Anxiety Disorder

My 13 year old son has been demonstrating anxious behavior about getting his hands or body wet. This behavior has been a noticable problem since about 6 or 7 years of age but and in the past 3 to 4 years it has gotten worse.  He HAS to have lotion put on his hands or body right after it has been wet or he becomes very uncomfortable. He states the he cannot stand the feeling between wet and dry. He tries to have a small bottle of lotion with him at all times where ever he goes. He will avoid going to the bathroom at times or will not wash his hands if he doesn,t have any lotion with him. He can swim but he is misserable if he doesnt have lotion when he gets out of the water. My husband and I have tried our best to break this behavior in the past, now we accomadate because of the inconvience it poses for both our son and our family. I am an Occupational Therapist Assisstant and have tried varries tactile therapy. Because of the constant exposure to water his hands are the most sensitive and thus in need of lotion regularly throught the day. If you have any tips or  information that would help it would be greatly appreciated.

[mandy15]

yah sounds like ocd to me... i know my little brother had to have everything in a safe or locked in

[mandy15]

yah sounds like ocd to me... i know my little brother had to have everything in a safe or locked in

[Tammie031659]

He has no problem once he is all wet, just when he is between wet and dry he grabs a towel as soon as possible after bathing and swimming to dry off as quicky as possible, then has to put lotion on so he doesn't have to deal with the feel between damp and completely dry. I think the lotion makes  him feel moist and thats ok. Sounds strange, I know but he doesn't mind the clamy feeling its the between wet and dry feeling that bothers him.