Hair‐pulling disorder (Trichotillomania): Etiopathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment in a nutshell

Hair‐pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) is a disabling mental disorder. Patient's behavior is characterized by the recurrent pulling of own hair with hair loss and a marked dysfunction in various areas of daily life. Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder with pediatric onset, often associated with significant morbidity, comorbidity, and functional decline. Surprisingly, children or adolescents have been little studied in the research studies on the pathophysiology and psychopathology of trichotillomania. Furthermore, more evidences regarding the effective and evidence‐based pharmacological interventions for the treatment of this condition are encouraged. This narrative review will report on the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of trichotillomania including criteria for diagnosis and treatment issues of this complex mental disorder.     

Trichotillomania in early childhood--a report of two cases with a peculiar habit

Trichotillomania in early childhood is considered a benign habit disorder in contrary to older children and adults where trichotillomania is associated with greater psychopathology. We present two cases of trichotillomania in young children, both using a pacifier to pull out their hair.     

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) is an impulse disorder, in which patients chronically pull hair from the scalp and/or other sites. Very early onset of hair pulling in children under the age of 6 may be more benign and self-limiting than the more common syndrome of late childhood onset hair pulling. While far more women and adolescent girls appear for treatment, survey studies suggest chronic hair pulling also occurs in males. Diagnosis may be complicated by patient and family denial or ignorance of the hair pulling; accurate scalp examination and biopsy can be critical. Classic scalp biopsies for TTM feature trichomalacia, pigment clumps, peribulbar hemorrhage and hair canal pigment casts, and lack lymphocytic infiltrates seen in alopecia areata. Treatment is difficult: the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine is the most promising agent, although many patients find it difficult to tolerate at adequate dosages, and treatment response may not be maintained over the long term. More benign medications have not demonstrated efficacy in controlled studies. Augmentation with topical preparations or psychotropic medications may be helpful for patients experiencing limited efficacy or relapse. Specialized psychotherapy, known as habit reversal training, is highly recommended; however, the treatment is intensive and highly specialized. Skilled therapists are difficult to locate.     

Pediatric trichotillomania: Review of management

Trichotillomania can present in childhood, with many families seeking initial evaluation by a dermatologist for hair loss. Prompt and accurate diagnosis by dermatologists is crucial, as children can suffer from academic or social impairments as well as mental health sequelae. Children are especially vulnerable to lasting psychological distress from appearance‐related bullying. This article reviews the psychosocial impacts of pediatric trichotillomania and the current interventions studied in this population. Included are studies evaluating behavioral therapies as well as pharmacologic options. This review highlights the importance of early and appropriate identification, intervention, and the need for more treatment studies in the pediatric population.     

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder): Clinical characteristics,psychosocial aspects,treatment approaches,and ethical considerations

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) is a fairly common but underreported disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of pulling hair from different parts of the body. Currently classified in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders (DSM‐5) under the heading of the “Obsessive–compulsive spectrum and related disorders.” The estimated prevalence data suggest that 0.5–2% of the general population suffers from this disorder. Stress and anxiety are directly correlated to the production of trichotillomania symptoms. The psychosocial aspects of trichotillomania are greatly underestimated, but recent literature suggests an increased interest in this neglected area. Although no FDA approved medications are available for the treatment of trichotillomania, a variety of medications including N‐acetylcysteine have shown benefit in case reports. Combined liaison clinics, with an interdisciplinary approach, are highly advisable in the treatment of these cases.     

Differential diagnosis of hair loss in children

Hair loss in childhood covers a broad differential diagnosis and often presents the involved dermatologist and pediatrician with a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Correct classification of the hair disease, especially in the case of underlying genetic syndromes, metabolic defects or endocrine disorders, is often an important prerequisite for continued normal physical and mental development of the young patients. Dealing with hair loss in childhood, one should differentiate between congenital and acquired diseases. The clinical manifestation profile, the age of the patient when the initial manifestation occurred, and the presence of associated symptoms are important for the classification of the hair disease. In the present paper, a classification of hair loss in childhood based on clinical appearance, age of onset and associated symptoms is proposed as a guide for the evaluation of hair loss and alopecia in childhood.     

Body-focused repetitive behaviors and the dermatology patient

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are psychiatric disorders that involve recurrent pulling and picking one’s own body resulting in skin lesions with varying degrees of severity. For that reason, the interface with dermatology is important. Currently, the classified BFRBs are trichotillomania and excoriation disorder. Both trichotillomania and excoriation disorder appear to be more common than previously thought. Besides that, most patients are unlikely to seek mental health treatment for their condition. Thus, many patients will instead seek dermatologic help due to the cosmetic damage incurred.In trichotillomania, the main characteristic is the pulling out of one’s hair, most commonly from the scalp. It is associated with many negative consequences. Patients may present with different patterns of alopecia. Often, more than one body part will be affected.In excoriation disorder, the pathologic behavior frequently starts with picking at an underlying dermatologic condition such as acne but can continue after dermatologic treatment. The body area most frequently picked is the face, but other sites may also be involved. The dermatologic findings and distribution are atypical and will help the clinician differentiate from other dermatologic conditions.A complete therapeutic plan for BFRBs should include a dermatologic assessment of the affected areas, psychotherapy, and possibly pharmacotherapy.     

103例学龄期儿童拔毛癖皮肤镜表现

目的:总结学龄期儿童拔毛癖患者皮肤镜表现.方法:回顾性研究2017年6月至2021年6月于我院诊治的103例拔毛癖患者临床资料.结果:103例患者中,男51例,女52例,平均年龄(10.20±2.75)岁.拔发部位位于头顶部(48.5％),单侧颞部(28.2％),双侧颞部(15.5％),额部(20.4％),枕部(5.8...     

Trichoscopy features of trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a form of traction alopecia resulting from repetitive and compulsive hair pulling and plucking. Trichotillomania and patchy alopecia areata may have similar clinical and dermoscopic features in some cases. On trichoscopic examination, the presence of black dots, coiled or hook hair, shafts of varying lengths with fraying or split ends (trichoptilosis), and an absence of exclamation mark hairs and yellow dots are suggestive of trichotillomania.     

Erworbene Alopezien im Kindesalter

Hair loss and alopecia occur frequently in children. The prevalence of the underlying causes and conditions, treatment options and prognosis differ in part significantly from adulthood. This article focuses on frequent forms of acquired alopecia which are not associated with inflammation or scarring of the scalp. Special attention is given to alopecia areata as the most important entity and to trichotillomania as its most difficult differential diagnosis. Significant forms of diffuse hair loss include anagen-dystrophic and telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia and loose anagen hair.     

Traumatic Alopecia in Trichotillomania: a Pathogenic Interpretation of Histologic Lesions in the Pilosebaceous Unit*

Ten patients with traumatic alopecia (trichotillomania) were being investigated histologically and. in five of them, hairs from the affected scalp area were plucked out for direct microscopic examination. Some histologic features appear to be specific markers for traumatic alopecia: empty hair ducts, plucked out hair bulbs, clefts in hair matrix, catagen involution of empty outer root sheaths, Miescher's trichomalacia in the deep dermis and torn-off sebaceous glands. Other signs are unspecific, such as presence of catagen and anagen VI hairs, infundibular plugging, melanin in keratin plugs and in the dermal papilla. The relative frequency of the different histopathologic features was evaluated. When little clinical information is available, a diagnosis of traumatic alopecia can he supported by skin biopsy. The histologic picture of trichotillomania is always incomplete, depending upon factors such as intensity of pulling or/and time of biopsy after plucking.     

Assessment and treatment of trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin picking) disorder

Recommendations are provided for the assessment and treatment of trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder, or HPD) and excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder, or SPD), two body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) disorders, based on their severity, comorbidities, and behavioral style. Habit reversal training (HRT) and stimulus control are first-line behavioral treatments that can be used in cases of all severity levels and may be particularly helpful when pulling or picking is performed with lowered awareness/intention. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are behavioral treatments that can be employed to augment HRT/stimulus control, especially when negative emotions trigger the pulling or picking. There are currently no FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for HPD or SPD, though certain medications/supplements have shown varying degrees of efficacy in trials. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) should be considered for all severity levels and styles given its moderate gain/low side effect profile. Other pharmacologic interventions, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), should be considered in cases with significant comorbidities or previous behavioral/NAC treatment failure.     

Optimal Management of Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Children

Hair loss in children encompasses a wide range of conditions that can be congenital or acquired. A congenital hair abnormality may be an isolated finding in an otherwise healthy child or may exist as a feature of a clinical syndrome. A thorough understanding of basic hair biology and normal hair development enables accurate assessment of the child with hair loss. Knowledge of the normal range and variation observed in children's hair additionally enhances this assessment. Social and cultural factors also influence these norms. The psychological and cosmetic importance of hair is immense in our society. The clinical presentation of pediatric hair disorders ranges from subtle to disfiguring. Management of hair disorders requires a holistic approach to the child and family. Young children usually lack self-awareness and it may be the parent who, projecting their own concerns onto the child, most acutely feels any associated anxiety. In addition, parents of a child with an inherited hair condition often feel guilt, and siblings can develop unsupported fears that they may be affected. Hair loss for the older child can lead to low self-esteem, depression and humiliation. Congenital and hereditary hypotrichosis and hair shaft abnormalities often have no effective treatment. There is a variety of treatment options for alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, but no single treatment is 100% effective. Tinea capitis is an infective condition of the hair that responds readily to the appropriate medical therapy. If no effective treatment for the hair loss exists, cosmetic camouflage with wigs is the best option.     

Isolated eyebrow and eyelash trichotillomania mimicking alopecia areata

BACKGROUND: Isolated Trichotillomania (TM) of the eyebrows and eyelashes is occasionally seen and may be mistaken for alopecia areata (AA). OBJECTIVE: The clinical study of the patients with isolated eyebrows and eyelashes alopecia suggesting of TM. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Seven children and young adult patients who referred with recalcitrant eyebrows and eyelashes alopecia were diagnosed as TM based on the clinical criteria for TM. The hair specifications for TM were include: hairs are broken at different levels, they may be tufted, tortuous and some hair fibers may be abnormally longer than others. The hair follicles may be prominent. The patients and their parents studied for psychopathology using a semistructured interview based on the Diagnostic Statistical manual of Psychiatric disorders (DSM-1V) and maudsley inventory. RESULTS: Our clinical study, interview with the patients and their parents and the clinical criteria used to differentiate TM from AA all support the clinical diagnosis of TM. The patients and their parents mainly suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs). CONCLUSION: TM as a hair pulling habit in patients with underlying psychopathology can be considered in cases with isolated eyebrows and eyelashes alopecia when the hair are broken at different levels. And they may be malaligned, nonuniform, tortuous, and tufted.     

Hypertrichose

Hypertrichosis denotes growth of hair on any part of the body in excess of the amount usually present in persons of the same age, race, and sex, excluding androgen-dependent hair growth. Hypertrichosis may be an isolated finding or associated with a syndrome, be associated with additional congenital anomalies or a marker for systemic disease. In order to diagnose it accurately, the age of onset, type, localization and pattern of hair growth, associated disorders, medications and perhaps associated anomalies and family history should be considered. Even though hypertrichosis usually has limited medical significance, it often causes cosmetic embarrassment, often resulting in a significant emotional burden. Treatment options are available, though limited in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction. No single method of hair removal is appropriate for all body locations and patients, and the one adopted will depend on the type, area, and amount of excessive hair growth, as well as on the age, sex, and personal preference of the patient. Patients with hypertrichosis should be adequately advised of the treatment modalities. These include cosmetic procedures (bleaching, trimming, shaving, plucking, waxing, chemical epilatories, electrosurgical epilation), and hair removal using light sources and lasers.     

Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis denotes growth of hair on any part of the body in excess of the amount usually present in persons of the same age, race, and sex, excluding androgen-dependent hair growth. Hypertrichosis may be an isolated finding or associated with a syndrome, be associated with additional congenital anomalies or a marker for systemic disease. In order to diagnose it accurately, the age of onset, type, localization and pattern of hair growth, associated disorders, medications and perhaps associated anomalies and family history should be considered. Even though hypertrichosis usually has limited medical significance, it often causes cosmetic embarrassment, often resulting in a significant emotional burden. Treatment options are available, though limited in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction. No single method of hair removal is appropriate for all body locations and patients, and the one adopted will depend on the type, area, and amount of excessive hair growth, as well as on the age, sex, and personal preference of the patient. Patients with hypertrichosis should be adequately advised of the treatment modalities. These include cosmetic procedures (bleaching, trimming, shaving, plucking, waxing, chemical epilatories, electrosurgical epilation), and hair removal using light sources and lasers.     

Hemangiomas of infancy

Hemangiomas of infancy are unique, benign, pediatric tumors of endothelial cells characterized by an initial phase of rapid proliferation, followed by slow involution, often leading to complete regression. Although most of these tumors are small and innocuous, some may be may be life- or function-threatening, or have associated structural congenital anomalies. Uncertainties regarding their diagnosis or management often prompt referral to a dermatologist. The pathogenesis of hemangiomas of infancy is not well understood, but recent findings suggest a unique vascular phenotype with dysregulated vascular homeostasis. This article reviews new information regarding the pathogenesis of these tumors and highlights the more worrisome presentations, including syndromic hemangiomas, that are likely to be problematic. In addition, management strategies and treatment options are discussed. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:477-93.) Learning objective: At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to describe the clinical features of hemangiomas of infancy and potential complications as well as to understand the strengths and limitations of various treatment options.     

A retrospective review of 12 patients with trichotillomania treated in a psychodermatology service

Trichotillomania is a condition characterized by the pulling of hair from anywhere on the body and is classified as an obsessive–compulsive and related disorder. Patients with hair disorders are commonly referred to psychodermatology services, and can represent a management challenge. Few publications exist that report outcomes for patients with trichotillomania in real clinical practice. We report 12 such patients seen within our own psychodermatology service, who were managed using a variety of treatment strategies. The rate of defaulting of appointments was high, but improvements were seen in patients engaging with services.     

Management of hair loss diseases

The treatment of hair loss diseases is sometimes difficult because of insufficient efficacy and limited options. However, recent advances in understanding of the pathophysiology and development of new remedies have improved the treatment of refractory hair loss conditions. In this article, an update on the management of hair loss diseases is provided, especially focusing on recently reported therapeutic approaches for alopecia areata (AA). An accurate diagnosis is indispensable to optimize treatment. Dry dermoscopy represents new diagnostic techniques, which could enable the differentiation of barely indistinguishable alopecias, e.g. AA and trichotillomania. An organized scalp biopsy adopting both vertical and transverse sectioning approaches also provides a deep insight into the pathophysiology of ongoing alopecias. Among various treatments for AA, intraregional corticosteroid and contact immunotherapy have been recognized as first-line therapies. However, some AA cases are refractory to both treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of pulse corticosteroid therapy or the combination of oral psoralen ultraviolet A therapy and systemic corticosteroids for severe AA. Previous clinical observations have suggested the potential role of antihistamines as supportive medications for AA. Experimental evaluation using AA model mice further supports their effectiveness in AA treatment. Finasteride opens up new possibilities for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. For androgenetic alopecia patients refractory to finasteride, the combination of finasteride with topical minoxidil or the administration of dutasteride, another 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, may provide better outcomes. Scarring alopecia is the most difficult form of hair loss disorder to treat. The bulge stem cell area is destroyed by unnecessary immune reactions with resultant permanent loss of hair follicle structures in scarring alopecia. Currently, treatment options for this hair loss disorder are extremely limited. The development of effective therapies for this form of intractable alopecia represents an important issue to be resolved.     

Long-term treatment with fumaric acid esters in an 11-year-old male child with psoriasis

Moderate to severe psoriasis is common in childhood and adolescence and is often a challenge for the treating dermatologist. In most cases, systemic therapies in children are only available 'off-label'. Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) have been used successfully in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adults and are recommended for long-term treatment in the German S3 guideline. In childhood psoriasis, FAEs may be a treatment alternative if a systemic therapy is indicated. Here, we report about the successful long-term treatment with FAEs in a male child with severe psoriasis.