Amino acid: a hair-pulling remedy?

Q. I am desperate and hope you can help. I suffer from trichotillomania. I pull hairs constantly, and this leaves little bald spots. No matter how hard I try, I cannot stop.

I seem to recall hearing on your radio program this summer something about an amino acid that could calm the compulsion to pull out hair. Please tell me what that is.

A. Trichotillomania is a mysterious condition in which the victim feels an overwhelming urge to pull out hair. Stress often triggers people to pull hair from their heads, eyebrows, eyelashes or even pubic area. Physicians don’t understand what causes this problem, and there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment.

Researchers reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry (July 2009) that the amino acid N-acetylcysteine could help ease trichotillomania symptoms. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 1,200 mg per day of the dietary supplement or placebo. If there was no improvement after six weeks, the dose was increased to 2,400 mg per day.

The investigators concluded that, “This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial indicates that N-acetylcysteine is safe and more effective than placebo for the treatment of trichotillomania.” Although no adverse events were reported in the study, some people may experience headache, itching, flatulence, increased blood pressure or fatigue when taking N-acetylcysteine.

Q. I have been washing my hands so many times a day to avoid colds and flu that they are incredibly red and rough. My fingertips are cracked and split, and it hurts to type on the computer. My hands don’t usually get this bad till the middle of winter. Normal moisturizers aren’t cutting it.

A. Many readers sing the praises of instant glue to seal cracked or split fingers. If you prefer pharmacy-grade glue, try Band-Aid Liquid Bandage or New-Skin Liquid Bandage.

It sounds as if you need an industrial-strength moisturizer. Dermatologists often recommend Lac-Hydrin 12 percent, which is effective but pricey. Farmers have long used inexpensive products like Bag Balm and Udder Cream (a sponsor of our radio show) on their hands because they work well for chapped, red skin.

We are sending you our Guide to Skin Care and Treatment with dozens of other solutions to dry skin, eczema and cracked fingertips.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self- addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. S-28, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for months. I read that Archway Coconut Macaroon cookies might help and looked for them, with no success. When I heard they were no longer available, I came up with an alternative.

I make instant vanilla pudding (using 1‚Ñ2 skim milk and 1‚Ñ2 yogurt). Mix for two minutes and throw in dried coconut. It is good and so simple.

I also take two enteric-coated peppermint capsules a day. Between the peppermint and the coconut, my digestive woes are gone. This formula also works for an elderly neighbor who needed diapers before I came up with this solution.

A. Thanks for sharing your success. Data suggest that enteric-release peppermint pills can ease symptoms of IBS (Digestive Diseases and Sciences online, June 9, 2009). There are no studies on coconut, but many readers tell us it helps control diarrhea.

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.