Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors And The Dermatology Patient

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and excoriation disorder (skin-picking) were chronic conditions that often led to significant social and functional impairment. Trichotillomania had a prevalence of 1-2% in adults and adolescents, with women being more commonly affected. Excoriation disorder had a prevalence of up to 5.4% in the general population. Both conditions frequently co-occurred with psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. Patients were often ashamed and unaware of available treatments, leading to underreporting and lack of psychiatric care. Dermatologists played a crucial role in identifying these behaviors and referring patients for appropriate mental health treatment. Behavioral therapy showed some benefit, while pharmacologic treatments had mixed results. Screening for BFRBs was essential to prevent severe psychosocial and medical complications.