Hi, you could try setting a goal of only washing a certain number of times a day. Planning ahead is also very important. For instance, if you know you will be taking out the garbage later, you could hold off washing your hands until you do that.

For the pain, I would suggest before going to bed to apply a thin layer of 100% avocado or olive oil to dry skin. This tends to heal skin. But make sure they are not bleeding at the time otherwise it will be more uncomfortable.

I am the same. I've found that I can talk myself into using lotion handsanitizers which help immensely, so I only wash my hands after I cannot stand it any longer, or I touch something that makes me uncomfortable- Iam not OCD though, I am a mysophobe. When I sleep at night I put a salve on my hands and put gloves on overtop to help heal the cracks and soften them up

I have OCD and wash my hands all the time as well. Until you get a handle on it you should use soap that is gentle. Dish soap is very harsh and soft soap can be too when you wash alot. What I do is use shampoo or body wash. I put those in soap dispensers in the kitchen and bathroom. It helps not to damage your hands as much. Also get a good lotion and apply it at night. That will keep your hands from cracking as much. Hope that helps.

When our first child was born I washed my hands raw, but started using hand sanitizers and hand cream to prevent overly dry skin. Remember that some exposure to germs is good for your immune system.

Have you tried meds? They helped me. I was put on Paxil and it helped my O C D a lot. So did therapy with a person specializing in anxiety disorders.