Society

Compulsive cleaner breaks ties with family

(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-08-14 08:53

A 65-year-old woman in Henan Province, who has been a compulsive cleaner for 40 years, uses up 20 bags of washing powder within three days.

The woman, surnamed Ma, developed this habit 40 years ago when her son was 2-and-a-half years old. "Whenever I see dirty things, I feel very sick and wash my hands and clothes again and again," Ma said.

Ma pulls her shoulders and elbows in toward her body whenever she goes out, and she tiptoes on the street for fear of being touched by others or dirt on the ground. Upon returning home, she washes her hands several times and cleans her clothes with several bags of washing powder.

Ma has cut contact with her relatives and has separated from her children. She lives alone and will not let her children visit her, but she visits her children occasionally. She said this reduces the chances of getting dirty.

Doctors said Ma's case is caused by nervous stress.

www.xinhuanet.com