Trichomalacia
Overview
A rare genetic condition resulting in patchy hair loss in children. It is an abnormality of the hair shaft and can be due to a compulsive habit of pulling hair on the head or even eyelashes and eyebrows
Symptoms
* Disintegrated hair shaft * Clumps of pigmentation in hair shaft * Short broken off hairs * Distorted hair shaft
Causes
The exact cause of trichotillomania is unknown.
Diagnosis
signs and symptoms of Trichomalacia may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Trichomalacia symptoms.
Treatment
No single treatment is effective for all patients. Treatment can be considered in 5 categories: a common sense approach with parental involvement, medication, psychoanalytically oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support groups.