Haphephobia – Fear of being touched constantly
Scientists believe the average human thrives with constant body interaction like holding and shaking hands. This theory is true as bodily contact breeds affection. However, a small percentage of people hate being touched or held. The irritation or fear of being touched constantly is called haphephobia.
Haphephobia can result from assault as female victims of sexual assault described being touched as a burning sensation rather than calming. Haphephobia does not only include the irritation of being touched by strangers, as the fear can appear when family or friends try to touch such a person. This condition should not be confused with allodynia, a fear of being touched due to pain and extreme sensitivity.