Understanding Trichotillomania: Why Some Children Pull Out Their Eyelashes
Firstly, if you are reading this page, the chances are you’re worried about a child who pulls out their eyelashes, and for that we are so very sorry. Please make sure you get some support for yourself. Feel free to contact us after reading this page. Some children pull out their hair or eyelashes because they have a condition called trichotillomania. For some, it runs in families, along with other body focused conditions like chronic nail-biting and skin picking. Children tend to do what feels good to them at the time. They may become obsessed about the roots of the eyelash or where to put the pulled eyelashes. Often children are not yet of an age to understand the consequences of eyelash pulling. We explore causes of Trichotillomania in children as well as how to help a child to stop eyelash pulling.
Trichotillomania, a type of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviour (BFRB), is classed as a psychological condition causing the compulsion to pull out their own hair. This can include eyelashes, eyebrows, and/or hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. For children, this can be particularly distressing for both the child and their loved ones. Many people worry that if their child is eyelash pulling, they might progress to head hair, and while this can happen, most often, it does not. Understanding the underlying causes, psychological implications, and effective treatments is crucial for managing this childhood eyelash pulling.
Everyone is different and we all have something we do, that we wish we wouldn’t. We are also all made up of different parts, and sometimes one part of us wants to do one thing while other parts of us want to do something else.
It is natural to think that eyelash pulling would be painful, however for a child with trichotillomania, eyelash pulling often feels good and children are less able to resist doing what feels good but isn’t.
Causes of Trichotillomania in Children
1. Genetic Factors: Research strongly points to a genetic predisposition to trichotillomania or other obsessive conditions. Children with a family history of impulsive behaviours or TICS may have an increased likelihood of eyelash pulling.
2. Neurological Factors: Some studies have shown that imbalances in brain chemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, may be linked to trichotillomania. These chemical imbalances are thought to affect impulse control and emotional regulation, making it difficult for affected children to resist the urge to pull out their hair.
3. Psychological Factors: It won’t surprise you to hear that stress, and anxiety (particularly social anxiety) can be significant triggers for trichotillomania. Children might use hair-pulling as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotions or stressful situations. For a child with trichotillomania, eyelash pulling can provide a temporary sense of relief or satisfaction, which reinforces the eyelash pulling.
4. Environmental Factors: Certain environments can exacerbate trichotillomania. High-pressure academic settings, family conflicts, or significant life changes can increase a child’s stress levels, potentially triggering or worsening hair-pulling.
5. Physical Factors: In addition, eyelash mites and eye infections may affect pulling. Childhood eyelash pulling can be re triggered by regrowth. Tiny eyelashes regrowing are likely to feel prickly and cause a cycle of eyelash pulling. This is where our Eyelash Growth for Children download can prove very effective.
Psychological Implications
Trichotillomania can lead to several psychological and social challenges for children:
Emotional Distress:
Children with trichotillomania often express feelings of shame, guilt, and frustration. They usually have a strong desire to protect their parents and family from the effects of their eyelash pulling and may be reluctant to talk about their feelings with family. This emotional distress can cause self-esteem to plummet and in some rare cases may cause bouts of depression.
Social Impact: Visible eyelash loss and unkind comments can make children self-conscious and vulnerable. This can result in social withdrawal and isolation, so parents will ideally encourage socialising without forcing it.
Compulsive Behaviour: The repetitive nature of hair-pulling can lead to a continuous cycle of compulsive behaviour. This can affect a child’s ability to function and overall quality of life.
Effective Treatments
For Very Young Children
Gentle story-telling download to help small children manage impulsive behaviour.
For ages 9-13
Relaxation recording for 9-13 year olds to help stop eyelash pulling.
It is possible to stop eyelash pulling, although of course this is more difficult for children. In managing trichotillomania it is advisable to follow an approach which treats both the psychological and behavioural aspects of the condition Included in effective treatments for eyelash pulling are:
1. Habit Reversal Therapy this is one of the most effective treatments for childhood trichotillomania. It helps children understand the triggers and thought patterns associated with hair-pulling and teaches them alternative coping strategies. The coaching at https://coaching care is highly beneficial in helping children replace hair-pulling with less harmful responses.
2. Medication: It should be noted that there are no medications available in the United Kingdom which stop eyelash pulling in children. In some rare cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that often co-occur with trichotillomania. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications may help regulate neurotransmitter levels but are not generally recommended for children and do not affect the pulling behaviour.
3. : We change the environment, not the child Developing a structured routine, incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and creating a supportive home environment can help children manage their urges to pull out their hair.
Conclusion
Trichotillomania in children is a complex condition with varied triggers and, in some cases, significant psychological impacts. Understanding the genetic, neurological, psychological, physical and environmental factors which may contribute to childhood eyelash pulling is essential for effective treatment. With support, and understanding, children with trichotillomania can learn to manage their symptoms, stop eyelash pulling and lead fulfilling lives.
Parents and caregivers can provide a nurturing and supportive environment to help children overcome this challenging condition. Once again, parents should seek support for their own understandable distress at watching their child pull out their eyelashes. We are here to help every step of the way and our hearts go out to you, please know that.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Trichotillomania. Retrieved from [APA](https://www.apa.org)
– Mayo Clinic. (2021).
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Trichotillomania. Retrieved from [NIMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov)
Peer reviewed 24 June 2024, next review date 25 June 2026