To wash my hands with domestos bleach spray?

[germsgoaway]

I've NC for this and I'm fully prepared to be told I am BU and that I have a problem. I know it sounds odd. I'm just wondering if anyone else has a similar issue.

I am severely phobic of germs and getting unwell (it's mostly tummy bugs that terrify me). Whenever I take my toddler DC places like soft play etc i have so much anxiety when she picks up all the things and then puts her hands near her mouth. I feel an internal panic but try to just be as normal as possible for her sake. I do insist on washing her hands before she eats anything, but she will put her hands in her mouth in between times anyway (as toddlers do). So I'm usually filled with anxiety around this when we go out places.

I have to scrub my own hands several times before I'll eat anything, no matter where we are. If there's no toilet / hand washing facilities I just won't eat.

I've just come home from a soft play and I've felt compelled to spray my hands with Domestos bleach before washing them with Carex. I washed them for a good 60 seconds with just the spray on, and then with Carex for the same length of time. I do this because I'm aware that things like norovirus can only be killed by bleach. I had to do this before I will make myself a cup of tea or anything to eat. It's the only way I feel that I am "safe" from the germs I may have picked up from the soft play by touching things.

My question is: am I strange for doing this? Is it unusual behaviour or does anyone else feel the need to go to this extent due to worry about germs and illness?

Just to point out that obviously I only wash my toddler's hands with soap and water. This is just my own hands where I feel the need to do this.

Yes that is very excessive. I really would see if you can get some help with this before you pass this kind of phobia onto your child. Germs are a normal part of life and it’s healthy to have germs in your life to build up immunity.

Thanks for your reply. Can I ask which part you feel is excessive? Using the bleach spray or not eating out unless I can wash my hands first etc? Or both?

Is it possible that you have OCD? It’s definitely not normal behaviour to wash your hands with bleach. It might be worth talking to your GP.

No, I don’t do this. It’s beyond bonkers.
Presumably you do realise this since you know not to clean your child with bleach…

It's all excessive.

My mum was like this, it was a nightmare and impeded my life hugely, I wish she'd have been able to get some help.

Washing your hands before eating is good practice. Washing your hands with bleach is wrong. Maybe don’t go to soft play if it makes you this stressed?

I would agree, that’s excessive. You shouldn’t use bleach on your hands anyway, there is handsoap which kills 99.9% of bacteria. Plus, as said above, germs are a good thing and you don’t want to pass this onto your child. They will pick up on your anxieties.
Not sure where you can go for support, but maybe some Googling will help to start with.
The fact that you’re asking if it’s too much is a good thing, as many people with OCD yup behaviours don’t even recognise it as a problem.

Bleach will ruin the skin on your hands, why do you think they tell you to wear gloves?

*OCD type behaviours

Sorry to hear you are struggling. This is not healthy behavior though and something you should address so it does not impact you or you childs wellbeing any further.

Bleach does not take the germs from your hands, ok it might kill them!
Bleach is not good for a number of reasons.

Soap actually stops the germs sticking to your skin and washes them right away.

Do some further reading and see what others think.

Soap is sufficient to wash your hands effectively www.nhs.uk/live-well/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
You would probably benefit from some treatment from your GP - but only if you really want to change your behavior

Excessive using the bleach spray. I can understand wanting to wash your hands before you eat but I wouldn’t stop eating just because I was unable to wash my hands. This is where hand gel comes in handy. I know it must be very hard but it is excessive behaviour that I wouldn’t want my child to think is normal.

You have OCD, OP. Pretty much textbook.

This sounds like a form of OCD and you can get help with it, as it’s definitely not “normal” behaviour to scrub your hands with bleach spray.
washing hands before eating is absolutely normal though.

maybe just try an antibacterial spray (not bleach) instead, as a first step.

Your DD needs to interact with a reasonable number of germs to help build her immune system, but she WILL be fine.

I think that Covid had everyone so paranoid about germs, that it’s left a mark on many that won’t be overcome easily, but CBT might be of help for you.

It's actually counterproductive, You are causing your skin to dry, and when skin is dry it tends to get tiny cracks where infection gets in easily.

By all means do maintain good hygiene standards but don't bleach.

Yes, this is way beyond ‘normal’ Op.
You do not need to use anything strong or antibacterial when washing your hands, soap is perfectly adequate to remove most of the dirt (and germs) in your skin, and it gets rinsed off when you rinse.

Ok thanks everyone. I can see that's it's abnormal (I knew this anyway I guess).

My DD doesn't see me doing this, she's also too young at the moment to understand. But I get that as she grows up and will pick things up so maybe I need to get some help.

I was under the impression that soap and water can't kill norovirus, and that only bleach does? Is this not correct?

This might help you, OP

www.madeofmillions.com/articles/15-signs-might-contamination-ocd

Don't bleach your hands. Just don't, ok. It's not supposed to touch your skin.

You know it's not right, you need to admit to someone else in real life that you have these compulsions and intrusive thoughts.

You are creating coping mechanisms for exaggerated fears and it's intruding on your everyday life.

You can get help, speak to your GP about speaking to someone from the anxiety and affective disorders team.

It's ok to admit you have a problem, if you are worried they will take your baby away then please don't be. My sister has OCD (much worse) and she denied it for a long time over worries her babies would be taken away.

People will not judge you, you are ok to speak to someone for support to feel less worried about germs and illnesses.

You need help for your excessive anxiety before it does affect your child.

I think the fact that you’re wondering about what cleaning equipment kills what is just strange.

Has anyone in your real life suggested getting some help? Can you ask ?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading.

You have OCD or something similar. Seek some help.