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John Kender and Mike Grant have done experiments on controlling hair pulling via dietary and grooming means. Their results and conclusions suggest that some forms of trichotillomania may be improved with the techniques they describe.
CONCLUSIONS - NUTRITION
Through his own experiences, and through reports from others, John has created an evolving list of substances people find to be triggers for pulling. The most frequently mentioned "bad" foods are:
Over 100 people have been reported as obtaining from "good" to "total" relief, for weeks to years, by controlling their exposure to their trigger foods and chemicals.
There are apparently differences between "scalp and/or body pullers" and "lash and/or brow pullers", in the effects of "bad" foods and of PMS. Specifically, lash pulling does not seem as dependent on the previously mentioned "bad" foods. Instead, it may be related to vitamin D, and it may be related to the presence of furry animals.
Some people have found some relief from lash pulling by simply making sure to regularly wash their hands and eyelids, particularly when handling furry pets.
CONCLUSIONS - SKIN AND HAIR CARE
Inflammatory scalp conditions sometimes associated with pulling have been noticed to precede, not follow, the hairpulling. This suggests that it might be possible to reduce the hairpulling behavior by alleviating the inflammatory trigger.
One effective treatment is to alternate, on a daily basis, the use of Cuticura (an anti-bacterial soap), and Nizoral (an anti-fungal detergent shampoo).
Camphor spirit (a major component of Sea Breeze astringent), topically applied, alleviates itching for several hours without adverse effects.
The anti-fungal miconazole nitrate 2% cream has been widely and independently reported to alleviate the itch and pulling urge.
CONCLUSIONS - A POSSIBLE THEORY OF SOME TTM
John and Mike guess that some people pull because of a local skin irritation caused by chemicals released into skin grease by a skin micro-organism.
What ties the "bad" things together is that the "bad" foods are all scientifically known to encourage the growth of this yeast; and the "bad" chemicals are scientifically known to cause allergic reactions.
Oppositely, the "good" things are known to kill or inhibit either the yeast, the yeast enzymes, or the yeast-produced chemicals in various ways.
This theory offers suggestions as to why some people claim that there is no pain when pulling, and why those fat roots exist.
FINAL NOTES
Please consult your doctor before trying any of the experiments mentioned.
The authors are available for questions and comments. John's address is jrk@cs.columbia.edu and Mike's is mjgrant@aol.com.