Cracked, bleeding hands

[ineedahug]

My CBT continues to be successful and I'm washing my hands much less.

Unfortunately my hands were so dry that they cracked and even bled on occasion. Should I be concerned about anything getting in my bloodstream? Our skin is the first barrier against infections, so says my dermatologist.

[gingerbreadgirl]

My hands get very cracked and sore and bleeding in the winter and I have never once worried about this. I think it would  be good exposure for you to take the risk with this and just sit with the anxiety, go about life as normal. 

[Angst]

Congratulations on reducing your hand washing compulsion. Like all compulsions they are counterproductive.

I have suffered from eczema on my hands for a couple of months. I apply a prescribed cream at night. And during the day I apply Vaseline. Following my doctor’s prescription and advice. It is not a compulsion because at times I do not apply Vaseline. 

I think that you are grossly exaggerating the risk. But taking care of yourself by using moisturisers or Vaseline is different. But  like anything else it should not become a compulsion. Perhaps for the moment it is best not to do anything. 

Edited November 21, 2018 by Angst

[daja]

I used to get cracked bleeding hands many years ago. Now I use Simple Soap. No perfume or whatever in it so no problem. And/or just use water on its own to clean lightly dirty hands.

[taurean]

I don't use soap, but rather "Simple"  hand-wash, which is moisturising and is great. You can get it in Sainsbury's and you press the plunger to release the hand-wash cream. 

Also, when my skin gets very dry I use Nivea Soft self-moisturising cream.