How can I keep myself clean with my fear of showering and bathing?

Question

I am 28 years old and I have some kind of problem with showers and baths and cleaning myself. I NEVER take baths because I fear the dirty water swirling around me. But recently I haven't been able to take showers. I'm afraid of all kinds of germs like mold or mildew and even soap scum. I'm now getting hard scratchy widespread rashes all over my body. I can't remember the last time I showered. It was maybe 6 months ago. I just feel like showering and cleaning myself is either just too big and daunting a task, or is scary. I smell bad so I just put on a lot of deodorant and body sparay. I also feel that washing my clothes is a huge task that seems to big for me. If my mother doesnt wash it for me, they just stay dirty. I often smell like a homeless person.
I don't know what to do. I have no job and I just lay in bed and cry. I'm being treated for depression and anxiety and I'm on a lot of meds, but yet I still have this problem.

Answer 1

You need to get some professional help, I am not trying to be mean, not showering or bathing is a big deal. Professionals are trained to help you out, so that would be my advice.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

1) ask your Dr. specifically about your bathing problem. He will likely choose to address this as one of your symptoms.

2) Use a clean, damp wash cloth. Soap it up a little and rub it over your face, pits and privates and feet. Rinse it out and use clean clear water on the cloth to rinse the soap off your skin.

If, for some reason the washcloth is not acceptable to you, an alternative would be to get a box of the Baby Wet Wipes, disposing of each one as it is used.

Start in a small area, like your face or arm. Gradually work your way all around. Deoderant is not going to work unless it is spread directly onto clean skin. Layer after layer is ineffective.

3) See your Dr. soon, in the next week or 2. Tell him about just laying in bed with tears. He may chose to change the dosage of your medication, or try to find one that is more effective.

4) Ask your Dr. if Counseling or therapy would be helpful.

Answer 3

I actually have this problem sometimes too. It's really weird, and I know how irrational it is, so I usually force myself to take a shower anyway. I really care what other people think of me so I don't want to walk around smelly, but sometimes I have panic attacks in the shower. Hydrophobia is very common in people with mental disorders, you'd be surprised it's one of those dark symptoms we don't usually talk about.

If you are being treated with meds for depression and anxiety you need to go back to the doctor, and tell him you're not feeling better. Your medications may need to be adjusted. Also remember that medicine doesn't work on it's own, you need therapy and maybe even groups. Find a therapist to help you come up with some coping tools.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

See depression and anxiety treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 2, and 6, and phobia, on page 27. Wash with a non soap product, using a sponge, then towel. Or the ancient Roman way: apply olive oil, and scrape it off with a dull, curved blade, like a cutlery knife (I got by for 6 weeks, when injured, using a damp flannel washcloth, and towel). You may need a prescription product for eczema/psoriasis like Betnovate, or Celestrone for a while, slowly replacing with (Sorbolene plus Vitamin E), from a supermarket. Get out and go for a walk now, and get some sunlight on your skin (take a spoonful of cod liver oil, daily, for Vitamin D, and Omega 3), then start on the above: commit yourself to getting better!

Answer 5

HELLO NOONA,
I know someone who is experiencing the same exact phobia that you are suffering from...if you are not going to bathe or shower then at least buy yourself some Pampers baby wash WIPES so that you can wipe yourself down at least twice a day just to keep yourself semi-clean. I tell my friend to "JUST DO IT" & take a shower...get it over and done with. It won't be bad and you will feel soooo much better for having done so. Come on Sweetie, just do it !!!!! It won't hurt you......come on, I know that you can do this and get it over and done with. Take your shower now, BABE.......just turn on the water and slip into the shower, PLEASE pretty please. If my friend can do this, so can you.....just do it. I want to wish you the best of luck with your situation....I feel so badly for you. May God bless and keep you safe and clean forever.

Answer 6

Phobias are very difficult to overcome, but I have every confidence that if you share your condition with your doctor they can adjust your medication and therapy to assist you!

IF you are afraid of the germs and the mold in the shower you might want to exam how many germs and how much mold is growing on your body without proper hygiene!

I wish you every success in overcoming your fear.

FYI

FEAR =

FALSE

EVIDENCE

APPEARING

REAL

Answer 7

LOL BE A MAN. a real man washes his clothes. The dirty water is overridden by the antibacterial soap and shampoos - which is everything basically- and your feet are gonna get dirty again anyway. find a therapist and get a job. use baking soda if your'e that big of a baby.

Answer 8

Use ultrasound. High pitched soundwaves used often for cleaning jewelery, but maybe you can get one designed for a person.

Answer 9

Rub yourself down in Purel? its waterless soap, it should take care of stink, germs and dirt, but i wouldnt use it in ur hair....

Answer 10

Grow up and be a responsible person. your Mommy needs to stop doing things for you.