Pediculophobia is a fear or phobia of lice. For individuals who suffer from this condition, the mere thought of lice or the possibility of being infested with the parasite can trigger intense feelings of anxiety and panic. There are several synonyms for pediculophobia, including Phthiriophobia, which is derived from Phthiraptera, the scientific name for lice. Other synonyms include Pedophobia, which is a broader fear of insects, and Entomophobia, which is a fear of all insects. While pediculophobia may seem like an irrational fear to some people, for those who experience it, the fear can be very real and can interfere with daily life.