Handwashing

I have genital herpes and have had it for two years. My outbreaks unfortunatley are quite often. I do not want to be on meds so i basically deal w/ it. My question is how long after i go to the bathroom should i wash my hands for if i have an active outbreak. I think i have developed OCD because of this. When i go to the bathroom i have to wash my hands like 5 or 6, sometimes even 7 times in a row before i feel that it is okay to stop washing them. How long do you have to wash your hands for to kill the virus if you have touched an outbreak. This is interfering w/ my daily life. I touch my belt and i am afraid it has herpes on it. I touch a pair of underwear that i took off the day before and i am afraid to spread it. I can't even do my own laundry without washing my hands after for five minutes. I hate living like this and it is taking its toll mentally. I do not know anyone w/ herpes and have no support. Someone w/ herpes please give me some input on the handwashing. i would really appreciate it. Thanks for anyones time who answers my insane ramblings.

[cami1985]

soap kills herpes so one good handwashing (30 seconds long) is all you need. it is hard to deal with herpes since there is such a stigma attached to it. it is just a disease that causes uncomfortable outbreaks (painful to some) and can be pretty easily passed by sexual contact but you do not die from it like you can from hiv, chlamydia. syphillis (syphilis)  etc. so you are not "dirty" thus the multiple handwashing compulsion. just look at all the people you see with cold sores- they have herpes too.  just use common sense(rare thes days actually)  and wash your hands, use condoms and communicate with any sex partners about your diagnosis. take care.