Chewing Hair Does Not Cause Intestinal Worms or Death
Chewing on hair does not cause intestinal worm infections or death, as confirmed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1
Scientific Facts About Hair Chewing and Intestinal Health
Hair chewing (also known as trichodaganomania) is a behavior that may be related to anxiety or stress 2, but it has no connection to intestinal worm infections. According to clinical guidelines, intestinal worms are transmitted through specific routes that do not include hair consumption:
- Hookworm: Larvae penetrate the skin when walking barefoot on affected soil 1
- Tapeworms: Transmitted through consumption of undercooked or raw beef or pork 1
- Pinworms: Transmitted through the fecal-oral route 1
- Roundworms: Typically transmitted through fecal-oral transmission 1
Hair-Related Behaviors vs. Worm Infections
Hair-related behaviors like trichotillomania (hair pulling) and trichodaganomania (hair biting) are classified as psychiatric or behavioral disorders rather than causes of physical illness:
- Trichotillomania is defined as the repetitive pulling of one's hair resulting in noticeable hair loss 3
- Trichodaganomania involves the compulsive habit of biting one's own hair 2
While some individuals with trichotillomania may engage in trichophagia (ingestion of hair), this behavior is present in only approximately 5% to 30% of adult patients and is less frequent in children 3. Even in these cases, the primary concern is the potential formation of a trichobezoar (hairball in the stomach) rather than worm infections 3.
Potential Health Concerns with Hair Ingestion
The only documented medical complication from actually ingesting large amounts of hair (not just chewing) is the formation of trichobezoars, which are hairballs that can form in the stomach. Patients with trichobezoars may present with:
- Pallor
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Weight loss 3
These complications are rare and specifically related to the physical obstruction caused by accumulated hair in the digestive tract, not to worm infections.
Common Misconceptions
There appears to be a misconception connecting hair chewing with worm infections. This may stem from folk beliefs or confusion about how intestinal parasites are actually transmitted. The scientific evidence clearly shows no connection between hair chewing and intestinal worm infections 1.
Bottom Line
Hair chewing may be a habit that parents and healthcare providers want to discourage for other reasons (such as potential dental issues or as a sign of anxiety), but it does not cause worm infections or death. If there are concerns about intestinal parasites, testing and treatment should be based on actual risk factors for worm transmission, such as exposure to contaminated soil, food, or water.