Top 10 Strangest Phobias

All phobias are irrational. Those with phobias cannot help thinking they are in danger whenever confronted with their fear even if it is harmless for example a puppy will not pose any real threat to anyone. However, there are some phobias that seem ridiculous but are very real. Here are some of the strangest phobias we know of.

Bathing/Ablutophobia
This phobia is the fear of bathing and washing. Someone with this phobia may result to using wipes or a wet cloth to clean themselves. Ablutophobia is classified as a specific phobia and can be acquired through a bad experience or learnt from others.

​Chins/Geniophobia
Individuals with this fear could experience an increased heart rate and dizziness when they see either their own chin or other peoples’ chin. This could lead someone with this phobia to avoid mirrors and even going out in public.

Buttons/Koumpounophobia
Surprisingly this phobia is not as uncommon as you would initially think. People may fear just looking at buttons or touching them. Some peoples fear of buttons is so intense that they feel discomfort at objects that have a similar shape to a button such as a coin.

Belly Buttons/Omphalophobia
On to a different type of button-the belly button. Celebrity Khloe Kardashian has this phobia and made it clear to her fans. She told fans how her phobia only got worse when she found out she was pregnant. To read more about it click here. People tend to fear the belly button either because they find it disgusting or don’t like how deep they can go or just don’t like looking at outies.

Falling Asleep/Clinophobia/Somniphobia
As you probably guessed, a phobia of sleeping leads to insomnia. Unfortunately for some, falling asleep is not so pleasant. There could be many reasons for their fear and they range from fear of dying while asleep or the sense of having no control. Furthermore, if they have frequent and vivid nightmares they might get anxiety when they go to bed.

Phobias/Phobophobia
The phobia of phobias is not so much a fear of an actual phobia but more so the consequences and symptoms it brings with it. If you have this phobia, you probably have or have had a phobia before or it could be that you have known someone with a severe phobia and seen how it affected them.

Chewing gum/Chiclephobia
Former talk show host Oprah Winfrey suffers from the phobia of chewing gum because of bad experiences with the substance in her childhood years. To read more about Oprah’s fears click here. The fear of chewing gum could be due to the consistency or with bubble gum specifically- popping.

Hair/Chaetophobia
This phobia can vary depending on the individual who suffers from it. Some only fear loose hair or hair in certain areas. It can also depend on if the hair is their own or someone else. If they have a fear of their own hair they could avoid brushing it to prevent loose hair coming out in the brush.

The Pope/Papaphobia
Why would someone have a fear of a Pope? It may not be the Pope himself but what he is associated with. It could accompany thanophobia the fear of religion as the Pope is one of the biggest religious leaders. Even if they haven't met the Pope, seeing a picture of him could set off a panic attack.

Houses/Domatophobia
Domatophobia is the fear of being in a house. It is related to claustrophobia. The feeling of being confined can cause nausea, panic attacks, sweating and intense fear. People who suffer from this know that their fear is irrational but don’t know how to control their anxiety.


​There are plenty of unusual phobias out there. If you think you may have any kind of phobia book a free consultation to discuss what can be done to help you overcome your phobia. For more information click here.

Got a phobia you want to cure?