TLDR The boy had trichotillomania, causing hair loss, and treatment focused on habit reversal and support.
In 2003, a study investigated a 7-year-old boy and his pets (two cats and a dog) who all experienced focal hair loss. The study concluded that the boy had trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by recurrent hair pulling, leading to noticeable hair loss. This diagnosis was confirmed through a scalp biopsy, which revealed pigment casts with keratinous debris in the follicles, distorted hair shafts, and an increased number of catagen hairs. The study also indicated that trichotillomania in children typically represents a habit, with psychotherapy aimed at habit reversal and the establishment of a support network being the primary treatments.
417 citations,
March 1991 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Most adult chronic hair pullers are women who started in their early teens, often have other mental health issues, and may pull hair due to underlying psychiatric conditions.
August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.
Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.
4 citations,
April 2016 in “Experimental Dermatology” AGA causes hair loss through follicle miniaturization and hair cycle changes; regrowth depends on anagen initiation in kenogen follicles.
July 2013 in “DeckerMed Family Medicine” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
6 citations,
August 2006 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Two teenage brothers had a rare, treatment-resistant form of female-pattern hair loss with unusual scalp changes.