Trypophobia: Triggers, Causes, Treatment, and More
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Trypophobia refers to a strong fear of closely packed holes. People typically feel queasy, disgusted, and distressed when looking at surfaces that have small holes gathered close together.
The name trypophobia, first introduced on a web forum in 2005, combines the Greek words “trypa” (punching or drilling holes) and “phobia” (fear or aversion).
Experts don’t yet officially recognize trypophobia as a
specific phobia. Studies exploring this phobia remain limited, and existing research hasn’t reached a conclusion on whether to consider trypophobia a unique mental health condition.
That said, there are plenty of anecdotal reports of people experiencing trypophobia.
Read on to learn more about the fear of holes, including potential triggers, causes, and how to get support when it causes extreme distress.
Trypophobia is mainly visual. If you have this phobia, you might feel anxiety, disgust, and discomfort when looking at things like:
- lotus seed pods
- honeycombs
- strawberries
- coral
- seeded breads
- Swiss cheese
- scabs or lesions on skin
- aluminum metal foam
- pomegranates
- sponges
- pebbled or graveled roads
- bubbles
- condensation
- cantaloupe
- a cluster of eyes
Animals with spotted skin or fur — think leopards, Dalmatians, or poison dart frogs — can also prompt revulsion and fear.
Some people with a fear of holes have an aversion to surfaces with irregularly shaped holes only. They may not notice the same level of discomfort when looking at surfaces with holes of the same size, like those in a showerhead or on a fabric patterned with polka dots.
Others might find all closely packed holes uncomfortable and upsetting.
