Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group

I've struggled with Trich longer than most on this site, but I feel very unqualified to give advice to you regarding your 2 year old. Honestly it was a bit shocking to hear how she brushes the hair across her lips and nose, pretty classic Trich behaviour. Have you taken her to a specialist? That might be best, and give her a toy to fiddle with instead of her hair. I wish you all the best with this, I will sincerely put "K" on my prayer list. I hate to think of her struggleing with this all her life like I have (although I was 10, not 2). Perhaps, because she is so young, and you recognize that it's Trich already, you will be able to get her out of it. I would seek some professional help. All the best....L

Thanks for your reply. We took K to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. While they specialize in children, they aren't Trich specialists. Is there a place to find Trich Specialists? I looked on www.trich.org and TN wasn't listed.

We have doll baby's with yarn hair that she will use some instead of her own hair.

I have cut her hair and this of course worked while it was short. It is so ironic that the her hair is so beautiful being white and wavy and it is the first thing that people notice.

You could try light 'mittens' on her hands when you think she pulls the most. I don't know if the fake doll hair will help since it's kinda like reinforcing the same behavior you're trying to stop??? That's sad that Tn isn't listed for resources! My goodness! Have you thought about checking neighboring states? I would think since an 8 mo. old isn't going to psychotherapy that you may be able to get some advice in a one time appointment in a neighboring state. Sure would be worth a shot since the TLC gives lists of people who HAVE EXPERIENCE!! Good luck!

Oops...2 yr. old now, not 8 mos. Anyhow, there is a parent's group here and another at:
The group is also online at http://www.egroups.com/list/parent... This will require a free registration. [Comment: An forum to share ideas, hopes and concerns with other parents of pullers]

Try to keep her hair really conditioned, it will make the hair slippery and hard to pull. If staying home I would even put vasoline in it. Lotion her hands too.

Keep her busy during the day so she is tired at bedtime and goes right to sleep.

Play with her a lot. I know it's hard when you are trying to run a home but when you see her start to pull get out the crayons and color, play a board game. Go outside and toss a ball. Anything that uses her hands and gets her mind off her hair.

Or if you HAVE to get housework done have her help. She can dry the plastic ware and put it away. Laundry let her fold the towels even if you have to redo it. I think you get the idea. Plus she learns how to do chores and won't give you a hard time about it when she gets older.

Have other family members help also with keeping her busy. If you can break it now and keep her from pulling say for 6 months she might. I say MIGHT stop. Tho it's possible it could come back at anytime in the future. Trich is for life. But as she gets older you can then talk to her about what she's feeling and why she thinks she needs to pull and together you can use hand busy tools to help her.

Look at the Topic Stop Pulling Tips and print it out and save it for the future.

Come to the Beating Trich Group. Topic also listed here with the link and see the Facts and Tips that have been gathered and read thru and print those also.

I wish you the best ((HUGS))

That's ashame that there arent any specialists near you.

You could try to find a qualified CBT (cognitive behavioral therapist) in your area. Call around and see if anyone has experience with trich, and hopefully pediatric trich.

Another option is to contact pediatric hospitals in your area, their psychiatry/psychology/social work departments may be able to give you a referal.

I'm not sure exactly how you successfully treat trich in such a young child. However, I do know that there is a great deal of research suggesting that kids that have an early age of onset of trich and receive treatment at an early age, have much better chances of being pull free later in childhood and adulthood.

Is this her picture? If so, she is adorable!

Yes! This is my beautiful Katelynne!!!

My daughter is three and began pulling her hair at 15 months. She would stroke her cheek and lips with the hair. The only times she does this is when she is bored or sleepy. Does it seem like the hair pulling is soothing to your daughter? It does with mine.

My daughter is three and began pulling her hair at 15 months. She would stroke her cheek and lips with the hair. The only times she does this is when she is bored or sleepy. Does it seem like the hair pulling is soothing to your daughter? It does with mine.