Trichotillomania is a type of compulsive behavior. Shaving the head saves the hair but does not get at the root of the problem.
Parents can help by recognizing the problem and getting involved in treatment.
Psychological evaluation may be recommended. Typically, trichotillomania is limited to younger children who tend to outgrow the behavior. Continued damage to the hair may produce irreversible damage and hair loss . Alopecia, trichotillomania is a nervous habit of twisting and pulling at the hair. If the behavior is stopped, the hair will re-grow.