Addicted to Match Heads

[Lisa1108]

Hi guys I am so happy that I found this forum. I am one of those people that craves strong scents, rubbing alcohol, gasolene, nail polish remover, acetone, nail polish, just some of the common ones.. But my major concern is eating match heads....I even have a favorite brand. I seem to eat abut 20-30 every day and I mean kitchen matches...It has been a problem throughout my childhood but I cannot seem to get rid of it. Does anyone have the same issue? Or am I just weird?

[Christina324]

I do not currently have a taste for matches, but I did when I was little.  I never understood why I would do that.  I can vividly remember the taste and enjoying it.  I'm kinda glad to see that I was not alone, but I hope that the people dealing with it still, as adults, get help to stop this habit that can be really bad for you.  Thank you for posting about this.  I now know that I was most likely trying to replenish something that I was lacking nutritionally.

[tinytan]

I also am addicted to eating matches. Good side...I work in an environment where boxes of matches can be acquired so for over 10 years I fed my habit with no problem...Bad side...the last 2 years I suffer with stomach problems. Constantly throwing up, sometimes I cant even keep food down. And most embarrassing of all...your bowels stop functioning normally, yeap...you can poop on yourself. The matches can and will totally turn ur stomach inside out...it no longer functions normally.

[lolly786]

Iam a matches eater to I love the lion brand and am so addicted to it. I can eat up2 2boxes a day. I really want to stop I love the strong smells of petrol nail polish remover etc how do I stop iam a smoker as well now were from here?

[Belladona64]

I appreciate all the comments posted regarding nutritional deficiencies.  Many 'strange' eating habits are due to vitamin and mineral imbalances.  Going to the doctor and having blood work done is a great way to start.

This is an old practice that many military people pass on to each other.  So it is not just a habit you all picked up, but something that is recommended as a method to deter mosquitoes and other bugs from biting.

Regardless it is not a healthy thing to do.  There are toxins in matchsticks, not just in the portion that ignites, but in the wood or cardboard as well which has chemical treatments as well.  These chemicals cause damage to the internal organs, especially the liver, even when not ingested.  Another reason to seek medical help so damage can be determined, and course of recovery can be planned out.

Anyone that suggests taking one unhealthy practice and replacing it with other chemicals/drugs is not providing anything constructive.  Toxins come in all forms, and it is better to seek professional help and direction to find healthy and constructive solutions.

Good luck to all of you and know that you are not that unusual.  Most of us have habits but just need to trade unhealthy ones for healthier ones.  ;)

[Becky1983RD]

I agree that a nutritional deficiency is very possibly the cause. Match stick tops are a somewhat common thing for people with Pica to eat as a result of nutritional deficiencies. Blood work to see if there are nutritional deficiencies is the best first step. If you don't have them, it's possible that as a kid you had nutritional deficiencies and that now match stick tops are such a habit it's hard to break. In that case, it's a good idea to seek behavioral counseling.

[matchstickaddict249]

I love you all...i pray for the day where we can all meet and have lovely jubbly match sticks
ITS NORMAL!
I'M NORMAL!
i looooooove you guys xxxxxxxx

[sdtiu]

Matches taste great because they have essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to thwart off ticks and mosquitoes. I for one will continue to eat my occasional box of matches regardless of what people say.

Cheers