Posted 11/23/2010 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, sounds as if you actually have two concerns here. The first and easier one is the chapped skin. I'm sure that it is from over-zealous washing combined with the colder weather. If you cut back on the hand washing (or anti-bacterial gel use) and use a good mosturizer, it should resolve itself.
Now for the other...you mentioned yourself the fear of germs and used the term compulsion in regards to your washing. It sounds like I don't need to tell you that you may have OCD tendencies starting. OCD is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer attempts to control a fear/phobia by practicing compulsions. Examples are: washing, counting, checking, repeating phrases, ect... This is treatable, and the earlier the better, before the behaviors really set in. If you are already in therapy, I urge you to mention this in your next session. If you are not in therapy, and not able to get help for this, there are really good books on the subject. Try the library, or Amazon/bookstore and read up! I too have the tendency to over-wash, especially because I teach children's dance classes, and am contantly exposed to germs! I have learned some helpful techniques through therapy/books though that help keep me from going overboard;)
Good luck,
Scaredy Cat