Winter Hands and Feet
Does your partner feel they’re getting into bed with a dragon the likes of Drogon, Rhaegal or even Viserion from the Game of Thrones, rather than a princess?
Winter is on the way and with it comes dry skin. Some people are more prone to winter hands and feet than others due to skin sensitivity and non-moisture retaining cells for various reasons such as age, skin texture or even the area where you stay, where the air may be dry or full of pollutants. A general golden rule is to moisturize throughout the year, use gloves when working with harsh chemicals and wash with a mild soap. Don’t wait for winter to come before you take action against that scaly and itchy hands and feet. In treating this condition, start off by following these instructions every day, until such time as you have sufficient relief to do this twice a week and in summer even less frequently – maybe as much as one a week or once every 2weeks.
- Before bed time, soak your hands and feet in lukewarm water with a ¼ cup of Bicarbonate of soda aka Baking soda. This will relieve itchiness as Bicarb has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- To get rid of the dry old skin and promote re-growth, gently wash with a mild soap (Baby soap or the likes) and gently scrub with fine table salt. Salt is a natural antibacterial agent which will ensure that your hands or blisters does not get infected.
- Dab your hands and feet dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it dry.
- Moisturize – there are excellent refined products on the market, but, may be pricy. A great alternative is good old petroleum jelly, as it forms a protective barrier and moisturize at the same time.
- Sleep with gloves and socks and if you are fresh out of a pair of linen gloves, sock those hands too.
For a general overhaul, you may treat your complete body to this treatment, once in a while, but you don’t need to wrap yourself in bandages ending up looking like a mummy. Use a moisturiser that are quickly absorbed by the skin or a very thin layer of petroleum jelly.
You may even consider using a humidifier in your room and or house.
Note we are not treating skin eczema or psoriasis here – for that you have to consult your doctor.
