Expert: John Date: 10/17/2004 Subject: OCD or something else?
Question Hello, i am trying to find out if i have a skin condition or if it is just in my mind. Since i was a little child i have not liked touching water, i hate the feeling my hands have once they are dry after being wet. I wear gloves in the shower and if i get them wet i have to put on lots and lots of hand cream every few minutes. It takes me a whole day to recover if i have a shower without wearing gloves. It makes me feel very anxious and irritable. I am fed up of being like this, i want to be normal like everyone else, do you have any idea what could be wrong? I am 20 years old, female and suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder but i truly believe this has nothing to do with it. Thank you for any help you can give. Kerry
Answer Since it involves your hands and washing I would be hard put to say it is not related to OCD. It seems like a ritual you are performing which is another hallmark of OCD. How often do you wash your hands during the day? Your hands cannot get that dry from one shower. That you feel anxious is also an indication it is related to OCD. You are trying to get the anxiety to depart by applying lotions and taking a day to relax. Are you on an anti-anxiety med like valium or xanax? I don't know what med you are taking for OCD but you may need to change it there are a number earmarked for OCD such as Anafranil but it is something that you and your doctor need to talk about. It is also not uncommon to be taking a second antidepressant such as wellbutrin along with something like Anafranil. Discuss this with your doctor.
