Is it safe to wear vinyl gloves (powder free) when feeding my piggies?

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi all, sorry if this post is in the wrong section! This may seem like a silly question however, I am a huge sufferer of OCD and in all honesty germs are my main issue. As a result, I am constantly washing my hands and have now ended up with very sore ones! I fear if I do not wash my hands properly that I could make my piggies sick and after washing them numerous times, I still don't feel like they are clean. It really is exhausting and the anxiety is too much.

My OCD has become out of control and after so much bad luck this year with losing 2 of piggies, I think this has exaggerated my condition. So, basically I wanted to ask if wearing vinyl gloves when feeding them would be safe? As this will save me from scrubbing my hands raw. If not, are there any gloves that will be safe to wear when handling their hay/veggies/pellets etc? Thanks!

 

[Eriathwen]

Yes, theyre absolutely fine to wear. My OCD is mostly under control these days but I have also always suffered with eczema so still try to make sure my hand washing is as close to 'normal' as possible without getting excessive. I always wear vinyl powder free gloves when cleaning out, handling their hay and shavings, cleaning wounds, clearing my eldest boars impaction, most health checks etc. In fact when I had one if my girls on a steroid cream from the vet a couple months ago he told me to wear gloves, he is always very thorough and goes into a lot of detail when needed, but didn't specify what gloves were and weren't safe so I'd imagine there aren't actually any that would be unsafe.

Hope that helps!

 

[Wheekallweek]

We've always worn them when checking new surrenders over, handling pigs with ringworm etc and never had an issue

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Yes, theyre absolutely fine to wear. My OCD is mostly under control these days but I have also always suffered with eczema so still try to make sure my hand washing is as close to 'normal' as possible without getting excessive. I always wear vinyl powder free gloves when cleaning out, handling their hay and shavings, cleaning wounds, clearing my eldest boars impaction, most health checks etc. In fact when I had one if my girls on a steroid cream from the vet a couple months ago he told me to wear gloves, he is always very thorough and goes into a lot of detail when needed, but didn't specify what gloves were and weren't safe so I'd imagine there aren't actually any that would be unsafe.

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for your reply, I'm hoping this helps with my excessive hand washing. I just didn't know If there would be any chemicals/materials within the gloves that could spread to their food and harm them. My OCD really is out of control at the moment, due to far too much anxiety at home, it's so tiring. I have bought a box of vinyl gloves and I'm hoping I can whack them straight on and get on with it. Another silly question...do you wash your gloves before use or just put them on and feed/clean/handle?

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

We've always worn them when checking new surrenders over, handling pigs with ringworm etc and never had an issue

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Eriathwen]

Thanks so much for your reply, I'm hoping this helps with my excessive hand washing. I just didn't know If there would be any chemicals/materials within the gloves that could spread to their food and harm them. My OCD really is out of control at the moment, due to far too much anxiety at home, it's so tiring. I have bought a box of vinyl gloves and I'm hoping I can whack them straight on and get on with it. Another silly question...do you wash your gloves before use or just put them on and feed/clean/handle?

I'm sorry your anxiety is so out of control at the moment, it's difficult to get on top of isn't it.

I just put them on and go, the ones I have are for food prep so shouldn't have anything on or in them that could leech out

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I'm sorry your anxiety is so out of control at the moment, it's difficult to get on top of isn't it.

I just put them on and go, the ones I have are for food prep so shouldn't have anything on or in them that could leech out

It really is difficult, if not impossible to get on top of at the moment. This is the worst it has ever been to be honest. My handwashing has been escalating for over past year. I have got it into my head that my hands are always infested with germs and if I don't wash them like 8 times at once that I will make my piggies sick when feeding/cleaning.

It's gotten to the point where I can't even go near them, touch any of their belongings (toys, cage etc) without scrubbing hands first. However, my hands are so bad and brain is that exhausted, I just choose to not go near them at times. I feel so guilty. My OCD really is taking over me x

 

[Eriathwen]

It really is difficult, if not impossible to get on top of at the moment. This is the worst it has ever been to be honest. My handwashing has been escalating for over past year. I have got it into my head that my hands are always infested with germs and if I don't wash them like 8 times at once that I will make my piggies sick when feeding/cleaning.

It's gotten to the point where I can't even go near them, touch any of their belongings (toys, cage etc) without scrubbing hands first. However, my hands are so bad and brain is that exhausted, I just choose to not go near them at times. I feel so guilty. My OCD really is taking over me x

Yes I really struggled at the beginning of the pandemic with all the signs everywhere saying to wash your hands etc, having it so in my face all of a sudden caused a lot of issues and I ended up making my hands raw and bloody quite a few times!

Are you able to use antibacterial hand gels and feel clean/germ free after? I was able to kind of transfer the behaviour to using hand gels and moved to less harsh ones over time until I was using moisturising ones that actually helped my hands get better rather than drying them out more and stuff.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Yes I really struggled at the beginning of the pandemic with all the signs everywhere saying to wash your hands etc, having it so in my face all of a sudden caused a lot of issues and I ended up making my hands raw and bloody quite a few times!

Are you able to use antibacterial hand gels and feel clean/germ free after? I was able to kind of transfer the behaviour to using hand gels and moved to less harsh ones over time until I was using moisturising ones that actually helped my hands get better rather than drying them out more and stuff.

I know covid was a OCD sufferers worst nightmare! For some reason, my mind tells me that gels aren't equivalent to washing hands with hot water/antibacterial soap and that if I use gel I will still have bacteria on my hands.

I also panic that the gel on my hands may poison the piggies, as not sure what is used in them. I know when I have used them in past and accidentally put fingers in mouth, they taste pretty nasty.

I've even got to the stage where I have to clean sink and taps before and after washing my hands. As my unrational mind tells me if germs were on your hands then they are now on taps and in the sink. This is really extreme isn't it? I even wash my hands after touching random objects round my home. It really is sending me cuckoo x

 

[Eriathwen]

I know covid was a OCD sufferers worst nightmare! For some reason, my mind tells me that gels aren't equivalent to washing hands with hot water/antibacterial soap and that if I use gel I will still have bacteria on my hands.

I also panic that the gel on my hands may poison the piggies, as not sure what is used in them. I know when I have used them in past and accidentally put fingers in mouth, they taste pretty nasty.

I've even got to the stage where I have to clean sink and taps before and after washing my hands. As my unrational mind tells me if germs were on your hands then they are now on taps and in the sink. This is really extreme isn't it? I even wash my hands after touching random objects round my home. It really is sending me cuckoo x

It took me a while to accept my hands were clean after using the gels so I totally understand, figured I'd ask anyway but I get it! I got some in my eye once so yeah, I've always been careful not to immediately go and touch any of the animals after. I laugh about it now but god it hurt there's a lot of them you definitely don't want near your face.

Are you getting help currently with it? It does sound extreme at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't get back in control of it ❤ It's absolutely exhausting to live with, people who don't have it just don't get how mentally exhausting it is being so hyper focused on something all of the time! The gloves are a great step though

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

It took me a while to accept my hands were clean after using the gels so I totally understand, figured I'd ask anyway but I get it! I got some in my eye once so yeah, I've always been careful not to immediately go and touch any of the animals after. I laugh about it now but god it hurt there's a lot of them you definitely don't want near your face.

Are you getting help currently with it? It does sound extreme at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't get back in control of it ❤ It's absolutely exhausting to live with, people who don't have it just don't get how mentally exhausting it is being so hyper focused on something all of the time! The gloves are a great step though

I can imagine it stung like hell, not a great experience for you lol! Due to how susceptible our piggies are to illnesses and having one that went into stasis earlier this year, I panic that germs/hand gels if ingested will upset their stomachs. We all know piggies definitely do not have stomachs of steel and a piggie with an upset tummy can go downhill quickly. I even will not use tea towels to my dry hands, it's got to be kitchen roll cos I know its clean! I spend £30 a month on the stuff!

Can I ask which hand gels you used and whether or not you waited for product to completely dry before handling their food? I take it hand gels are safe around piggies then?

I was undergoing councilling last year and am on medication but it really is not working. I've had alot of traumatic events to cope with this year and I think that is what is making my OCD and anxiety worse.

Yer I completely agree, having this mental condition is exhausting and affects your everyday life. People don't understand unless they experience it for themselves. From morning till night my mind is filled with intrusive thoughts, I just wish I could switch them off x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

It took me a while to accept my hands were clean after using the gels so I totally understand, figured I'd ask anyway but I get it! I got some in my eye once so yeah, I've always been careful not to immediately go and touch any of the animals after. I laugh about it now but god it hurt there's a lot of them you definitely don't want near your face.

Are you getting help currently with it? It does sound extreme at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't get back in control of it ❤ It's absolutely exhausting to live with, people who don't have it just don't get how mentally exhausting it is being so hyper focused on something all of the time! The gloves are a great step though

Also I must say thank you for the chat. It really is doing me good talking to someone who knows what I'm going through and nice to hear that it can be controlled. I hope I can conquer it too x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

It took me a while to accept my hands were clean after using the gels so I totally understand, figured I'd ask anyway but I get it! I got some in my eye once so yeah, I've always been careful not to immediately go and touch any of the animals after. I laugh about it now but god it hurt there's a lot of them you definitely don't want near your face.

Are you getting help currently with it? It does sound extreme at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't get back in control of it ❤ It's absolutely exhausting to live with, people who don't have it just don't get how mentally exhausting it is being so hyper focused on something all of the time! The gloves are a great step though

I had someone say to me not so long ago that by being too clean, I was actually putting my piggies more at risk of illness and because they have never been exposed to germs they will not have built up a tolerance or the immune system to fight illnesses off. This really did worry and make me feel like a bad person. As they also said, due to this, if I did expose them to germs now they would probably get ill easily. I have even contemplated giving them up, I'd never forgive myself if I made them ill or worse x

 

[Eriathwen]

You're absolutely welcome! It does help knowing you're not alone with these kinds of thoughts, I believe there's a few of us on the forum who deal with OCD if I remember rightly.
I used one of the carex ones ones if I remember right, they also do a creamy moisturising hand wash as well which is a bit gentler but also antibacterial. The carex one was very quick drying so as soon as it was dry I would get on with what I was doing. We really don't carry much in the way of germs on our hands, not that would make a difference to their immune system so try not to worry about that. A lot of mine have special needs so I do get a little extra anxious about them but they all do very well.

I meant to say earlier as well, I also started to use the aveeno colloidal oat moisturiser of my hands too, the shampoo version is often used for and safe for guinea pigs so I've found it safe to have on my hands while sorting the piggies out as well, if you're able to use moisturisers that may be one worth trying

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

You're absolutely welcome! It does help knowing you're not alone with these kinds of thoughts, I believe there's a few of us on the forum who deal with OCD if I remember rightly.
I used one of the carex ones ones if I remember right, they also do a creamy moisturising hand wash as well which is a bit gentler but also antibacterial. The carex one was very quick drying so as soon as it was dry I would get on with what I was doing. We really don't carry much in the way of germs on our hands, not that would make a difference to their immune system so try not to worry about that. A lot of mine have special needs so I do get a little extra anxious about them but they all do very well.

I meant to say earlier as well, I also started to use the aveeno colloidal oat moisturiser of my hands too, the shampoo version is often used for and safe for guinea pigs so I've found it safe to have on my hands while sorting the piggies out as well, if you're able to use moisturisers that may be one worth trying

Thanks for all your appreciated advice, I will take it all on board. Awwww, I would be extra cautious/anxious with your special babies too, sounds like your a great owner!

I wanted yo ask did you undergo any treatment to help with your OCD and have you got any advice to help with mine? Is it completely conquered now?x

 

[Eriathwen]

You're welcome! I did recieve some treatment, although it was mainly due to making myself so unwell I was very underweight so it may not apply to you. I was basically advised to make sure I ate better, got better quality sleep etc as my brain wasn't receiving enough energy to actually function properly, so I would get kind of stuck in those negative thought spirals and not be able to rationalise my way back to a healthier way of thinking.

I was also advised like exposure therapy, kind of? So almost like what you're doing already really, dealing with the piggies using the gloves, eventually you may feel able to give them a stroke etc without a glove, just baby steps doing positive things, and distraction as well to divert yourself from negative thoughts. But it seems that things that work for someone, doesn't work for everyone.

It might be worth sitting next to the cage and doing something you enjoy and find a good distraction, colouring, sewing, video games etc and if your piggies come over, possibly give their nose a small stroke through the bars, and then go back to the distracting activity to try not to get into those kind of negative thought patterns. Easier said than done of course! But something to try maybe, on a good day.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

You're welcome! I did recieve some treatment, although it was mainly due to making myself so unwell I was very underweight so it may not apply to you. I was basically advised to make sure I ate better, got better quality sleep etc as my brain wasn't receiving enough energy to actually function properly, so I would get kind of stuck in those negative thought spirals and not be able to rationalise my way back to a healthier way of thinking.

I was also advised like exposure therapy, kind of? So almost like what you're doing already really, dealing with the piggies using the gloves, eventually you may feel able to give them a stroke etc without a glove, just baby steps doing positive things, and distraction as well to divert yourself from negative thoughts. But it seems that things that work for someone, doesn't work for everyone.

It might be worth sitting next to the cage and doing something you enjoy and find a good distraction, colouring, sewing, video games etc and if your piggies come over, possibly give their nose a small stroke through the bars, and then go back to the distracting activity to try not to get into those kind of negative thought patterns. Easier said than done of course! But something to try maybe, on a good day.

Yer, I am suffering with being underweight too but it is down to my OCD. I have gotten to the point where I cannot even make myself a meal due to fear of germs and just pure exhaustion.

I also don't sleep, find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. I know exactly what you mean when your brain just can't function.

I was also doing exposure therapy but since all the upheaval and trauma this year it has gone out the window and I am worse than ever. Thanks for your advice x

 

[Eriathwen]

Yer, I am suffering with being underweight too but it is down to my OCD. I have gotten to the point where I cannot even make myself a meal due to fear of germs and just pure exhaustion.

I also don't sleep, find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. I know exactly what you mean when your brain just can't function.

I was also doing exposure therapy but since all the upheaval and trauma this year it has gone out the window and I am worse than ever. Thanks for your advice x

That was exactly my issue too, I was convinced I'd give myself food poisoning, or someone else, or the animals. If you aren't already, it might be worth trying some nutritional supplements. I personally use complan as that's what the doctor prescribed me, I did try the ensure ones but it was like drinking syrup and was so sickly, I struggled to get them down. But the strawberry complan is pretty tolerable, especially when whizzed up with a banana and some peanut butter.
Theyre designed for cancer patients, the elderly etc and other very compromised people so they're very safe and 'clean' if that makes sense, so you won't have to worry about germs in that regard. But they're full of vitamins and minerals to help your brain function again, and should also help you sleep. It's surprising how much energy our brains use just sleeping! You can get them in most supermarkets, pharmacies etc.

And you're welcome, if I can help at all I'm more than happy to. I wouldnt wish those days on anyone, looking back. You're doing awesome, even if it may not feel like it now, one day you'll look back and realise how strong you're being. X

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

That was exactly my issue too, I was convinced I'd give myself food poisoning, or someone else, or the animals. If you aren't already, it might be worth trying some nutritional supplements. I personally use complan as that's what the doctor prescribed me, I did try the ensure ones but it was like drinking syrup and was so sickly, I struggled to get them down. But the strawberry complan is pretty tolerable, especially when whizzed up with a banana and some peanut butter.
Theyre designed for cancer patients, the elderly etc and other very compromised people so they're very safe and 'clean' if that makes sense, so you won't have to worry about germs in that regard. But they're full of vitamins and minerals to help your brain function again, and should also help you sleep. It's surprising how much energy our brains use just sleeping! You can get them in most supermarkets, pharmacies etc.

And you're welcome, if I can help at all I'm more than happy to. I wouldnt wish those days on anyone, looking back. You're doing awesome, even if it may not feel like it now, one day you'll look back and realise how strong you're being. X

Thats me! Frightened I'm gonna poison everyone and everything. I even bought the piggies their own fridge so nothing can contaminate their veggies! It's terrible OCD, I hate the control it has over me.

I'm definitely gonna look to get some nutritional supplements and the complain you've mentioned. Thank you for the praise but I feel far from strong at the moment, I have never felt as hopeless and weak x

 

[Eriathwen]

Thats me! Frightened I'm gonna poison everyone and everything. I even bought the piggies their own fridge so nothing can contaminate their veggies! It's terrible OCD, I hate the control it has over me.

I'm definitely gonna look to get some nutritional supplements and the complain you've mentioned. Thank you for the praise but I feel far from strong at the moment, I have never felt as hopeless and weak x

It's OK to feel like that, I did as well at the time! Hopefully one day soon you'll be able to see how strong you were dealing with this every day, trying to get better, reaching out for help etc.
I spent a long time wishing I was the strong version of myself again, the one that wasn't bothered by all the things that caused me so much anxiety. But it was the unwell version of myself that got up day after day while exhausted, not seeing much hope or a way out and kept trying anyway, like you are

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

It's OK to feel like that, I did as well at the time! Hopefully one day soon you'll be able to see how strong you were dealing with this every day, trying to get better, reaching out for help etc.
I spent a long time wishing I was the strong version of myself again, the one that wasn't bothered by all the things that caused me so much anxiety. But it was the unwell version of myself that got up day after day while exhausted, not seeing much hope or a way out and kept trying anyway, like you are

You should be proud of yourself, I would be because it really is a struggle. This has gone on now for over 15 years, progressively getting worse. I have a lot of stress in my life (another long story!) and can only see maybe a way out if it stops but at the moment I feel trapped in this black hole, I'm not even sure if I can beat my OCD, I feel I may be too far gone.

My mind and body feels tired and bruised if you know what I mean, can't concentrate on anything and the uncertainty is overwhelming, always second guessing myself, knowing I've cleaned hands, sink etc but then having to do it over and over thinking I haven't. I am trying, but it's that overpowering, I'm so tired.

I hope one day I can message you and say I'm doing better!

 

[Eriathwen]

You should be proud of yourself, I would be because it really is a struggle. This has gone on now for over 15 years, progressively getting worse. I have a lot of stress in my life (another long story!) and can only see maybe a way out if it stops but at the moment I feel trapped in this black hole, I'm not even sure if I can beat my OCD, I feel I may be too far gone.

My mind and body feels tired and bruised if you know what I mean, can't concentrate on anything and the uncertainty is overwhelming, always second guessing myself, knowing I've cleaned hands, sink etc but then having to do it over and over thinking I haven't. I am trying, but it's that overpowering, I'm so tired.

I hope one day I can message you and say I'm doing better!

I really struggle with being proud of myself for much of anything these issues rarely come by themselves dont they!
If you feel able to, it might be worth trying counselling again with a different therapist, as frustrating and demoralising as it is to cycle through therapists until you find someone that seems able to help, it can be helpful.

I really hope you can too, although you're welcome to message me any time, even if you're not doing better x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I really struggle with being proud of myself for much of anything these issues rarely come by themselves dont they!
If you feel able to, it might be worth trying counselling again with a different therapist, as frustrating and demoralising as it is to cycle through therapists until you find someone that seems able to help, it can be helpful.

I really hope you can too, although you're welcome to message me any time, even if you're not doing better x

I know, feeling proud of yourself can be difficult, especially if you feel like a failure, which happens with me very often lol! Councilling again maybe an option, if all else fails we'll see. Thanks again for listening and understanding. I'll let you know if I make any progress with the mind bully as I call it x