An Unusual Case of Trichotillomania and Trichophagia in a Young African American Female Adult
July 2022
in “
Research Square (Research Square)
”
TLDR A young woman developed a bowel obstruction from eating hair extensions, highlighting the need for cultural awareness and research on these behaviors in the Black community.
This case study described a 23-year-old African American female with trichotillomania and trichophagia, who developed a small bowel obstruction due to ingesting hair from her hair extensions. The study highlighted the importance of cultural awareness regarding Black hair styles, such as weaves, which can be sources of hair for these behaviors. The patient underwent surgery to remove a gastric trichobezoar and recovered successfully. The study emphasized the need for research into unique risk factors and hazards associated with trichotillomania and trichophagia in the Black community.
