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Trichodaganomania: A Curious Habit
V S Sourabhya Sivan1, Abel Francis1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
Trichodaganomania is a little-known condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to bite one's own hair. Close differential diagnoses for this condition include alopecia areata and trichotillomania, but a history of hair biting can provide a clear diagnosis. These patients may require a multifaceted approach, including psychological, psychiatric, and dermatological interventions. We report a case of a 62-year-old male who presented with a hairless patch over his mustache and had been habitually biting his mustache hair for the past several months. He was treated with counseling and placebo medication. In case of recurrence, further psychological and psychiatric evaluation and treatment may be warranted accordingly.
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