An Unusual Compulsive Behavior Related to Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Follicle Anxiety in Young Men.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Patients suffering from androgenetic alopecia may experience obsessive behaviors on observing their own scalp.

Case presentation

This article describes a series of three cases of young men presenting with an unusual, seemingly compulsive behavior related to mild scalp psoriasis and a family history of androgenetic alopecia. Contrary to the typical goal of psoriasis treatment, these patients exhibit an intense fixation on scalp scales containing embedded hairs. They actively avoid dislodging these scales during routine hygiene or therapeutic efforts, fearing that their removal might accelerate hair loss. The cases involve young men (aged 24, 19, and 22) with significant anxiety about hair loss, which manifests as a meticulous and repetitive manipulation of their

SUBMITTER: Grimalt R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503719 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature