My recent writings have brought several suggestions from readers. I am not the only one who has thrown knives away at public venues and become frustrated with slow mail service. I have been advised on how to make electronic payments, to use foot and hand warmers and to wear moisture wicking clothing as well. Today I seek free medical advice.
We are in the homestretch of winter. Soon after the groundhog made his completely unscientific prognostication about our meteorological future, the coldest weather of the season arrived. Cold air usually means dry air. If you live and work in cold climates or do much work with your hands, you may struggle with the same issue as I have for decades. Dry cracked skin.
I might be able to make a legitimate argument that curing the dry skin cracks on my digits would be more welcome than a vaccine against Covid. I do not think I am a sissy. I can tolerate a fair amount of pain and discomfort, but when I exit the shower and can feel the tips of my fingers cracking and begin to bleed, I “cry uncle.” I feel a slight sting every time my right thumb hits the space bar.
Perhaps I already know the best cure. Lotion is the answer. However, it is not feasible to always have lotion available all day. I tried to carry small tubes in my pocket so I could reapply throughout the day. The cap came loose and I ended up with a greasy pocket. My right thigh is very soft and supple. The prodigious use of lotion seems to work, until, that one day you get caught working in the rain or snow and your hands get wet multiple times. Then voila, the fingers crack all over again.
Sometimes I can get the cracks almost healed, and then they crack open again. I know I am not the only one with this problem. Every occupation has its pitfalls, and many who work outside like I do suffer the same fate. Other remedies are: super glue, liquid skin, bandages, lotion in gloves or winter in Florida. I have no scientific proof, but it does seem that the longer I let my fingernails grow the less likely my fingertips will crack.
I suspect the long nails trap more dirt. The dirt helps to hydrate the skin, or perhaps more appropriately, prevents the skin from drying out. I am experimenting that theory now. My fingernails are long and dirty; please don’t judge me harshly if you see me in public. I am conducting a scientific experiment to test my theory. There is no chance of me getting a side career as a hand model.
If you have conquered this same issue, please share your secret. I will share it in this same venue. I know many who suffer the same fate as I do with their own hands. Is there a solution other than moving to a warm, humid climate like Florida?
0 Comments