Did you know that there are currently more than 200 registered phobias? Fear is inherent to the human being; It is born and develops within us to help us identify situations of danger and discomfort that can cause discomfort. But fear, when it reaches extreme levels, turns into different phobias. However, some of these phobias are more or less known than others. Within the latter is dermatophobia, fear of pimples and skin problems.
Throughout this Supercurious article we will tell you what characterizes this phobia and what treatments exist for it. It should be noted that the fear of pimples and skin diseases is one of the most common phobias today. Well, in society, it has generated pressure for take care of the skin to make it perfect.
Don’t you like pimples on your skin? Find out what dermatophobia is
Although in the introduction we already gave a small definition of what dermatophobia is, it is important to emphasize some of its characteristics. First of all, it is worth noting that dermatophobia —also known as dermatopathophobia— It is the excessive fear of skin diseases and injuries.
Now, the patient who suffers from dermatophobia can develop an irrational fear of different types of skin damage or blemishes. This means that the anxiety produced by this phobia does not react in the same way in each person.so it is difficult to identify the factor that awakens it. However, among the most common fears linked to this phobia are:
- The fear of pimples or blackheads. This fear is also related to the appearance of wounds, scars or burns.
- Fear to Dry Skin or fat.
- Anguish for the damage that could cause the products intended for skin care.
- Excessive concern about appearance of spots or marks.
- Distress over injuries or skin damage caused by bites or direct contact with insects.
1. Main causes of dermatophobia
As with many types of phobia, it is very difficult to determine those situations and elements that can trigger dermatophobia. In this case, this happens because most people have a level of fear (even if it is low) for not having perfect skin or for identifying changes in it that may be worrisome.
Despite the foregoing, various investigations have proposed that among the multiple reasons for the appearance of dermatophobia one can find the genetic predisposition to some type of skin condition that, linked to a traumatic experience, generates an irrational fear of it, together with false beliefs and theories about its care and consequences.
2. What symptoms appear with dermatophobia?
The symptoms presented by people who suffer from dermatophobia are classified into symptomatology physical, cognitive and behavioral.
As for physics, it is reflected in the appearance of worrisome situations such as:
- fast breathing
- excessive sweating
- muscle tension
- nausea, increased heart rate
- the palpitations, plus the extreme sensation of unreality.
With cognitive symptoms, distorted thoughts and beliefs are triggered about the different skin conditions that a person can suffer. Finally, in terms of behavior, the person who suffers from this phobia will constantly look for ways to avoid or escape the risk of suffering from skin conditions. Excessive hygiene and constant checks are accurate examples of behavioral symptoms.
3. If you want to overcome dermatophobia, you should consider some of its treatments
In order to find a way to reduce or overcome the symptoms caused by the uncomfortable dermatophobia, it is necessary to consider treatments such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. Through this therapy we seek to analyze the person from the perceptions and thoughts that influence their behavior. In this way, an attempt will be made to transform the negative into positive situations that help the patient face her deepest fears gradually and, of course, rationally.
- systematic desensitization. This is a psychotherapeutic intervention that seeks to train the patient in managing her emotions. Thus, he will learn to gradually face discomfort, achieving that, in the future, an automatic positive response to the feeling of anxiety can be generated.
- relaxation techniques. When the symptoms of the phobia do not present so strongly, relaxation techniques will be a great encouragement. Among these techniques is the technique of progressive muscle relaxation and the meditation.
Other phobias that will surely surprise you
Now that we have discovered what the fear of pimples and skin imperfections is all about, it is time to go a little further. Below you will find a selection of rare and most common phobias. Do not hesitate to tell us if you think you have any of them.
- What is turophobia, fear of cheese
- What is Eisoptrophobia, fear of mirrors
- What is arachnophobia, fear of spiders
- What is glossophobia, fear of public speaking
- What is acrophobia, fear of heights
- What is hafephobia, fear of being touched
- What is decidophobia, fear of making decisions
- What is tanotophobia, fear of death
- What is aerophobia, fear of flying by plane
- What is ophidiophobia, fear of snakes
- What is hemophobia, fear of blood
- What is clautrophobia, fear of closed spaces
- What is tripophobia, fear of holes.
- What is ombrophobia, fear of rain.
- What is coulrophobia, fear of clowns.
Thus we come to the end of our article on dermatophobia. We hope that the above data will help you understand a little more about the appearance of this irrational fear and discover that, if you put your mind to it, all fear is controllable and manageable. Before you go, don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts about the phobia and if you know of any other methods to treat it. We read you! And for you to leave your fear of pimples a bit aside, we share the best and inspiring beauty phrases.