BMJ  2005;330:83-84 (8 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7482.83

Clinical review

Lesson of the week

Child abuse and trichotillomania

A Saraswat, assistant professor1

1 Department of Dermatology, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow 226 016, India abirsaraswat@yahoo.com

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

A 12 year old boy presented with two patches of hair loss on his scalp (figure). A clinical and histopathological diagnosis of trichotillomania was made. On follow up after taking a detailed history, the boy revealed that the hair was being pulled by an abusive teacher during tuition after school. I found two more children similarly abused by the teacher. I discuss the importance of this under-recognised pattern of child abuse and its similarity to trichotillomania.


Figure Removed (Available Only in the Full Text)
 

Localised patch of hair loss on the scalp

Child abuse has varied manifestations. Physical abuse of a child often results in identifiable dermatological signs, which can pinpoint the diagnosis. Abuse can closely resemble other dermatoses, however, resulting in diagnostic errors.

Trichotillomania is a condition currently classified as an impulse control disorder, which is characterised by repetitive pulling of one's own hair resulting in alopecia.

Case report

A 12 year old boy was referred by his family physician to the dermatology outpatient department . . . [Full text of this article]

Discussion


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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Child Abuse and Trichotillomania - Is the Latter Diagnosis Warranted?
Max Wiznitzer
bmj.com, 7 Jan 2005 [Full text]
The diagnosis should be "Suspected Trichotillomania"
Rajan TD
bmj.com, 10 Jan 2005 [Full text]
Not a case of Trichotillomania
G.K. VANKAR
bmj.com, 17 Jan 2005 [Full text]
Serial Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as traumatic alopecia
Salih Hamad Aljabre
bmj.com, 9 Jul 2005 [Full text]
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