We propose abandoning three outdated, pejorative diagnostic terms: 'trichotillomania', 'delusions of parasitosis', and 'neurotic excoriation'. These insensitive terms are offensive to patients and become a barrier to treatment. We suggest the following alternative patient-centred nomenclature: 'neuromechanical alopecia', 'pseudoparasitic dysaesthesia', and (simply) 'excoriation'. We briefly review clinical and historical aspects of these disorders.