Textbook Question
Is a bald man really hairless? Explain.
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5. Integumentary System
Hair
2:15 minutesProblem 23
Textbook Question
Tanya, a 30-year-old resident of a mental hospital, has an abnormal growth of hair on the dorsum of her right index finger. The orderly comments that she gnaws on that finger continuously. What do you think is the relationship between Tanya's gnawing activity and her hairy finger?
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Understand the physiological process of hair growth: Hair growth is regulated by hormones, blood supply, and stimulation of hair follicles. Repeated stimulation or irritation of the skin can lead to increased blood flow and activation of hair follicles in the affected area.
Consider the impact of Tanya's gnawing activity: Continuous gnawing on the finger can cause repeated mechanical stimulation and irritation of the skin, which may lead to increased blood flow and localized inflammation. This can potentially stimulate the hair follicles in the area.
Examine the role of localized trauma: Chronic trauma to the skin, such as gnawing, can lead to changes in the skin's structure and function, including hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin) and increased activity of hair follicles in response to the irritation.
Discuss the relationship between behavior and physical changes: Tanya's behavior of gnawing on her finger is likely causing the abnormal growth of hair due to the repeated stimulation of the skin and hair follicles in that specific area.
Highlight the importance of addressing the underlying behavior: To prevent further physical changes and potential complications, it is important to address Tanya's gnawing activity through behavioral therapy or other interventions to reduce the mechanical stimulation of her finger.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. This behavior can be a response to stress or anxiety, and it often manifests in specific areas of the body. In Tanya's case, her gnawing on her finger may be a similar compulsive behavior, potentially linked to her abnormal hair growth.
Dermatillomania
Dermatillomania, also known as skin picking disorder, involves repetitive and compulsive picking at one's skin, which can lead to tissue damage and other physical changes. Tanya's continuous gnawing on her finger may indicate a form of this behavior, which could explain the abnormal hair growth as a result of irritation or trauma to the skin, prompting a physiological response.
Psychosomatic Response
A psychosomatic response refers to physical symptoms that arise from psychological factors rather than direct physical causes. In Tanya's situation, her mental state may be influencing her physical condition, such as the abnormal hair growth on her finger. Understanding this relationship can help in addressing both her behavioral issues and the resulting physical manifestations.
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