Trichodaganomania: A Curious Habit
March 2025
in “
International Journal of Trichology
”
Studysummary This study describes a 62-year-old male with trichodaganomania, an urge to bite his mustache hair, who was treated with counseling and placebo medication, highlighting the need for a comprehensive treatment approach including potential psychological and psychiatric interventions if symptoms recur.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The article discusses a rare psychodermatological condition called trichodaganomania, characterized by compulsive hair biting. It presents a case of a 62-year-old male who bites his mustache when bored, leading to patchy hair loss. Unlike other hair-related compulsive disorders, this condition does not involve hair pulling or cutting. The patient was counseled on habit-reversal techniques and treated with placebo, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach involving psychological and dermatological interventions. The article suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors combined with behavioral therapy are standard treatments, but vigilant follow-up is necessary due to high relapse rates.
