Dear Margie Mix: "Maybe you can help me. My 4 year old son has an obsessive habit of pulling his hair out and we're at a loss on what to do about it. He has bald spots over a few places on his head. Please take this issue seriously and don't make a joke out of it." - Worried Mom
I'll be up front with you by saying I do not know much about this. My daughter doesn't do this but she sure has a way of making me pull my hair out in frustration at times.
Sorry, you did ask for seriousness and I will be. First of all bring this issue to your son's pediatrician because he/she will be able to help you more than I can here.
Trichotillomania, also referred to as "trich" is the obsession of pulling one's hair out. Please go to this website and read a little bit about it. They have an excellent advice and information that can give you some more direction in dealing with this issue.
Your son is only 4 and this habit may not had taken root as an emotional/psychological problem just yet. I would suggest since summer is on the way, to give him a buzz cut so he will have a difficult time grasping his hairs in order to pull them. Perhaps over the time (2-3 months) this summer, he will be able to break this habit.
Also watch him and note the times when he does this. Is it out of boredom? Watching TV? See if you can identify what they call "triggers" that cause him to pull his hair out. Don't worry yourself into a frenzy just yet, your son is young and this could work itself out wonderfully. There is a huge chance that this is just a beginning of a habit that he can break with your loving guidance and encouragement.
Above all please make an appointment with your child's doctor as soon as possible to discuss this. Your Doctor will be better informed to help you and your son overcome this problem. -Mix
