Trichotillomania and trichophagia leading to trichobezoar.
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.
Sharma
N L
NL
Department of Dermatology, I.G. Medical College, Shimla, India.
Sharma
R C
RC
Mahajan
V K
VK
Sharma
R C
RC
Chauhan
D
D
Sharma
A K
AK
D000293:Adolescent; D001630:Bezoars / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair; D006801:Humans; D010842:Pica / Q000150:complications*; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery; D014256:Trichotillomania / Q000150:complications*