What works best for very dry cracked hands?
By Donna from Foymount, Ontario
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I use "Bag Balm" (it is used on cows' udders when they are in the cold all the time - sounds gross but works like you wouldn't believe!) and either cotton or latex gloves - whatever I can get my hands on (no pun). Just put the balm on and cover it up overnight. After a couple of nights, my hands and cuticles are incredibly soft and there's no more cracks! I use it on my feet, too, with a pair of socks. (My husband didn't like the idea of socks and gloves but when he saw the difference, he changed his mind.) You don't need to do this every night for the rest of your life. I watch to see when they start getting a little dry and take care of the problem right away.
The little green metal can will last for a long time since you only need a little bit each time. You can find it in drug stores, farm supply, pet stores.
If this doesn't sound so appealing, you can also buy a bottle of grapeseed and/or avocado oil and massage onto your skin, you don't need much but these oils are more expensive. These work much better than most oils because they absorb better and offer healing properties not found in other oils. Watch out for lotions with mineral oil because surprisingly that dries the skin - maybe to guarantee continued use?
I worked in a warehouse (very cold) and tried many products. The best thing that I found was a product used for very dry and very cracked feet. It comes in a stick form. The brand name is Luxuriant, cracked heel repair.
I've taught high school pottery for 30 years and also throw during the summer. The best way to exfoliate is to put a teaspoon of sugar in your hand and squirt a bit of soap on top. Scrub all over and between fingers without water. Wash the concoction off. Hands will be smooth. At night for dry hands and feet, slather Vaseline and put white cotton socks on your feet and cotton gloves on your hands. The next morning, you will be rewarded with smooth skin. I've never had dry hands and I work with clay with students 7 hours a day!
I've heard using plain shortening and gloves to put on while you sleep helps.
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) works the best although it make your hands feel strange in the daytime so I put in on at nights.
Petroleum Jelly was discovered as a by-product of oil rigs. The deck hand's [no pun] hands healed faster than normal, and Crisco Shortening was once hailed by Duke University as "Miracle C'.
For Christmas, years ago, I received a Remington Paraffin Wax Heat Treatment System. When my hands get dry, I pull out the wax machine and use it for several days especially during the winter months. If it ever stops working, I'll be purchasing another one.
I have no monetary interest in Neutrogena products, (not sure I spelled it right,) but they are the best! You can get a tube for hands, or a little heavier one for feet, and use it on your hands too.
Cetaphil lotion is the best. I find it at walmart and there is a generic of it right next to it. :-) Sometimes I also warm equal parts petroleum jelly and parafin in a double boiler (only) then pour into small jars. Once it cools, I use it nightly and it is scentfree too. Good luck!
Wow! Thank you all for your Great replies! Now i will try them one by one to see what works for me! Hope you all have a great holiday season!
My remedy for dry hands and feet is a simple one, that goes way back to my childhood; the late 50's and early 60's.
As a child, my six sisters (no brothers) and I always took turns with the daily chores. Being one of the oldest, a chore of mine was to haul in the firewood (and/or coal) for the heat stove. Keep in mind that a person's skin can chap and become extremely wind burned very quickly during the frigid winter temperatures.
Now, perhaps my hands were more sensitive than the other girls, because they would become extremely dry and rough, and every knuckle would actually crack open and bleed! Very painful too.
Anyway, here's the remedy Momma faithfully used to treat my badly chapped, bleeding, burning, aching and stinging hands. She would squeeze 1/4 to 1/2 inch of Avon 'Silicone Glove' Hand Cream into my hand; and then she would add a single drop of that good ole' faithful standby...Glycerin! After rubbing my hands together to combine the ingredients, I would then rub the mixture thoroughly into both hands and arms; sometimes even my legs.
NOTE: Never use Glycerin by itself, especially if you have open sores or extremely irritated skin, because it will burn like the dickens! However, the Silicone Glove Hand Cream has a nice pleasant fragrance, prevents skin from stinging, and brings almost immediate soothing relief. The glycerin is a great emulsifier/emollient which moisturizes the skin and speeds up the healing process. Both products are very reasonably priced and still readily available.
Years ago, I remember reading an article which stated, 'that the cheaper products on the market consisted mainly of water, Vaseline and a pleasing and alluring fragrance.' It went on to suggest that 'by adding a drop of Glycerine to each individual application of any brand of lotion or cream, the effectiveness of the healing process could be increased immensely.'
Anyway, this ole' gal (of 63 years) always has a bottle of Glycerin on hand; sitting right alongside the Silicone Glove Hand Cream by Avon! After all, they both go 'hand-in-hand' and 'seeing is believing!' For those of you who prefer a remedy that is cheap, down-to-earth, reliable and fast acting, you should definitely try this one!
Yes, Cornhuskers, Lac-Hydrin, Eucerin, Aveeno, and so many other lotions and creams are good products; but, check the ingredients in each one AND compare the price!! Personally, I prefer the 'tried-and-true', passed-down-through-the ages' remedies, especially when they are still available on the market today!
In closing, do you also have problems with dry, chapped lips? Well, do you remember the Rosebud Salve from long ago? It's back and can be found in most drug stores and the larger department stores! That was just an added bonus I tossed in there; however, my very first suggestion works great on chapped lips too, of course!
Happy Wintering! ~Earthly Angel Mom in KY
I use shortening (lard), Vaseline, olive oil, coconut oil (especially for my face). I would rather use the cheaper ones, as they are all good and have no chemicals.
I used "Lotil". My doctor recommended it. It works great!
What my mom used to make me do is, put moisturizer on your hands and then put a sock on it. You may want to do this before you go to bed. Take off the sock in the morning.
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