With all the glitz and glamor of the cosmetic industry, it`s easy to forget there are many unfortunate people stricken with various diseases or disorders that make it impossible for them to enjoy the same beauty experiences that most of us take for granted.
Some of these conditions are serious enough to be life threatening, others are not physically harmful but cause startling changes in appearance that are psychologically damaging. All of these cases are sad.
This series highlights a few of these cosmetic diseases and disorders. If you have any of these, our hearts go out to you. If you don`t have them “ be thankful you`re healthy! Part 1 of this series covers trichotillomania (or TTM).
TTM is an impulse disorder that causes people to pull out the hair from their scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or other parts of the body. They literally can not stop tugging on their hair. If enough hair is pulled out over time, it stops growing back, this is called traction alopecia.
Who Does It Affect?
According to the Trichotillomania Learning Center this condition affects between 1 and 2% of all Americans. Other sources estimate that as much as 10% of the world`s population are affected by this condition to some degree. TTM usually strikes in the pre- or early adolescent years. Women are most often diagnosed with TTM but the research is not clear if this means there is a real gender bias, or if men are just less likely to report symptoms or are better at hiding them. This may be the case since researchers have identified a type of TTM that affects very young boys and girls at an equal rate.
What are the Symptoms?
The primary symptom of this condition is the appearance of bald spots or patches where hair has been pulled out. The amount of hair pulled out and the area of the body affected varies from person to person. But must serious suffers have permanent bald areas that they attempt to hide or disguise (using scarves,clothing, make up, etc). The frequency of hair pulling and the intensity of the urge, varies as well. Sometimes the urge is mild and can be controlled through will power but for some people it becomes an unstoppable obsession.
Follow the links below to see examples of Trichsters (the affectionate term used to describe people who suffer from this condition.) The first one is an amazing before and after picture of a Trichster with hair extensions:
Trichster with hair extentions
What Causes TTM?
Some researchers suggest that a reaction to Malassezia, a common skin yeast, could cause the itch-like urge that many trichsters report. Once triggered, the urge can grow into an psychological obsession. There is also data that indicates this process is stress related.
Can TTM be treated?
There may be an underlying physical effect that triggers the urge, but there is no doubt that an emotional component drives the condition. Therefore, treatment typically involves cognitive-behavior therapy. Several sites have links to good information on treatment options. With the right treatment, it is possible to recover and those who have over come this condition are said to be Pull Free. To learn more directly from those who have suffered from this condition, check out this UK trichotillomania site.
With the advancement in the field of plastic surgery, now it’s possible to cure the acne treatments of the most scary skin disorders. With the help of numerous surgical and non surgical procedures, the appearance and function of a person’s body is changed. Plastic surgery procedures consist of both aesthetic enhancements plus functionally reconstructive operations as a part of skin treatment.
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Sierra Says:
Hey everyone!
I have been suffering with Trichotillomania since I was 4 years old. To be honest, it’s embarrassing to say that I pull my hair. My parents divorced when I was 4, and I think it (could) be a possible result of my struggle with this illness.I’m really glad this site covered this topic, and respects that this is a disease that NOONE should have to go through. My scalp itches constantly, and it feels like the only way I can stop is by pulling my hair out- but even that doesn’t help the itch, so I usually end up in a downward spiral of pulling. Also, I end up eating the roots- as if it’s a reward for pulling out my hair.
Unfortunately, I live in a city who does not have any help on the matter, so I feel like online is my only option. I still battle the condition on the daily basis, and I hope that one day this matter will be more aware and publicly accessible.
Brian Says:
i first remember pulling at my hair during christmas brake from school in 6th grade i was 12 years old and i came back and a girl noticed i had a bald spot on my head. and i quit for a bit and started back again in early adulthood and im now almost 35 im a male and i have had to keep my hair shaved off and when it grows back i just get the erge to pull it out not by one hair but a patch at a time, i cant control this im sick of this i want to stop can someone help me please? im a man and dont know why i do it i just do and i also at times pull at my pubic hair i know that sounds groose but it is true im a normal person and look normal just i have issues and is tierd of this…please someone help!
Jeanna Says:
im only 16, and i only have it slightly, i always thought it was just a bad habit that i had, until i looked it up one day and i found this, i used to get yelled at cause i did it, but i just couldnt stop.
im not bad enough that i leave bald spots, not yet anyways, but i do something like sierra said, i end up running the roots through my mouth, and i can’t help it. im so glad i found this website.
Alexandra Says:
im 14 and and have been “pulling” for 4 years.. i just stoped but drinking water when I got the urger to pull my hair out on the top of my head, i am compleatly bald there and it sucks that i have to put my hair up at school. I havent pulled any out in a week and now im not bald my hair on the top is just very short, but at least i can wear it down!
Carolina Says:
First, none of your links work. Secondly, I wonder if I have this, cos I don’t pull the hair on my head, but I pluck out all of the hair on my legs instead. Of course, this causes many of them to ‘ingrow’, and then I have to ‘dig’ to get them. I end up with sores on my legs, so I can’t wear skirts, ever. Of course I also have scars in many places too. I really don’t have much hair left on my legs, as most isn’t regrowing. I’m afraid that once there is no more left, I will ‘move on’ to other areas of my body. Help!
Carolina Says:
BTW; The links I was referring to are the links to the pictures. And, to be clear, I use tweezers to pluck the hairs,and I use the really pointy ones to get under the ingrown hairs. I can resist to up for a week, then start again. I don’t shave my legs, as then I have to dig for each hair, plus it’s hard to shave over the sore spots.
thebeautybrains Says:
Thanks for the clarification. The images must’ve been moved since we posted. We’ll try to find new ones. I’d suggest you explore the http://www.trich.org site.