Fear of pellagra (pellagrophobia)

Pellagra is a disease caused by a lack of niacin, one of the B vitamins, and pellagrophobia is the fear of getting it. The illness was common in some parts of the world in the past but is rare in the UK today. Any real symptoms, such as skin rashes, stomach upset or confusion, should be checked with a GP.

About this phobia

The word pellagra is thought to come from Italian words meaning rough skin. Pellagrophobia is not a recognised clinical term and appears mostly on lists of phobias. It fits within health anxiety, where fear centres on one particular illness, much like phthisiophobia for tuberculosis.

What it feels like

• Worry that ordinary skin changes or tiredness are signs of the disease
• Reading about vitamins and diet more than feels comfortable
• Seeking reassurance from others or online about symptoms

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

Common questions

Can you still get pellagra today?

Pellagra is uncommon in the UK, but it can still happen in some situations, such as a very limited diet or certain health problems. A GP can check any real symptoms and advise on a balanced diet. If worry about food or vitamins means eating much less or losing weight, speak to a GP.

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.

See all session options and prices