Help Needed With Trichotillomania Recovery and Damaged Hair'

Funmilola

Question: Hi, I am so happy that I can finally get help from this habit. I have been pulling my hair since I was 10 & now I am 29. I have caused a great damage to my hair. Please I am so in need of your medical assistance so I can be free. Thank you.

Answer: Hi, Funmilola. In cases like this you would need to be pull-free before seeking treatment for your resulting hair loss.

The usual first step for dealing with trichotillomania is to address the underlying reason for hair pulling and/or twisting the hair, and to learn to identify and control the urges to react to your triggers. Therapy - often CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - is generally recommended, so we suggest you see your doctor about referring you.

Once you are free of the compulsion to pull you can arrange a free consultation with one of our specialists, either at one of Belgravia's Central London hair loss clinics. Alternatively, if you are based outside London or the UK, it may be more convenient for you to complete an online consultation.

Following an assessment you will be given a realistic prognosis and personalised hair loss treatment recommendations, where appropriate. It is important to bear in mind, especially due to the long period during which you have been suffering, that hair growth is not always possible if the follicles have been too severely traumatised. Sometimes there can be a mix of areas where the follicles are not so badly damaged in amongst areas where there is now scarring alopecia, which cannot currently be treated. In these instances it may be possible to see improved regrowth but only in the areas where the follicles are still functioning.

The most crucial thing to do first of all is to concentrate on managing your trichotillomania, any hairloss or breakage can be dealt with after that. We wish you the very best of luck and, should you need it, you will find information on support groups for trichotillomania, here.