Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

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/ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Washing hands

Katie12345
Katie12345
I have a question for those "OCDers" who constantly was their hands until they bleed. I was wondering what you say when people ask what is wrong with your hands? When the game "bloody knuckles" was popular I would say I was just a fanatic with the game, but now I have run out of things to say. Right now it is not that bad because it is summer, but when winter comes around my hands get brutal! Dang Chicago winters! Haha! Any comments would be greatly appreciative.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When people ask me that, I usually tell them the truth. I just say, "I wash my hands a lot." I've had people to look at my hands strange, but they don't ask about it. I just ignore the looks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, my 10yr old has OCD and obsesses about toileting and changing her underwear. She will change and change until she finds the right pair. This may take all the knickers in her draw and any she can find in the ironing basket. She does this at school and when she is out.
She has just started seeing a specialist.
What I am wondering is that because of the toileting, she also washes her hands each time she goes. Her hands are now dry, red and have rashes and look quite sore. Is the hand washing a potential OCD ritual also? What do you think?
This has been going on all this year, do you think she may be able to stop washing, or a hand cream with disinfectant would satisfy her habbit?
I would appreciate any advise or knowledge you may have.
deleted_user
deleted_user
sometimes I try to stop myself from washing my hands. I think my kids are picking up some of my habbits and I don't want them too. I especially wash my hands when I touch a door knob. You might want to really try to stop this habbit and try to wash you hands only when you eat. It is hard I also have hand sanitizer in the car. I have to try to control this also.

One idea I have is that if you can't or don't want to stop washing your hands you might consider adding another habbit to the mix. After you hand washing try to put some EUCERIN (Dry Skin Therapy - Calming Creme), lotion on you hands after each washing. It is Clinically proven effective for dry, itchy skin. I know it is easy to say; Right! I wish you luck. Lattely my hand washing has gotten bad. I wash my hads all the time. I am trying to just wash my finger tips now. I hate germs. I am trying to control this. The winter is the worst.
Katie12345
Katie12345
MMother, this really sounds like OCD (although I am not a doctor and can be totally wrong). I have the same issue with my clothes. I go through at least 3 outfits a day because my mind is set on feeling that they are contaminated with germs and i cannot relax unless they are clean. You might want to have her see a psychiatrist to make sure though. Take care!
deleted_user
deleted_user
How I understand! I also just tell the truth that i wash my hands a lot. They of course dont realize how much. It can be hard to have people stare at your hands. I feel like it is a visual of how I feel about myself and my pain. I too change my outfits a lot in a day. Sometimes I cant leave my room because of my cleaning and wanting to not contaminate or feeling contaminated. Sometimes I can use lotion but usually I wash my hands so much it washes off and sometimes especially lately...I feel I cant use lotion...almost like i dont deserve it..trying to punish myself that i deserve to have my hands hurt. Its awfull.