What do sponges, insect eyes, and scabs have in common? If you answered, “Those things all make me feel queasy,” you might just have trypophobia, or an aversion to clusters of small holes or patterns.
Answer these 12 quick questions, and we’ll tell you whether or not you suffer from trypophobia. Don’t worry, there aren’t any gross images here—but if you have trypophobia, some of these descriptions might put you off. Take the quiz to find out!
Questions Overview
- I like bees, or I don’t feel any particular way about beehives.
- They’re unpleasant because they contain swarms of pests.
- They’re revolting because they’re full of holes.
- I’m not sure.
- Wading through a sewer.
- Squeezing a sponge covered in fuzzy mold.
- Touching a hand covered in little holes.
- I’m not sure.
- A browned banana.
- A strawberry covered in seeds.
- An opened pomegranate.
- I’m not sure.
- A coral reef, bubbling pancake batter, dew on a window.
- Melting snow, tattered or holey cloth, a knot in a wood board.
- A clear glass mirror, a flat landscape, a flawless sheet of ice.
- I’m not sure.
- Lace.
- Cotton.
- Silk.
- I’m not sure.
- Totally fine.
- Sometimes it makes me feel uneasy.
- I’d rather think about anything else.
- I’m not sure.
- Never, I see them and move on.
- They give me a bad feeling, but it passes.
- I’ve had my day ruined by these kinds of images.
- I’m not sure.
- Take it. A free hotel is a free hotel, and what’s so bad about polka dots?
- I might accept it, but I’d stay out of the polka-dotted room. They make me uncomfortable.
- Pass. I can’t stand the sight of all those dots.
- I’m not sure.
- Totally comfortable.
- It makes me feel off or a little uncomfortable.
- I hate it.
- I’m not sure.
- They’re totally natural and normal—they don’t bother me.
- They’re natural, but I don’t like to think about them.
- I’d do anything to get rid of my pores. The sight of them disgusts me…
- I’m not sure.
- Admire the mural. It’s pretty, and makes me feel calm.
- Turn away from the mural or leave the room. It makes me feel weird.
- Leave the room. The mural makes me feel physically or mentally unwell, especially the craters…
- I’m not sure.
- I don’t believe I have trypophobia.
- I might have trypophobia, or my trypophobia is moderate.
- I believe I have severe trypophobia.
- I’m not sure.
More Quizzes
About Trypophobia
What is Trypophobia?
Trypophobia (trip-uh-FOE-bee-uh) is a revulsion to things like clusters of holes, repeating patterns, or small and intricate structures. Think honeycombs, pockmarked skin, or sponges. Crucially, it’s not always necessarily an actual fear, but rather it often manifests as disgust or aversion.
What are some common trypophobia triggers?
- Coral
- Seed pods or sunflowers
- Soap bubble clusters
- Strawberries
- Many-eyed insects
- Water condensation
- Scales or reptile skins
What are some common trypophobia symptoms?
- Nausea
- Trembling
- Excess sweating
- Accelerated breathing and heart rate
- Dry mouth or trouble swallowing
- Chills or pallid skin
Why do some people have trypophobia?
We can’t say exactly what causes trypophobia, but some speculate it may be a natural response to danger, or what a person associates with danger. One study in 2018 found that participants’ brain activity often reacted the same to images of trypophobic triggers as to images of dangerous animals. Another theory suggests it’s an evolutionary response to things like illness and disease, as some symptoms of certain diseases include things like skin rash with clusters of holes, or swarming insects like fleas that may carry disease. Yet another theory says that trypophobia has to do with how images with lots of holes are processed in the brain, which may cause discomfort. Regardless, it’s estimated that about 1 in 6 people have some degree of trypophobia, making it a fairly common phobia.
What can I do to manage my trypophobia?
The most effective way to manage trypophobia is to avoid your triggers wherever possible. Of course, that’s not always realistic, so if you do find yourself with symptoms, try a deep breathing exercise to help you calm your mind and body: breathe in for 10 seconds, then out for 10 seconds, until the sensation passes. While you do, distract your mind by thinking of things that you find pleasant—small animals, a freshly-planed block of wood, a soft comforter.
If your trypophobia is severe or debilitating, consider seeing a psychologist to discuss your experiences and symptoms, and come up with more intensive strategies to manage your reactions, or even to overcome your revulsion.
Want to learn more?
For more information on trypophobia, check out these resources:
Medical Disclaimer
Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.
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