Ever come across an ablutophobe? If you had, your nose would know...Ablutophobia is the irrational fear of bathing, washing or cleaning oneself. Yes, you read that right. And it's not that ablutophobes are too lazy to wash, or they don't enjoy it - they're actively terrified by it.
This can usually be traced back to some childhood trauma - like accidentally dropping an appliance in the tub and receiving a nasty shock, say - but it can also result from seeing someone else get in trouble in the tub, even on television. The fear is sometimes linked to aquaphobia, the fear of water in general, and can be brought about by events having nothing to do with getting clean (watching Jaws, for instance).
As with all phobias, people suffering from ablutophobia may be all too aware that the fear is irrational, but sadly, that doesn't help them overcome it. Fear's funny that way.
