Fear of itching (acarophobia)

Acarophobia is a fear of itching, or of the tiny mites and insects that can cause it. Someone with this fear may feel a crawling sensation on the skin, scratch often, or check bedding and clothes for bugs that are not there. Any persistent itch or rash is worth checking with a GP, as skin conditions are common and usually treatable.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek akari, meaning mite. It is not a widely used clinical term, though worry about skin parasites does come up in clinical settings. The fear sits close to entomophobia, the fear of insects.

What it feels like

• Feeling itchy just from reading or hearing about mites or lice
• Washing bedding or clothes far more often than needed
• Checking the skin closely for bites, marks or movement

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Can thinking about itching actually make you itch?

Yes, many people notice that simply thinking about itching or seeing someone scratch can set off an itch of their own. This is a normal response and does not mean anything is on the skin. If the itching carries on or comes with a rash, a GP can check for a physical cause.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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