Hair Transplant Trypophobia - Pictures, Symptoms & Treatment

Trypophobia refers to the fear of irregular patterns or holes or bumps that are densely packed or very close to each other. Hair transplant trypophobia refers to the fear of holes that are created during hair transplantation due to puncture wounds. This is a recently discovered disorder. 
The fear of holes and bumps can cause uneasiness in patients undergoing hair transplantation. Hence, it's essential to know whether the patient has hair transplant trypophobia before the procedure.

Hair transplant trypophobia refers to an abnormal psychological response to the tiny holes or bumps made during hair transplantation. These little holes are created due to the small incisions made while removing hair follicles from one area of the body (donor site) and implanting them in the balded area. 
The sight of this can invoke a feeling of distress and anxiety among patients suffering from hair transplant trypophobia. 
Hair transplant trypophobia can be triggered even after the procedure due to the appearance of tightly packed scars resulting from tiny incisions.

Hair transplant trypophobia symptoms are widely unsettling. Common Hair transplant trypophobia symptoms and signs are:

1. Chills or goosebumps 
2. Choking or gagging 
3. Pale skin
4. Rapid breathing and heart rate
5. Feeling of disgust
6. Dizziness 
7. Dry mouth 
8. Hyperhidrosis (profuse sweating)
9. Nausea
10. Trembling or shaking

The exact cause of hair transplant trypophobia is largely unknown due to the limited research in this field. However, some theories explain the causes of hair transplant trypophobia. The most common and widely accepted theory is related to evolution. 
According to this theory, hair transplant trypophobia is caused by unconscious reflex reactions that evolved as survival mechanisms to avoid dangers. Simply put, the terror people experience in response to such stimuli may be an adaptive evolutionary response designed to warn people about contagious diseases and harmful creatures. 
For example, certain venomous snakes are patterned and threatened, hence perceived as dangerous.
However, other studies also indicate that trypophobia may simply be a normal human reaction to specific visual cues rather than a true phobia.

Hair transplant trypophobia, being a relatively new medical disorder, remains largely ununderstood by medical professionals. However, some of the risk factors can increase the chances of developing hair transplant trypophobia. These include:

1. Pre-existing depression or anxiety 
   People with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be more prone to developing trypophobia. A link between trypophobia and major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety has been noted. 
   Another study from 2016 talks about the coexistence of trypophobia and social anxiety.  Hence, one with pre-existing anxiety or depression should get themselves checked if they have a fear of densely packed holes, circles or bumps.
2. Gender
   Females are more commonly affected by hair transplant trypophobia. The reason is not clear.
3. Family history
   One may have an increased risk of developing hair transplant trypophobia if any of their family members have a history of anxiety or trypophobia. This indicates that hair transplant trypophobia might be genetic.

Hair transplant trypophobia can be prevented before undergoing hair transplantation by adopting the following measures:
Stress management 

1. Tips for managing distress and anxiety can help prevent hair transplant trypophobia symptoms in susceptible individuals. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, and yoga. 

Lifestyle changes

1. Changing the lifestyle also helps in the prevention of hair transplant trypophobia
2. Perform relaxation techniques, meditation, and yoga
3. Reduce the intake of caffeine to prevent the precipitation of anxiety 
4. Increase physical activity to manage stress and promote a sense of well being 
5. Look at visually soothing images to calm the nerves
6. Spend more time in calming environments
7. Indulge in hobbies
8. Get adequate rest - sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.

Try other hair transplantation methods

1. Prefer other methods of hair transplantation that won't result in the formation of small visible holes, such as Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). This method is considered the best hair transplant trypophobia treatment.

Hair transplant trypophobia causes discomfort, but it is not debilitating. Hence trypophobia is not listed as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). That is why there are no set standards for diagnosing it, as it is not considered to be a condition. 
The doctor may take a detailed history asking relevant questions related to trypophobia.

1. Patient History:
   The doctor may ask specific questions related to history of anxiety and depression to the patient regarding hair transplant trypophobia as these conditions predispose to developing hair transplant trypophobia. If anyone in the family has trypophobia, there is an increased risk of developing hair transplant trypophobia symptoms.
2. Online trypophobia test: 
   The doctor may advise the patient to take the online trypophobia test. This test helps diagnose the condition. In this test, a series of images are shown for one to eight seconds each. Some photos contain patterns or groups of holes, whereas others do not.This test estimates the amount of time one spends viewing each image. It gives a ratio at the end of the test that compares the predictions for viewing trypophobic images with neutral images (those without holes).A ratio greater than two can be a sign of trypophobia. 

How to prepare for the doctor's consultation?

The patient can prepare for the doctor's consultation by keeping the following points in mind:

1. Schedule an appointment with the doctor in advance at a suitable time. Visit the doctor at the scheduled time. Give the doctor appropriate information about the problem without missing out on anything.
2.  List down the relevant events that may be related to the condition.

The following questions should be asked the doctor: 

1. How can I prevent hair transplant trypophobia symptoms?
2. What are the other hair transplant trypophobia treatment options?
3. Can hair transplant trypophobia be completely cured?
4. What if it is not treated? 

Hair transplant trypophobia can cause severe psychological distress in some patients. Hence managing it becomes mandatory. There's no definitive treatment yet for hair transplant trypophobia, but certain therapies have been helpful in reducing symptoms. Hair transplant trypophobia treatment consists of the following:

Hair Transplant Trypophobia treatment without surgery

1. Anti-anxiety medications
   The doctor may prescribe some anti-anxiety medications to manage during events of stress. These medications do not help cure hair transplant trypophobia; however, they help manage acute anxiety events. 
   Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam or lorazepam may help prevent or lessen anxiety or panic attack symptoms. Additionally, beta-blockers like propranolol may be administered since they might lessen panic symptoms, including racing heart, sweating, and lightheadedness. Sedatives may occasionally aid in calming and relaxing the body in triggering circumstances.
2. Psychotherapy 
   Psychotherapy is an essential component of hair transplant trypophobia treatment. It is carried out by a qualified mental health professional. Psychotherapy for hair transplant trypophobia treatment consists of exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.
3. Exposure therapy
   This is a good hair transplant trypophobia treatment option. The main idea here is to gradually expose the patient to their triggers to become tolerant and even resistant to the trigger eventually. 
   The doctor will expose the patient to hair transplant trypophobia pictures or videos so that the patient becomes used to them. The doctor will teach relaxation techniques like breathing or meditation before and during the exposure. Gradually, the patient will be able to show results from the hair transplant trypophobia treatment option.
   Exposure therapy shows improvement and is advised in people with severe hair transplant trypophobia.
4. Cognitive behavioural therapy
   Cognitive behavioural therapy is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy.  It's a talk therapy where the mental health professional will talk one through their problems and emotional concerns. They help those with hair transplant trypophobia by encouraging them to neglect negative thoughts and adopt healthy thinking habits.

Severe cases of hair transplant trypophobia may significantly impact the lives of people suffering from it. If the hair transplant trypophobia symptoms are not appropriately managed or in severe cases, one may develop debilitating complications such as:

1. Depression 
2. Panic attacks
3. Increased level of stress and irritability
4. Insomnia or other sleep problems 

1. People with hair transplant trypophobia should eat a well-balanced diet and avoid food items that can trigger anxiety. These food items include alcohol, sugar, and refined carbs. 
2. One must also avoid consuming too much caffeine. Caffeine in small quantities would do no harm, but consuming large amounts of Caffeine increases the risk of anxiety and nervousness and decreases the hormone serotonin, which makes one feel good. Hence,  avoiding caffeine is essential in people with hair transplant trypophobia.
3. Along with this, one must avoid consuming food items that resemble a cluster of holes and bumps. Trypophobia is caused by a visual trigger of food items that look trypophobic and should be avoided. Here's a list of 10 food items one must avoid with trypophobia 
   1. Watermelon
   2. Strawberries 
   3. Pomegranate
   4. Cantaloupe
   5. Bread
   6. Corn
   7. Papaya
   8. Ladyfinger
   9. Chia seeds
   10. Passion fruit

However, most of these food items are fruits, and consumption of them is vital to maintain optimum levels of nutrients in the body. So to avoid any deficiency, one can try consuming these food items after they are cut or in the form of smoothies or fruit juices. This can be done with the help of a family member.

Get the hair transplantation done without any hassle by opting for hair transplant trypophobia treatment from our team of experts. 
At Hexahealth, we have experienced medical professionals who will offer you the correct treatment for hair transplant trypophobia. Connect with us right now to get a free consultation.