What is the likelihood of Self Auto Inoculation?

[zodiac1031]

I have no clue if I have HSV 1 or 2. I haven’t done anything sexual in years and I’ve never noticed anything but for conversation sake say I did.

After I use the bathroom (a number one) I wash my hands a dozen times - each and every time.

After I use the bathroom (a number two) I wash my hands and arms dozens and dozens of times - each and every time.

After I shower I wash my hands and arms dozens of times - each and every time.

How many times should I wash my hands and arms after bathroom use, How likely is self auto inoculation?

Please help! It’s controlling and ruining my life.

[uomeasmile]

I am sorry this is a struggle. Hand washing is of course important, but not to the point where you have raw chapped hands. The CDC recommends washing hands 20 to 30 seconds. A good rough estimate would be humming the Happy Birthday song twice through. The fact that you must wash your hands a certain number of times in a ritualistic fashion is indicative of OCD. This means the behavior tends toward becoming fixed in a narrow pattern with recognizable steps and repeated in order sequence. Your attempts to prevent germs can actually backfire. Over-washing can cause hands to dry out, crack and bleed, which allows germs to enter the body. So what to do about OCD? If you have the resources, I would encourage you to seek help from a licensed therapist. You can also seek help from your healthcare provider. Most importantly know that this is treatable and it does not have to control or ruin your life. OCD is manageable and you can take back control. I'm sending you positive thoughts and lots of well wishes.

[zodiac1031]

You’re right. I do have OCD and I appreciate your kind words. Do you think washing once each time would suffice in preventing auto inoculation? That is the reason I wash so many times.

[uomeasmile]

I work in a hospital with lots of icky germs, and I scrub my hands with soap and water for about 30 seconds. I do think washing your hands once, as long as you lather well and get under your nails, would suffice for preventing auto inoculation. I hope this helps. Take care!