Trichophagia

Trichophagism is a repetitive compulsive behavior in which a person bites hair, the edges of nails, paper and various tissues, spongy materials, hands, and clothing, especially socks. Trichophagia is not caused by mental or physiological disorders, nor is it associated with abnormal nutrition; on the contrary, people who suffered from this disease showed good physical health.

However, this behavior may be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Perhaps trichophygomania is an indirect form of self-harm or a symbol of “destruction” and self-control. Also, in some people, manifestations of trichophygynia are associated with specific desires, for example, to kiss someone “tenderly” in the “rib” places as a recognition of feelings and a sign of affection. Specialists

Trichophagia is the name given to compulsive eating of hair because of its “need” when you want to “chew” your hair.

We are talking about inedible hair, which in some cases can be caused by various diseases such as: tuberculosis, leprosy, leishmaniasis, eczema, armpit hyperhidrosis, hormonal disorders, Daunis and Aschke disease. Infrequently, trichophages will complain of digestive system disorders, poor hygiene, eating hot or spicy foods for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and stress. If we consider the issue of refusing food by eating hair, then this can be defined as the action of Munchausen syndrome, Tourette syndrome or simply an impulsive act. Munchauser syndrome is a mental illness in which patients repeatedly harm themselves, tell others the story of how they harmed their body, and convince others of their medicinal value. People with Tourette's syndrome also often have symptoms of trichophagia, but unlike regular trichophages, they are more likely to consider this habit a sign of their disease. Trichophagia can be found in infants and children who are breastfed, as craving for hair is especially common during breastfeeding, but it should be understood that this passion is fickle in many children and rarely carries over into adulthood. Nowadays, trichophagus is rare.

Trichophagia is a form of compulsive action associated with the desire to eat hair (trichokinesis), and is one of the forms of extreme trichophagia (eating hair of the head and body).

This term is usually used to refer to a person who has an obsession with constantly chewing their hair, fingers, toes, skin, or nails. However, it is often observed in the form of obsessive actions among all segments of the population, being a consequence of either a psychotic or neurotic personality. This includes other phenomena described in the category of compulsive disorders. Compulsive rituals perform two functions: reducing anxiety and escaping reality. Trichophages lack natural ways to alleviate internal tension. Therefore, they resort to food when they are frustrated that the world is angry with them. Food becomes a social form of self-care that provides instant gratification during times of high stress. This is especially true for people experiencing strong internal stress.

Here are some features of trichophagic behavior identified by King (King et al., 1980): - Lack of relationship with conflicts or stress - Lack of feelings of pleasure about food and eating hair. In fact, trichophages feel when they bite off a piece and when they chew directly. Thus, they are able to rationally restrain themselves. While other compulsives such as eyes and tongue cannot. - The presence of various foreign materials in relation to which compulsion can occur. Some nibbled on clothespins, toothpicks, bills (such as coins or multiple bills), straw, cigarettes, glass and toilet paper - Intensity of gnawing (often) due to