Acne dysmorphia is a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) . BDD is a mental health condition in which a person is preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their appearance, which appear minor or cannot be seen by others. People with BDD may feel shame or disgust about their appearance, and they may engage in behaviors aimed at fixing or hiding the perceived flaw, such as frequently checking the mirror, grooming, or skin picking. They may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide because of their appearance.
Acne dysmorphia or acne BDD is a specific form of BDD that causes a person to have negative feelings about their acne and the appearance of their skin. They may feel depressed, anxious, paranoid, or hopeless about their acne, and they may have a distorted self-image that does not match how they appear to others. Acne dysmorphia can be dispiriting and negatively impact a persons quality of life.
There are no specific ingredients or materials associated with acne dysmorphia or BDD. Treatment for BDD may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that may be used to treat BDD. It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of BDD or acne dysmorphia.
