# Does anyone have Trypophobia (aversion to clusters, holes, bumps) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [June 18, 2026, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003 "2026-06-18T14:55:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/1 "2026-06-18T14:55:27Z")
Does anyone have [Trypophobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia)? > **Trypophobia** is an aversion to the sight of repetitive patterns, or clusters, of small [holes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hole "Hole") or bumps.[[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-cc-3)[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-Mart%C3%ADnez-AguayoLanfranco2018-4)[[5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-le2015-5) Although not clinically recognized as a separate [mental or emotional disorder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_disorder "Mental disorder"), trypophobia may fall under the category of ‘[specific phobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia "Specific phobia")’ in cases where it causes excessive fear or distress.[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-Milosevic-1)[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-Mart%C3%ADnez-AguayoLanfranco2018-4) Sufferers often primarily experience [disgust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgust "Disgust") when they see trypophobic imagery, although some experience equal levels of both fear and disgust.[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypophobia#cite_note-Mart%C3%ADnez-AguayoLanfranco2018-4) How does it manifest for you? What sets it off? How strong is the distress? I’m curious how common it is amongst Dopers. I have it and have been aware of it since I was a kid. I remember being uncomfortable with a seed plant similar to the one in the wiki article. It wasn’t until ~15 years ago that I ran across the Wikipedia article and realized it wasn’t just me. It is interesting what sets it off and what doesn’t as well as how uncomfortable it makes me feel. Sometimes it isn’t even a negative feeling; similar to how a jump scare in a movie may not be negative. I’ve noticed that this is key (the things have to have well-defined with contrasting boundaries): > images that present high-contrast energy at low and mid-range [spatial frequencies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spatial_frequencies "Spatial frequencies") I’ve also noticed that AI images tend to set it off more; I think because they tend to be idealized with high contrast. I ran into an image on LinkedIn, of all places, that is still bothering me a day later. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/2 "2026-06-18T15:38:13Z")
I wouldn’t say I have it in a clinical sense, but I do get a little uncomfortable every time I stumble upon: (spoiler: ick warning if you hate clusters, holes, bumps…) [reddit: trypophobia](https://old.reddit.com/r/trypophobia/top/?sort=top&t=all) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/3 "2026-06-18T15:44:33Z")
The Wiki page says that it might be related to aversion to certain disease symptoms. I can certainly imagine, for instance, insects whose larvae burrow into skin, which might produce an effect like that, and of course revulsion to such insects and the damage they do is perfectly rational. ---
**Author:** ![minlokwat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minlokwat/32/2844_2.png) [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/4 "2026-06-18T15:46:32Z")
I have a touch of it. It sets off more of an unsettling feeling than anything. No fear, increased heart rate or anything; I just have to look away. In the same vein, I don’t like images of things growing out of other things when they shouldn’t be. That’s not the best explanation but if you are similarly afflicted, you know what I mean. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/5 "2026-06-18T16:01:42Z")
I have about the same reaction; a disturbing feeling. I also am not a fan of things growing or embedded where they shouldn’t be, but it’s pretty situational and depends on the realism. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/6 "2026-06-18T16:03:43Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > I wouldn’t say I have it in a clinical sense, but I do get a little uncomfortable every time I stumble upon: I think that’s about all it is; at least for me. It’s pronounced enough that it’s clear it is not random, but otherwise not debilitating. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/7 "2026-06-18T16:04:49Z")
> [@CaveMike](#): > > I have about the same reaction; a disturbing feeling. Same. I think it’s a very common, almost universal human trait. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/8 "2026-06-18T16:10:16Z")
I don’t object to circles themselves, but I do object to wounds that appear as many circles. Like shotgun blast wounds where it is many circles caused by the pellets. Thankfully, of course, I almost never have to see such images. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/9 "2026-06-18T18:46:22Z")
Two words: lotus boob _shudders in horror_ Yeah I really dislike seeing small clusters of holes in seed pods and dirt and stuff like that. It makes me have an urge to just crush it and smush it all together. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/10 "2026-06-18T18:53:00Z")
I noticed in the article that “exposure therapy” is often effective. If that’s the case, just drive them around on Chicago streets. That might cure them. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/11 "2026-06-18T19:51:27Z")
I don’t have it in general, but think the Surinam Toad is kinda creepy. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/12 "2026-06-18T21:21:02Z")
I do too, but it doesn’t trigger the same reaction for me. Seems like its own thing. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/13 "2026-06-18T21:39:13Z")
I tell you what, I do not like it. Not one bit. 😱 ---
**Author:** ![xtenkfarpl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c2a13f/32.png) [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/14 "2026-06-19T17:35:29Z")
Can’t say that I do, really. Visual images don’t usually provoke emotional reactions for me. But my primary cognition seems to be more focussed on words and music… a consequence of this is that I cannot draw to save my life… ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/15 "2026-06-19T17:44:21Z")
Yes! And I’m not going to look at any of the links (if there are pictures). ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/16 "2026-06-19T22:42:47Z")
Clusters of small well-defined holes disturb me, intensely at times depending on god knows what. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/17 "2026-06-19T22:51:24Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Same. I think it’s a very common, almost universal human trait. I’ve heard that it’s connected with poisonous plants, some of which have that appearance. Those early humans who had an ‘ew’ response lived to reproduce themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/18 "2026-06-19T23:07:15Z")
Confused on this. Most pics are plants or AI pics of people with hole patterns. But do strawberries trigger this? Honeycomb? Alpine Swiss? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/19 "2026-06-19T23:21:05Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > But do strawberries trigger this? Honeycomb? Alpine Swiss? For me at least, it’s patterns of holes in things that shouldn’t have them that trigger it. The only thing you mentioned with regular patterns of holes is a honeycomb, and it doesn’t bother me. And a honeycomb also is mostly holes, like a chickenwire fence. Not a thing with holes; it **is** holes. Lotus root though is kind of weird when cut in cross section. Not enough to be creepy to me but enough to just seem not right. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2026, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003/20 "2026-06-20T05:21:31Z")
I knew it would be you! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-trypophobia-aversion-to-clusters-holes-bumps/1031003.md?page=2)