Fear of tetanus (tetanophobia)

Tetanophobia is a fear of tetanus, sometimes called lockjaw. It can make small cuts, rusty metal or gardening feel alarming, and some people check wounds over and over or worry for days after a minor scrape. If you have a wound or symptoms that concern you, check with a GP or pharmacist.

About this phobia

Tetanus is a real and serious infection, and the jaw stiffness it can cause gave rise to the old name lockjaw. The phobia term itself appears mainly on lists rather than in clinical use. It is closely related to health anxiety and to fear of infection more generally.

What it feels like

• Panic after a small cut, splinter or scratch from metal or soil
• Avoiding gardening, DIY or outdoor play because of possible injuries
• Repeatedly checking wounds for signs of stiffness or infection

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

Common questions

Should I worry about tetanus after a small cut?

Most minor cuts heal without problems, and tetanus is rare in the UK thanks to vaccination. If you are unsure whether your vaccinations are up to date, or a wound looks dirty or deep, a GP, practice nurse or pharmacist can advise you.

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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