Trichobezoar Health Dictionary

A mass of ingested foreign material found in the stomach, usually in children or people with psychiatric illnesses. It may cause gastric obstruction and require surgical removal. The commonest type consists of hair and is known as a trichobezoar.... bezoar

The habit of constantly pulling out one’s hair. It can be associated with severe mental handicap or with a psychotic illness. It may also occur in psychologically disturbed children. The sufferer typically pulls, twists, and breaks off chunks of hair from the scalp, leaving bald patches; occasionally, pubic hair is pulled out. Children sometimes eat the removed hair, which may form a hairball in the stomach, known medically as a trichobezoar (see bezoar). Treatment depends on the cause, and may consist of psychotherapy or antipsychotic drugs.... trichotillomania

n. see trichobezoar.... hairball