Bilateral Trichotillomania of Eyelashes Triggered by Anxiety Due to Nocturnal Enuresis: A Case Report
June 2019
in “
Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
”
Studysummary This case report describes a unique instance where a 9-year-old boy's eyelash trichotillomania was triggered by anxiety about nocturnal enuresis, which was resolved through discussions with family, teachers, and counselors.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case report described a 9-year-old Japanese boy with bilateral trichotillomania of the eyelashes, triggered by anxiety over nocturnal enuresis and an upcoming school trip. The boy had a history of temporary trichotillomania episodes since age 5, but his condition was misdiagnosed as alopecia. The boy's anxiety about his classmates discovering his bedwetting led to eyelash pulling as a stress relief. After a school trip where no enuresis occurred, and with supportive management involving his parents and school staff, the boy stopped pulling his eyelashes and gained control over his bladder by age 10. This case highlighted the importance of addressing emotional distress in children with trichotillomania and the need for cooperation between parents, teachers, and counselors.
