Latisse and trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a medical condition in which the patient compulsively plucks their own hair. The problem usually develops during later childhood or the early teen years and it predominantly effects females.

The cause of this condition is unknown although often incorrectly associated with stress. It is true that stress may be a cause in some, or an exacerbating factor in others, but it is not a direct outlet of excessive stress. 

Hair can be plucked from all parts of the body but, in order, eyelashes, eyebrows and the scalp are the most common. It is often reported that the patient is unaware that they are pulling and they may become acutely anxious when they realise that they are.

The most common treatment is talking therapy with a psychologist. They discuss the possible root cause as well as strategies to help prevent further plucking, and what to do when you do.

Latisse, a solution of bimatoprost, was originally used as a treatment for glaucoma. People using the treatment were growing long eyelashes as it stimulates the hair growth cycle. It was released in America in 2008 and since then, millions of people have grown their eyelashes longer, thicker and darker.