Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group

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/ Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group

Painful white roots?

Nikki1985
Nikki1985

Hi,



Ive just found this website and joined so I can ask a couple of questions.



I have Trichorillomania and I’ve been pulling for about 8 years now. 



It started when I had semi-permenant false lashes applied and they irritated my eyes (even though the patch test was fine). I had to pull the fake lashes off which obviously took my natural lashes with it :( 


Since then I get a massive urge to pull my eye lashes out, but it’s only as a few lashes hurt. I don’t think I’m imagining it as the lashes are really sore to touch so I pull them out and it’s an instant relief! The whole hair comes out with a big thick white lump, I’m assuming this is the root or something? Then as I’ve pulled a few sore lashes my eyelid then starts to hurt and go red which then causes more lashes to hurt and it’s a vicious cycle! Most lashes have the white ends which are sore but some don’t hurt and have a black end.



Is there anything I can do to stop the lash hurting as that’s what makes me pull? I don’t think I’d pull if they didn’t hurt as I don’t think I do it for anxiety or anything it’s just the pain. It feels really tender and painful so I have to pull it to relieve it :( Any vitamins to help with hair growth?



I currently have barely any lashes on both eyelids and it’s a nightmare trying to hide it with makeup so I’d really like to stop pulling.



Id really appreciate any help.



Thanks Nikki

trickster2016
trickster2016
Hi and welcome to the forum. I have only ever pulled from my scalp so have no experience to share re eyelashes. Just want to say welcome to the forum. I would suggest sharing this with your doctor. I know it is embarrassing to tell your dr you have trich. But maybe the doctor can offer you a suggestion to help you to get rid of the sore feeling /pain. I wish you the best.
trichstudy
trichstudy
Just thought you might be interested… there are clinical studies of a new drug in development for trichotillomania that are looking for people with trich. There are study centers across the US! Here’s more info if you’d like: trichstudy.com
PurpleFairy
PurpleFairy
Hi Nikki, you may want to see an optometrist. False lashes can cause blockage of the eyelash pores/glands which may be why it’s painful (inflammation) I recently went through this and found that was the reason. Been using tea tree oil wipes and blephagel to help.
I think I have a mild form of trich because I remember pulling hair from a young age but it comes in waves. I’ve recently made the connection that it’s when I’m stressed or sad that I involuntarily pull my eyelashes and sometimes my hair.