CARE OF THE HANDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19860, 25 July 1934, Page 12

CARE OF THE HANDS

In winter time, if the skin becomes too dry through lack of fat, it will chap. The action of cold air on skin which is imperfectly dried after washing may do harm, as those who are compelled to have their hands a great deal in water will tell you. Keep the skin protected, so far as possible, from sudden changes of temperature. Avoid washing in very hot or very cold water, and, after every washing, be very careful to dry the hands thoroughly/ Never dry them before a fire. In choosing soap, avoid cheap and possibly irritating varieties. A superfatted oatmeal soap, or one containing lanolin, is most likely to suit tender skins. sy * If washing fairly frequently you will be wise to use a hand lotion sometimes. An excellent prescription for one is:— Tragacanth, 1 drachm; glycerine, 2 ounces; boric acid, 3 drachms; water, add 1 pint. This can be perfumed if desired, by a few drops of the Oil of Bergamot. Make good the deficiency of fat in the skin by greasing occasionally with some good quality blended fat such as lanolin or even goose grease for the hands. Do this last thing at night and after every washing with soap and water. Instead of the lanolin greasing at bedtime, if preferred, one may anoint the hands with olive oil, in which case cotton gloves should be worn in bed. Many prefer to rely upon the timehonoured glycerine and lemon juice (or rose water) in equal proportion, rubbed well into the skin.