I cant stop washing my hands and they are getting red and bleeding...I know I have OCD but when are the appropriate times to wash?

After you use a toilet, before and after you prepare food, before you eat (if you have not already just washed them after making food). It should not take more than one minute to wash your hands. You can minimize the need to wash your hands by getting some disposable gloves and using them for food prep or other messy stuff.

Mostly I wash my hands after using the toilet and before and after cooking, They get washed when I take a daily shower.

My Mom has OCD and too frequent hand washing is an issue for her. Her hands are cracked and red. She is 70+ years old and has never sought treatment. Its an anxiety disorder. You are in good company, many famous people have OCD. My feeling about OCD is that it robs enjoyment and productivity from life.

Did you know coconut oil makes an excellent cleanser? And, its antibacterial. Just massage a little coconut oil (you can find it in the cooking oil section) and wipe off with a soft paper towel. Your hands will be cleaner and more sterile longer than soap and water, and won't irritate your hands. While it won't resolve your compulsion, it might help calm it a little.

The problem with over-cleansng your hands is you open yourself up to more ailments as you're not allowing your body to build natural resistence to germs and bacteria.

I do this. I am a former OCD person

1. For every 2 hours I am out, I wash once

2. I wash immediately when I get home

3. I wash my hand before and after cooking

4. Always after handling a pet

5. In the morning before I brush

6. Of course if you get dirt or noticeable germs, you wash

Good luck, stay focused and take things on a day to day basis