A mum addicted to eating talcum powder has hit back at online trolls for mocking her medical condition.
Lisa Anderson has branded those who made fun of her 'ignorant and narrow-minded' after she faced a backlash following a story which revealed she eats a tub of talcum powder each day, report StokeOnTrentLive .
The 44-year-old bravely told how she became addicted to Johnson's baby powder and has been eating the bathroom talc for 15 years.
The mum-of-five explained she suddenly felt an 'overwhelming' urge to taste the powder while drying off her son after a bath.
The cravings intensified and she admits she eats the powder off the back of her hand every 30 minutes, even getting up multiple times during the night to snack on it.
Doctors have told Lisa she has PICA syndrome - an eating disorder characterised by a compulsion to eat non-food items.
Posting in response to the story on StokeonTrentLive, Lisa wrote: "I’m ignoring the keyboard warriors I’ve had for the last couple of days now.
"It’s just narrow-minded people who are ignorant to the condition PICA. [There are] far too many judgemental people. I know who my mates are who are supporting me."
Lisa's pals also jumped to her defence.
Claire Howard said: "I've known Lisa a few years and she's suffered with her mental health but she's a lovely person if you get to know her. She's always willing to chat. Love you Lisa."
Neil Jackson added: "Just because someone does not conform to the norm doesn't mean they are weird. It just means there are narrow-minded morons in the world who think they are perfect."
"I do get it's a bit weird"
Lisa first developed symptoms of PICA syndrome in 2004 within days of giving birth to her fifth child.
The strange addiction has since seen her keep the habit a secret for ten years before eventually seeking help.
Upon visiting her GP she was told she had iron deficiency, OCD and PICA syndrome.
She is now getting professional help and will begin counselling this month.
She said: "I do get it's a bit weird - but it just has this nice soapy taste.
"The longest I've been without it is two days. That was the worst time of my life. I hated it.
"Despite doing this for years and years, I sat down earlier this year and thought 'this just cannot be normal'.
"I went online and did my own bit of research then I decided to go to my GP. I just want to raise awareness to others.
"I spent years not knowing what was going on or happening.
"But it turns out it is a condition. And I just want to let others know they are not alone."
