[scarlett35]

Hi guys!

Firstly, for the last 15 years or so I've had my hair cut by the same person, had multiple tests for hepatitis etc in this time not only due to ocd but also due to giving blood (which I am unable to do now because my veins are horrendous and I feel really faint!)

The other week I had my hair cut by the same hair dresser. As I wrote in my previous post I also pick the skin on my scalp which I think could be some form of trich but not completely sure. I've been doing this for a few years.

Anyway after I have my hair cut I always try extremely hard not to pick my head as I'm worried about germs from the hair brushes etc going into my head. This time, however, a few hours later I had a small itch on the back of my head and when I scratched it it bled quite a bit. I'm now insanely worried that I could have caught hep c if there was already blood in my hair say, from the comb or brush she used on my hair, or worse she actually caused the irritation which caused the bleeding.

I'm pretty sure being a mobile hair dresser she probably does not clean the combs or brushes between clients, I remember seeing hair on one of the brushes but am gonna inspect this when she next comes round to do my mum's hair. Like I said I've been going to her for years and never contracted hepatitis, but I don't remember ever bleeding so much from scratching my head after.

Is it weird to be this worried over it? Is it the ocd exaggerating the risk. The hair dresser wets my hair with spray so it's quite wet when she cuts it so I'm hoping that means the virus would be less able to infect. I was also the first customer that day I think...

I've googled and ruminated excessively. I'm aware I'm asking for reassurance here. I'm just so scared and feel like I need a test for this incident. I don't come from a place where hepatitis is prominent. I keep thinking .. what are the odds of a person with hepatitis having their hair cut, their head bleeding and then the blood getting into my cut when it's probably been diluted by the water, plus my bodies defence system which would fight infection away at the cut site ? Plus considering we bleed outwards and it was only a small cut? Am I being ridiculous for being worried over this scenario. Google says there's a small risk from having a hair cut however I think it's mostly from having razors used on your hair.

I'm worried I'll test positive for hep and despite it being so curable these days my partner will leave me because of it. I think that's why I'm so afraid. I have low self esteem so that doesn't help me feel secure in my relationship

I don't know if anyone has any advice. It would be nice to know what a person without this kind of ocd would think about this scenario. My mum says she wouldn't give it a second thought...

Sorry if I'm just asking for reassurance xxx

[HowDoYouFeelMeow?]

Sorry to hear of your fears. As someone with OCD and dermatillomania, I definitely think it's the OCD exaggerating things. It's not hep c, it's OCD. It's our brains vs. our minds. I know it's hard to let your logical mind win the argument with OCD brain, and I wish you the best!

[*Laurie*]

Yep, your OCD has you fooled into believing you've caught Hep C.

[scarlett35]

Thanks everyone! I think rationally I know the risk is so slim but my brain convinces me I could have it. Doing a little better today because I've been so busy.

Once I've had therapy I'm sure I'll feel a lot better. I won't enjoy my life as much if I'm constantly worried about catching a disease.

[*Laurie*]

Staying busy definitely helps.