Is Rapunzel syndrome rare?

Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition seen in adolescents or young females with psychiatric disorders consisting of a gastric trichobezoar with an extension within the small bowel. The delays in diagnosis are common since in its early stages, it is usually asymptomatic.

How common is trichobezoar?

Trichobezoar with Rapunzel syndrome is an uncommon diagnosis in children with less than 40 cases reported.

How do you stop Rapunzel syndrome?

Treatment of Rapunzel Syndrome requires immediate invasive surgery to remove the hairball, or trichobezoar. Psychotherapy and possibly anti-depressant treatment is also used to address the root cause of the hair eating.

How do you know if you have Rapunzel syndrome?

The symptoms and physical signs that characterize Rapunzel syndrome depend on the size of the trichobezoar and the presence of complications. Current case reports show that the most common symptoms and signs are abdominal pain (37%), nausea and vomiting (33.3%), obstruction (25.9%), and peritonitis (18.3%).

How do I stop eating my hair follicles?

Things you can try yourself

1. squeeze a stress ball or something similar.
2. form a ball with your fist and tighten the muscles in that arm.
3. use a fidget toy.
4. wear a bandana or a tight fitting hat, such as a beanie.
5. come up with a saying that you repeat out loud until the urge to pull passes.

How do I know if I have a hairball in my stomach?

Symptoms of bezoars

1. feeling full after eating very little food.
2. a lack of appetite.
3. nausea.
4. vomiting.
5. abdominal pain.
6. weight loss.
7. anemia.

Does hair stay in your stomach?

Hair is made up of proteins called keratin which cannot be broken down by our body. They can only be processed at very high temperatures which do not exist inside our body. So, when you swallow small strands of hair accidentally, they just end up passing out of the body with other undigested food.

Does hair stay in your stomach forever?