The relationship between trichophagia, the compulsive eating of hair, and trichobezoar, the accumulation of hair within the gastrointestinal tract, illustrates the importance of the mind-body connection. Physicians ought to be cognizant of this association in the evaluation of colonic obstruction as colonic trichobezoars, though uncommon, carry a high mortality rate. Incorporation of the psychiatric and dermatological examinations is a simple way to raise clinical suspicion for the presence of a trichobezoar, and to prompt early and appropriate surgical treatment. Even after resolution, treatment of the underlying trichophagia is highly recommended to prevent future complications.
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