not clear on hair eating

my grandson is eating hair...anyones!  It doesn't seem to matter.  Today I caught him eating the hair out of my brush and he got upset when I took it away from him.  Is there somethign medically wrong?

[Jennifer375]

Actually I think eating of strange things is considered a dietary deficency, usually its a mineral that the body is lacking or poorly processing. Its called Pica or picca not sure how its spelled, but you should talk to your doctor about it if its happening alot because as silly as it sounds people really can get hairballs their bodies cant pass much like animals that ingest hair while cleaning themselves.

*with apprication*     Jennifer

[SL345]

The correct term for hair eating is trichophagia and, yes, it can result in hair balls which may need to be removed surgically. It can cause blockages in the intestinal system. It is most often related to anxiety symptoms. Clinical evaluation and intervention is needed by a pediatric mental health specialist.