Trypophobia is a fear of holes, typically characterized by an aversion towards clusters of small holes. It is a specific phobia, a condition characterized by a strong fear or anxiety in response to a specific object or situation. Researchers have a few ideas about what causes trypophobia, but the exact cause is unknown, as research in this area is limited. Some of the triggers of trypophobia include honeycombs, bubble wrap, or fruit seeds, and certain patterns, bumps, patterned animals, and imagery may also trigger trypophobic reactions. One theory is that the brain associates clusters of holes with danger, such as the skin of a venomous snake or the eyes of a tarantula, or the holes may remind you of skin diseases or skin rashes. Another theory is that your brain uses more energy and oxygen to process holey patterns, triggering feelings of distress. Some research proposes that people with trypophobia meet the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, (DSM-5) criteria for generalized anxiety, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, trypophobia is mainly visual, and it is not uncommon for a phobia to begin after an unpleasant or distressing event with the object of the phobia.