Prevention And Elimination Of Chapped Hands And Chilblains By Home Cures

Southland Times, Issue 24153, 15 June 1940, Page 12

Prevention And Elimination Of Chapped Hands And Chilblains By Home Cures

Chapped hands and chilblains are not only unpleasant but they are also a painful condition, and it is usually during June and July that they are at their worst. Dry, sensitive skins are most susceptible to chapping, and poor circulation leads to chilblains. The most sensible ( method of prevention and elimination of chapped hands is with the application of oil. Each night before retiring place a little cream or oil in the palms of the hands and then carry out an imaginary washing process. Rub the hands around each other as if you were using soap and water, finishing with a gentle massage from the finger-tips upwards. This nightly lubrication will keep the skin in a soft, pliable condition, and if loose gloves are worn to bed, inconvenience will be minimized.

When washing the hands care must be taken and a very mild soap used. Always dry the hands thoroughly after they have been in- water. It is an excellent plan to smear the hands with a little oil before washing,

and to use only water of blood tem- ! perature. It should be neither too hot nor too cold. The most simple method of testing the heat is to place your elbow in the , water. This part of the body is very sensitive to temperature and will immediately notify you as to whether the water is of a suitable temperature or otherwise. After washing and drying, massage with a good lotion which can be made by beating together one egg yolk and an equal quantity of glycerine. Always wear gloves out of doors as they will guard the skin against any extreme change of temperature. If, through either neglect, or an unduly sensitive skin, your hands become cracked and start to bleed it will be abvisable to seek immediately medical attention. Chilblains, like poor relations, are always with us, and it is hard to suggest a permanent cure. Prevention is not so difficult. If, before winter, we paid a little attention to our bodies, building up the blood supply with calcium lactate, taking a course of exercise and massaging the feet and hands each night with a little warm oil, we would never have to worry about chilblains. I But like everything else, it is not I prevention that is required; it is a cure, or, at least, relief, from their irritating soreness. The following lotion is frequently effective if applied to the affected areas:— Ammonia 4 tablespoonfuls Rosewater 6 tablespoonfuls Keep the mixture in a tightly corked bottle and massage into the fingers and feet each night and morning. Shake the bottle well before using. Care must be taken to prevent the skin from cracking or splitting, because if this occurs the pain can be acute. If it does split it must then be treated as an open wound, and bandaged over. In cases like this iodine can be applied. I Unfortunately, with chilblains, once they have been contracted, that spot seems to be vulnerable, and each winter the blain will come again in the same spot. If the skin is unbroken it can be dabbed with methylated spirits. This

will temporarily alleviate the irritation. Another excellent soothing ointment, and one which your chemist Will make for you, is as follows:— Chlorate of calcium 3 drachms Vaseline. 3 ounces This ointment should be, well rubbed into the inflamed areas. It is also an excellent plan to paint

the skin with collodion, this Will form a protective skin over the sore part and will help prevent your own skin from becoming broken. Another- winter ailment is a red nose. While admitting that cold weather does play the very dickens with the colour

of our nose, indigestion also plays an extremely large part. During the colder weather we are apt to over-eat. Soups, hot meals, pastries, and so on, are always on the menu.

All these foods are, to a certain extent, indigestible and heating. And first thing every morning and last thing at night drink a glass of warm water.

Then you will, perhaps, be able to say exit to your red nose.