Fear of scabies (scabiophobia)

Scabiophobia is a fear of scabies, the itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites. A person with this fear might treat every itch as a sign of infection, avoid hugs and handshakes, or wash bedding and clothes far more than needed. A persistent itchy rash is worth showing to a GP or pharmacist, who can check it and advise on treatment.

About this phobia

The name builds on scabies, which comes from the Latin scabere, to scratch. It is rarely reported as a separate phobia and is found mostly on lists. It is close to acarophobia, the fear of mites or of itching, and can overlap with health anxiety.

What it feels like

• Feeling itchy just from reading or hearing about scabies
• Avoiding close contact, shared towels or second-hand clothes
• Repeatedly checking the skin for marks or rashes

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

Common questions

How can someone tell if it is scabies or just anxiety?

It can be hard to tell alone, because worry by itself can make skin feel itchy. Scabies is usually confirmed by a GP or pharmacist looking at the rash, and it is treatable with products from a pharmacy. Getting it checked once can break the cycle of guessing.

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