Tips for Living with a Germaphobe

Mysophobia, commonly referred to as germaphobia, is the fear of germs. Most people have heard of this fear and some have made fun of it, but it's a serious issue. Germaphobes are afraid of the illnesses and uncleanliness associated with germs. This can lead to a stunted social life and can interfere with work.

In severe cases, a germaphobic person will isolate himself from the world, sometimes going as far as locking himself in a room for weeks or months in order to avoid contact with other people and their germs. In most cases, however, the germaphobe is simply viewed as overly cautious.

Common traits for germaphobia include constant hand washing, unwillingness to eat or drink anything prepared or touched by another person, and the inability to touch common objects such as doorknobs, handrails, and remote controls.

Social situations are the most difficult. Germaphobes don't like to touch other people or shake hands. They don't know where those hands have been-if they've been coughed or sneezed on or if they were washed after the person went to the bathroom. Likewise, people with germaphobia will often turn down food that is offered to them if they don't know the hygiene habits of the food preparer. Because of this, germaphobia behavior is sometimes mistaken for rudeness.

However, living with a germaphobe doesn't have to be difficult once you understand the behavior. Here are some basic tips to make it easier:

Keep household decorations to a minimum

Knick knacks and similar decorations have crevices that collect dust, and anything that can't be easily wiped off can be an issue unless you have a lot of time to spend cleaning. Germaphobes are disturbed by the skin cells and pet dander that comprise dust. Even feather dusters may be a problem because they hold the dust they collect. Keep furniture free of clutter so it'll be easy to clean, then dust with either a rag that can be washed or a Swiffer than can be thrown away.

Use disinfectant

Cut down on germs by using antibacterial soap and disinfectant cleaners. Because it's impossible to constantly clean and disinfect surfaces, try placing disinfectant wipes, such as those made by Lysol, in strategic areas around the house. The germaphobic person can use them to wipe commonly touched surfaces and minimize his exposure to germs. Good places to put them are near doorknobs, faucets, phones, and remotes.

Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean

Dirty kitchens and bathrooms are full of germs. When faced with them, germaphobes will either stop eating and go to the bathroom only when absolutely necessary, or they will clean obsessively to the exclusion of everything else, including work and sleep. If cleaned regularly, the upkeep for kitchens and bathrooms is easy.

Keep the kitchen free of clutter. Take care of leftovers as soon as everyone is finished eating, and make sure the dishes are washed and put away. After washing the dishes, clean the sink, faucets, counters, and the refrigerator door handle.

In the bathroom, wipe down the sinks, faucets, counter, and toilet, including the flush handle, every day. In both rooms, don't forget to keep a container of disinfectant wipes handy for in between cleanings.

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is important for good health, and it's even more important when a germaphobe lives in the house. Every household member should shower and wear clean clothes every day. Otherwise, the germaphobe will not go near them. Shower gel works well for bathing, but if bar soap is used, the germaphobe should have his own. Most people with germaphobia won't use soap that was used to clean other bodies.

Because people touch so many things, clean hands are even more important than clean bodies. Hands should be washed-not just rinsed-after coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom. They should also be washed before preparing food, as well as during preparation if meat, pets, or dirty surfaces are touched.

Those who live with a germaphobic person need to take extra care with cleanliness, but once a routine is established, it's relatively easy to maintain. And because germaphobes are so particular, most are more than willing to do their share of the cleaning.