Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;18(1):1-4
Trichotemnomania is a rare, underrecognized obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by repetitive cutting of hair. Its clinical presentation may mimic other hair disorders, often leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments. We report the case of a 25-year-old man presenting with scalp hair thinning. Trichoscopy revealed areas of miniaturized hairs with heterogeneous shaft diameters, consistent with androgenetic alopecia, adjacent to irregular patches of uniformly short hairs with blunt ends, suggestive of mechanical trimming. Detailed history-taking confirmed the coexistence of trichotemnomania, supported by the patient's report of recurrent and deliberate use of a razor to cut his hair.
Keywords: Alopecia; Hair Diseases; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder