Is there a condition where someone really dislikes dry things?

Is there a condition where someone really dislikes dry things? And is it physiological? I hate the feeling of sand, flower, paper and unvarnished wood. My hands instantly feel dry and I feel a need to wash them just to get them wet afterwards. I don’t mean to waste your time on something so miniscule but I’m not sure how to communicate this to a search engine. Mathew

Thank you for your question, Mathew. No question is miniscule and many other people usually have the same or a similar question. Humans are complex and diverse in their thoughts, feeling and behaviours and it is important for us to understand ourselves. Please don’t minimise the importance of your questions as you would be surprised how many other people have the exact same question.

An extreme fear of dry things is a specific phobia called Xerophobia. A phobia is an intense and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that poses little or no actual danger. This fear can interfere with a person’s daily activities and can be debilitating. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder and are usually treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

Xerophobia is the fear of dryness. The best therapy for xerophobia depends on the individual and the severity of their fear. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a commonly used and effective form of therapy for phobias, including xerophobia. CBT works by changing the thought patterns and behaviours associated with the fear. Another effective therapy for phobias is exposure therapy, where the person is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe environment. A combination of CBT and exposure therapy is also often used to treat phobias. It’s important to seek treatment from a psychologist who can tailor a therapy plan to your specific needs and situation.