While it can be easy to mock an acne fetish with comments like “I don’t have that problem,” this condition is more common than is properly acknowledged. A fetish is an object of unreasonably obsessive attention or consideration. Therefore, the extreme attention paid to pimples and blackheads characterizes an acne fetish. Two clinical forms of an acne fetish include excoriated acne and imagined acne.
Excoriated acne occurs when an acne sufferer continues to pick at or squeeze the acne formations on their face, without allowing the skin to heal. This constant itching aggravates the acne condition and often leaves severe scarring. Imaginary acne occurs when a patient is convinced that she has acne but in reality she does not. This person may have a small pimple and exaggerate the existence of the pimple out of proportion and see it as a severe case of acne.
Behind these two acne fetishes is the fear of being ugly or dysmorphophobia. It is an easy psychological state to acquire in a society that increasingly values ​​superficial appearance over personal traits.
Steps to combat an acne fetish include:
Spend less time criticizing yourself in front of the mirror; and
Beautifying your talents.
Even a break from mirror visits can help an acne fetish. If you look in the mirror, focus on elements of your face other than pimples. For example, look at the color of your eyes or the size of your lips, without criticizing of course. You may have beautiful eyelashes or perfect eyebrows. Every time you look in the mirror, stop making negative judgments about yourself. If you find yourself ridiculing yourself and wanting to pop a pimple in a rush for clear skin, just remember that every pimple you pop prematurely can encourage 3 brand new pimples to form.
Focus on your greatest assets as a person or cultivate new skills. You may be an amazing guitar player or a terrific singer, recognize your strengths. Do something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t because you felt acne was keeping you from doing this activity.
In the final analysis, healing from an acne fetish begins with the recognition that this condition has serious medical implications. An acne fetish can undermine self-esteem while encouraging unnecessary facial scarring. If you think you have an acne fetish, you can get help from a qualified dermatologist, psychologists, or just talk it out with some really cool and supportive friends.