Fear of small things (microphobia)

Microphobia is a fear of small things. Depending on the person, that might mean tiny objects, small creatures, or things too small to see, such as germs. It can make tasks like sorting buttons, handling seeds or sweeping up crumbs feel uncomfortable.

About this phobia

The word comes from the Greek mikros, meaning small. It shows up mainly on lists of phobias, and the meaning varies from list to list. When the worry is about germs, it overlaps with mysophobia, a better-known fear of dirt and contamination.

What it feels like

• Discomfort handling tiny items such as beads, pins or seeds
• Worry about small things getting into food, clothes or skin
• An urge to clean or check surfaces for specks

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

Common questions

Is microphobia the same as a fear of germs?

Sometimes, but not always. Some people use the word for a fear of microscopic things like germs, while others mean small objects or creatures they can see. The best description is the one that matches what actually sets off your own anxiety.

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