Dermatophobia

/ˌdɜːmətəˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An excessive or irrational fear of skin disease or of something damaging the skin.

Etymology

From Greek 'derma' (skin) + 'phobos' (fear), constructed as a medical term in the 19th century to describe anxiety disorders.

Kelly Says

This phobia is surprisingly common in hypochondriacs, and interestingly, the anxiety itself can actually trigger stress-induced skin conditions, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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