Fear of parasites (parasitophobia)

Worms, mites and other organisms that live on or in the body are the focus of parasitophobia. News stories, travel, pets or a passing itch can all set it off, and it may lead to frequent washing or worry about food and water. If you have real symptoms, such as an itch or stomach problems that will not settle, it is sensible to check them with a GP.

About this phobia

The word combines parasite, from the Greek parasitos, with phobia. It describes a specific fear and is different from delusional parasitosis, where someone holds a fixed false belief that they are already infested. With a phobia, the person fears parasites but can usually accept that they are probably not infested.

What it feels like

• Alarm at any itch, crawling sensation or unusual mark on the skin
• Avoiding pets, gardens, certain foods or travel to some places
• Searching symptoms online or checking the body over and over

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

Common questions

Is parasitophobia the same as thinking you have parasites?

No. With parasitophobia a person fears getting parasites but can usually take in reassurance when tests are clear. Delusional parasitosis is a different condition where the belief stays fixed despite evidence, and it needs medical assessment, so a GP is the right first step if you are unsure.

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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