Trichotillomania, known as trich or TTM, is a compulsive
related disorder causing people to pull their hair out, from their scalp,
eyelashes and eyebrows, pubic area or any other area of the body. It is not
exactly known what causes the condition, although experts suggest a number of
possible factors, including stress and anxiety, genetics, self-harm, hormone
imbalances, or obsessive compulsive behaviour. Sufferers will most likely
experience the following:
- Persistent pulling or plucking of hair, leading to noticeable hair loss
- Anxiety or a building tension before hair is pulled and a sense of relief once plucked
- It impacts upon their ability to deal with social, career-related or other aspects of everyday life
- The problem is not linked to another medical disorder
Many people
suffering from trichotillomania incur noticeable bald patches from pulling
their hair, however the level of hair pulling and its effects vary widely, as
does the area affected and the treatment needed. Although some may be able to
control their urges, others may find it unbearable and could cause permanent damage
to the hair follicles. In many cases, sufferers may be able to fully regrow
their hair once they have stopped pulling, yet for more severe cases where
damage has resulted, the hair follicles may not be able to regenerate, causing
permanent hair loss.
Improving the
condition of hair
There are a number of things you can do or changes you can
make to your lifestyle, to speed up hair regrowth if you have stopped pulling,
or strengthen the condition of the hair:
Take on a healthy
balanced diet: Although this is a simple change, making sure you’re feeding
your body with essential nutrients - vegetables, fruits and proteins – will
help hair grow more effectively. Proteins
are essential for hair regrowth as hair is comprised of mostly protein.
Minimising your intake of processed foods and consuming lean meat, fish rich
essential fatty acids, or protein in eggs, pulses and nuts, will give your body
the right fuel it needs to repair hair follicles and strengthen hair strands.
Supplements:
Although it is probably better to get the vitamins and minerals you need for
healthy hair from your diet, there are supplements available which can aid hair
regrowth. Biotin, a B vitamin, and vitamin E supplements, are commonly used to
support speedy hair growth and re-establish your natural growth cycle. Biotin
will help to generate amino acids, which form proteins, and vitamin E acts as
an antioxidant to help restore damaged follicles and promote hair growth. Massaging
castor oil, high in vitamin E and protein, into the affected area, can also be
an effective treatment for hair regrowth for those suffering from
trichotillomania.
For baldness caused by the disorder, minoxidil is a
medication in lotion form, which can be used in some cases to help with the
regrowth process – seek professional advice.
Coping with
trichotillomania
For women who have been pulling their hair out for a number
of years, it is advisable to get checked for signs of hair thinning, telogen
effluvium or female pattern hair loss. Whether the effects are permanent or
temporary however, hair loss through trichotillomania can be a highly
distressing experience, which can offset an ongoing hair pulling cycle.
Sufferers may feel embarrassed about their condition or guilty about their
behaviour, affecting confidence and happiness.
Many women opt for hair pieces or wigs to cope with hair
loss, as they can help maintain self-esteem and comfortableness in everyday
situations. Hair pieces are highly effective for trichotillomania sufferers, as
they can be customised to match the colour of the wearer’s existing hair and
can be subtly placed to cover partial areas or fully cover the head. Mane Spray
can also be used to give the illusion of full hair coverage if hair loss is
less severe and is available in various different colours to match the natural
hair colour. There are a variety of different types of natural looking hair
pieces and wigs available we have available to help people with
trichotillomania feel more confident in themselves during their difficult time,
without impacting on daily activities.
For more information and advice, feel free to give us a call
on 0121 350 3826.
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