Help with germs (OCD)

[Noaaaa]

I have a lot of problems with germs and constant hand washing. One of my main problems is within the shower. If i was my penis I then have to wash my hands before then washing my legs for example. I don't know if this is normal or not, but it leads to me using double the body wash and leads to dry skin on my hands due to excessive washing. For example I could end up washing my hands 3 or 4 times within a shower instead of just using one lot of body wash on my whole body at once.

I feel like I know this isn't how germs work. The body wash is antibacterial and so germs are being killed all the time no matter what i'm washing. I didn't know if anyone had any knowledge on germs and could confirm or deny my problems as it is leading to sore hands.

Thanks!

[Hidden]

If not already talk to your GP and explain your compulsion, there are pathways that can be introduced and appointments made to learn how to control this type of problem

Regards drying out your skin shower or bath jells with moisturizer in may help keep the skin soft I use one that contains honey in the mix, also I use a soft made of Goat Milk, Honey and Bee wax, it is expensive although it works for my skin Psoriasis.

However this compulsive attention to body part and keeping them clean is an impulsive activity and can be sorted

BOB

[Hidden]

I used to wash my hands all the time when I was 9 and it led to them cracking and becoming sore, I was afraid of asbestos and I used to believe the fibres stuck to my skin. Bacteria is natural however, we need it. I understand where you are coming from because the mind is a dangerous place and we all over think things. You’re right, if it’s antibacterial then the bacteria are being killed regardless of what you wash and in what order. I hope I have put your mind at rest, even if it’s only a bit x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Some jells and antibacterial soaps etc can affect the moisture of the skin, I find if you feel the need to use this type of soap product use hand moisturizers after washing hands to replace the removal of your skin oils.

Washing, having baths and showers can dry out the oils in the skin, you might smell nice, although we need to utilize the natural oils in your own skin.

When younger I used to dry out my Skin and I would end up with cracks forming in various places, rubbing down was drying out joints in the skin and sometimes I wonder if that caused prob lems that introduced my skin to PsA, just a wild thought, as they say the problem is genetic. Also remember if a soap or spray contains Alcohol that can also dry out skin as it drys out and the area becomes to dry.

BOB

[Hidden]

Body wipes - may be the answer - you can moisturizer one too