Hand fetishism

{{Short description|Sexual fascination with hands}}

{{Infobox medical condition

| name = Hand fetishism

| synonyms = Cheirophilia, hand partialism

| image = Female hands.jpg

| caption = Female hands

| specialty = Psychology, Psychiatry, Sexology, Fetishism

| symptoms = Sexual attraction to hands, fingers, nails, or hand-related actions

| types = Partialism, Erotic target location error

| risks = May co-occur with other paraphilic interests

| differential = Foot fetishism, , Objectophilia

}}

Hand fetishism,E. L. McCallum. 1998. Object Lessons: How to Do Things With Fetishism. SUNY Press.{{ISBN|0791439798}}. p.59 hand partialism or cheirophilia is the sexual fetish for hands. This may include the sexual attraction to a specific area such as the fingers, palm, back of the hand and/or nails, or the attraction to a specific action performed by the hands; which may otherwise be considered non-sexual—such as washing and drying dishes, painting of the fingernails and nail-biting. This fetish may manifest itself as a desire to experience physical interaction or as a source of sexual fantasy.

Hand fetishism is recognized by the porn industry; however, it is one of the least common fetishes, despite foot fetishism being the most common.{{cite web|url=http://www.studlife.com/scene/2009/11/04/foot-fetishes-fun-or-freaky/|title=Foot fetishes: Fun or freaky?|author=Moore, Lucy|date=November 4, 2009|access-date=July 8, 2016}}

Characteristics

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The attraction associated with hand fetishism can be expressed in a variety of ways, including manually masturbating, fingering someone, handjobs, fisting, sucking on the fingers, and licking the palms. These activities can involve a range of sensations and movements that are designed to create sexual arousal and pleasure. One of the most common expressions of hand fetishism is the act of fingering. This can involve using the fingers to stimulate the vulva and inserting one or more fingers into the vagina or anus, and the sensation of the fingers moving in and out can be incredibly pleasurable for both partners. Similarly, handjobs or "jerking off" involve using the hands to stimulate the penis, and the movements and pressure can be adjusted to create different levels of stimulation and pleasure. Sucking on the fingers and licking the palms are also popular expressions of hand fetishism. The sensation of the mouth on the fingers can be an erotic experience for those with cheirophilia, and the act of sucking or licking can be seen as a form of foreplay or intimacy between partners.

Fingernail fetishism

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Fingernail fetishism is a specific type of fetishism that falls under the umbrella of hand fetishism. This particular fetish is characterized by an intense attraction or fixation on the fingernails of a person. Individuals who have this fetish may experience sexual arousal or pleasure from activities that involve the fingernails, such as scratching or caressing with the nails, painting the nails in various colors, and even the length of the nails.

One of the most common expressions of fingernail fetishism is the act of scratching with the nails. This can involve either the person with the fetish scratching someone else or being scratched themselves. The sensation of the nails on the skin can be an incredibly arousing experience for those with this fetish, and the act of scratching can even be seen as a form of foreplay.

Another aspect of fingernail fetishism is the attraction to painted nails. The colors and designs used on the nails can be seen as a form of artistic expression, and some individuals may find the creativity and attention to detail that goes into painting the nails incredibly attractive. In some cases, the act of painting the nails may even be a shared activity between partners with a fingernail fetish.

Finally, fingernail length is also a significant aspect of this fetish. Some individuals with a fingernail fetish find longer nails to be particularly appealing, as they can be used to scratch and caress more effectively. However, long nails can also be impractical in certain situations and may require extra care to maintain.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

= Short fingernail fetishism =

While fingernail fetishism is often associated with long, elegant nails, some individuals may find themselves attracted to the opposite - short nails. This unique fetish is characterized by an intense attraction or fixation on the short, rounded nails of a person.

For individuals with a short nail fetish, the appearance and feel of short nails can be incredibly appealing. The rounded shape of the nails may be seen as cute or charming, and the lack of length can create a sense of practicality and functionality. The act of biting or chewing on the nails may also be seen as an attractive behavior.

In some cases, the attraction to short nails may also be linked to a preference for more masculine or androgynous appearances. Short nails are often associated with a more practical and functional approach to personal grooming, which may be seen as a desirable trait in certain individuals.

Frequency

In 2007, a study was conducted by the University of Bologna on around 5000 fetishist participants to see the prevalence of fetishes. The study analyzed the content inside online fetish communities and found only 669 participants (less than 1%) referring to nails, an extension of hand fetishism. This did not refer to fingernails specifically.{{cite web|url=https://drmarkgriffiths.wordpress.com/tag/hand-fetishism/|title=Handy crafts: A brief look at fingernail fetishes|date=January 22, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2016|author=Griffiths, Mark}}

See also

References