Rapunzel syndrome is a very rare condition in which a large hair ball (trichobezoar) gets lodged in your stomach and extends into your small intestine. This causes the hair ball to look like a comma sign. The condition was first described in 1968.
Trichobezoars, undigested accumulations of hair in the gastrointestinal tract, are the most common type of bezoars, commonly seen in patients under 30 years of age[1]. In 90% of cases, the patients are women with long hair and emotional or psychiatric disorders.
Don't fret, girly! First off, your mom didn't lie to you. Even though it can be hard to tell, it's totally normal to have hair on your stomach. While some people may have tummy hair that's thicker or darker, and therefore more noticeable, everyone has at least a little.
Trichobezoar is a concretion of swallowed hair which accumulates in the stomach. It is usually associated with psychiatric disorders including trichotillomania (pulling out of their own hair) and trichophagia (eating of hair).
Trichobezoar is a hairball found mostly in the stomach and duodenum (3, 4). It mostly occurs in females under 30 years of age and is usually associated with trichotillomania (5, 6).
Rapunzel syndrome is a very rare condition in which a large hair ball (trichobezoar) gets lodged in your stomach and extends into your small intestine. This causes the hair ball to look like a comma sign. The condition was first described in 1968.
A trichobezoar is an unusual condition hair bundles in stomach and small intestine, leading to intestinal obstruction usually affecting younger females[1,2]. It is mainly associated with a psychiatric disorder, trichotillomania having tendency of pulling hairs and significant hair loss.
Treatment. The bezoar may need to be surgically removed, especially if it is large. In some cases, small bezoars may be removed through a scope placed through the mouth into the stomach. This is similar to an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) procedure.
These patients present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, anorexia, and weight loss. Nonetheless, they usually are diagnosed as incidental finding.
The decision to either keep or remove it is entirely personal, and completely depends on your preferences! Though some people find their belly hair to be a natural and beautiful feature of their bodies, others may prefer a smoother look. There is, however, no right or wrong answers when it comes to belly hair.
Hormonal changes
As we age, our hormones go through changes. From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, shifting hormones can mean hair in places we haven't seen it before, including the breasts. Women in their 20s or 30s can also go through hormonal changes, resulting in nipple hair.
The purpose of pubic hair is to protect us, just like the hair around your ears, nose, and eyes. It keeps the skin of your vulva warm and moisturized. It protects the delicate skin from friction during sexual activity. It keeps dust, dirt, and germs away from the vagina to prevent infection.
Hirsutism is linked to hormones called androgens. It can happen if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them. The most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition affecting the ovaries that can also cause symptoms such as acne and irregular periods.
The Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual form of trichobezoar found in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, trichotillomania (habit of hair pulling) and trichophagia (morbid habit of chewing the hair), consequently developing gastric bezoars. The principal symptoms are vomiting and epigastric pain.
Typically, ingested hair remains asymptomatic and is not harmful. However, if trichophagia is severe or chronic, a large mass of undigested hair can accumulate in the stomach, resulting in a trichobezoar. This can be symptomatic, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Symptoms of Bezoars
Most bezoars do not completely block the digestive tract and thus cause no symptoms. However, people may feel very full after eating a normal-sized meal and may have nausea, vomiting, and pain. People may also lose their appetite and lose weight.
Cases of intentional glass ingestionare rare, so there is no special guideline to approach them. In these cases, it is expected to see oral cavity laceration, drooling, inability to swallow, neck pain or chest pain. If the objects could pass the esophagus, mild abdominal pain or even signs of acute abdomen may appear.
Waxing is a go-to hair removal method for many women. You can also use it to remove hair from your stomach. On the contrary, while many may think razor is an easier solution, it often leads to nicks, and angry razor bumps. Hence, waxing is a much better solution for removing stomach hair.
Typically, belly hair will grow back within two to four days of shaving, but it can be visible after a day if your hair grows fast.
It's absolutely fine to pluck any wayward stomach hairs.
Every time you pluck a hair from the root, it causes trauma to the follicle, resulting in inflammation. This often leads to a small spot at the sight of removal. Each hair you pluck also leaves an opening for bacteria, and how often do you clean your tweezers?
Electrolysis, which zaps hair follicles with electric current, is the only hair removal method the FDA calls permanent. It suits all hair types and ethnicities. Many transgender people choose it for its effective, lasting results.
A hair follicle looks like a long tube that holds your hair. It's in the shape of a cylinder with a rounded bottom in your skin. The top of the cylinder is an open hole, which is where your hair grows out. Your follicle is similar to a sock; your hair is your foot that goes into your sock.