented with the complaints of loss of hair, scalp pruritus, and pain in the abdomen. On careful work-up, she was found to have trichotillomania as well as trichophagia. Investigations also revealed a trichobezoar which completely filled the stomach. Hemogram showed moderate hypochromic anemia. Her detailed psychiatric profile showed a few additional features like obsessive hand washing, knuckle cracking, nose picking and body rocking. Her trichobezoar was removed surgically, and she had an uneventful post-operative recovery. She is being maintained on fluoxetine and is doing well. The role of a multi-disciplinary approach to trichotillomania patients is highlighted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bezoars / etiology*
  • Bezoars / surgery
  • Female
  • Hair*
  • Humans
  • Pica / complications*
  • Stomach / surgery
  • Trichotillomania / complications*