Advice needed from anyone in the trades, or working/living in places with dry steam of hot water heat.
Doing carpentry or electrical work, my hands get beaten up badly and really get dried out. Splits make it really painful to play guitar in particular. But even box or whistle are tough when the fingers are really beaten up.
Sounds like you may have some kind of eczema, or other dust allergy. I got the same when I worked in construction, or even nowadays when I do DIY (quite frequent). As well as ensuring your hands are washed totally clean (as I'm sure you do) try hydrocortisone cream - available without prescription (in UK anyway). Lanacort does the cream but also *ointment* which stays on your hands for longer. Even just moisturising cream might help.
I feel your pain - literally! it can be very irritating. Good luck.
I'm not a tradesperson myself, but I work with clay, which dries my hands out considerably and I have gotten into the habit of slathering on moisturizing lotion every night before going to bed, especially in the winter. I never use lotion during the day, as that generally doesn't give my skin enough time to absorb the stuff before I pick up an instrument again, but my hands are clean and dry by the time I wake up.
I have gloves without the fingertip ends. I don't wear them for every task but I always take them on the job.
Olive oil, or any vitamin E oil is good for my hands.
I use Badger Balm birch massage oil. I don't need much because it has some good ingredients. I know there is a good gardener's lotion. I don't know the brand. The badger oil has calendula which I have heard some good results.
Stop beating up your hands! You need them for work & play.
I work as a paper marbler and a jeweler. Both hand killers. For the papers, which are done in water, the colder the better, after a short time I adapted to surgical gloves to the point where I feel awkward without them now.
Metal work... well, on cut prone spots I place band aids on the fingers BEFORE I get the cuts. So if there are any split prone spots, maybe a little hand cream or oil on a bandage would help.
The worst thing I ever did to my hands was using a chain saw to chop wood for heat. It gave me carpal tunnel problems, which took a year to exercise and baby away. Now I am prone to it and it takes little to bring it back. I used a leaf blower this Fall and that did me in for a few weeks, but it went away.
For cracks in the skin of the thumb and fingertips, pure lanolin works almost like magic. It is sold in little tubes for breastfeeding mothers who have cracked nipples - my wife recommended it to me and I can tell you it works. On the fingers anyway
I've found that a small split will mend almost overnight with a couple of applications. Deeper ones, after applying some of the lanolin, hold them together overnight or as long as possible with sticking plaster (band-aid).
Aqueous cream and dermidex are pretty handy topical moisturisers. You can also get hydrocortisone creams from your doctor, and steroid creams will also help to heal bad cracks, but won't treat the cause.
zipp
1. almond oil...any drugstore/health food store is good for it or can order it. also good for wooden irish flutes!
2.Bag Balm if you're desparate....put on at night then wear those light cotton gloves they use in archives or rare book rooms
3.there's something called Liquid Glove...bascially dries on your hand and creates waterproof barrier when you're workingin garden/outdoors/on construction sites etc. Try Lee Valley in Ottawa...online catalogue...lots of good stuff.
Good old "hydrous lanolin" is great too. It's the pure stuff. You have to order it thru a pharmacy. You get a lifetime supply for 15 bucks.But it works. amazing stuff.
I have heard about a rule of thumb which applies equally in work & play.
If you are working so hard that it hurts you are working too hard.
- no one in the trades seems to follow it though.
If you are playing til it hurts you are playing too hard.
- this is also ignored by some session players.
try putting a silicone barrier gel on your hands before getting into the rough stuff. I've used it when concreting and find at the end of the day, the gunk washes off my hands and I almost feel like I haven't done anything so nasty to my hands. It's very good stuff.
This may sound strange but it works great. Vinegar.
Definitely when I mix concrete. Even a small splash of concrete will dry out my skin. I wear gloves (haven't tried gel) & try to keep my sleeves rolled down. I always wash up after with some vinegar.
try putting a silicone barrier gel on your hands before getting into the rough stuff." "
That's the way to go I would think,it is great stuff and I should use it myself.All firms should supply it by law if i remember right.Prevention n all that.
Anyway don't worry as you get older your hands harden to it.8)
For hands that do dishes
regards
Mcfairy liquid
Thanks for the great advice. Besides hurting Herself crabs alot about the quality of the hands . I have to play keyboards tonight and the hands have been killing me... Its bad enough I hate practicing the Church trash... but when the pinkies are hurting it is more miserable.
I had to work this weekend- finish millwork so putty and sanding. Everyone decides to remodel right before Christmas even in the bum economy. But I am only a day behind schedule.
Bredna is correct about corticosteroids. Get a second opinion if you suspect a condition which requires it. Especially if you intend to use it long term.
I have not really tried barrier gels/ lotions . . .
Aircraft suppliers seem to be a good source though;
Invisible Gloves #1211 http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/handinvisible.php
They have a couple of other hand protectants.
My job, unless I'm hardly working, involves squeezing the oil out of badgers. Strangely, some of them don't take to it right away, and several of us have started wearing gloves and lots of kevlar.
I'm finding that I have to remove some or all of the bandages just to practice. Is this normal? Should I wear barrier cream?
I find that applying more badger oil doesn't really do the trick, as they think I've just killed their uncle Vinny (really, he's ok, he'll be fine after a couple of days).
ps. They're very little badgers.
pps. Actually, a badger's ar$e isn't really all that rough. Well, not at first, anyway.
I can relate as my day-job is farming- I try to wear gloves whever possible, but sometimes it's not- and I heat with wood and the humidity level in here, according to the hygrometer says 17%. Bag Balm will work- or if you can locate it, the organic version which is Udderly Herbal(made in VT). Put it on at night before bed and even put cotton gloves on afterwards if you don't want the stuff all over the place.
I use regular hand lotion- I like Bert's Bees stuff- the body lotion- on my hands- during the day. I just can't use it shortly before playing or my hands are all sticky.
I would stay far away from any cortisone type stuff unless you have a real medical problem-sounds to me like just the combo of carpentry and weather.
I think you are looking for Bag Balm which fiddlinfarmer mentions above ^ That's the voice of experience there. High Viscousity stuff.
No, it's the real deal. * Bag Balm *.
You were probably thinking badger balm because I was talking about that company. The name is 'Badger Birch Massage Oil'
I don't think my hands get as dry as yours so the oil works.
They make various balms but I have not tried any; http://www.badgerbalm.com/pc-369-2-unscented-healing-balm.aspx
Sorry for the confusion ~ probably an aftershock from the tongue - twister thread.
Listen to fiddlinfarmer Bag Balm.
RE- Udderly Herbal- I checked on-line and what is there is some company in California- not the one that I got my wonderful salve from- so you might not be able to find it as perhaps they are no longer in business?? So Bag Balm may have to do- go with a larger tin- not the small ones they sell to city types- unless you like paying a whole lot more per ounce. The stuff lasts forever...... and you never know, you might get a cow or goat to share it with some day
I tried the lanolin based on the described alternative uses....must be good to use it there.....
Problem is it started to work and yesterday had to da alot of cleaning.
Back where I started .Ouch!
I'll have to hunt down some Bag Balm.Next week should be a down week for work- alot of keyboard work though. So I should be able to get the pinky splits under control
Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Advice needed from anyone in the trades, or working/living in places with dry steam of hot water heat.
Doing carpentry or electrical work, my hands get beaten up badly and really get dried out. Splits make it really painful to play guitar in particular. But even box or whistle are tough when the fingers are really beaten up.
Any thoughts?
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by zippydw
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Sounds like you may have some kind of eczema, or other dust allergy. I got the same when I worked in construction, or even nowadays when I do DIY (quite frequent). As well as ensuring your hands are washed totally clean (as I'm sure you do) try hydrocortisone cream - available without prescription (in UK anyway). Lanacort does the cream but also *ointment* which stays on your hands for longer. Even just moisturising cream might help.
I feel your pain - literally! it can be very irritating. Good luck.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Rudall the time
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I'm not a tradesperson myself, but I work with clay, which dries my hands out considerably and I have gotten into the habit of slathering on moisturizing lotion every night before going to bed, especially in the winter. I never use lotion during the day, as that generally doesn't give my skin enough time to absorb the stuff before I pick up an instrument again, but my hands are clean and dry by the time I wake up.
I have also heard of moisturizing gloves (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-moisturizing-gloves.htm) that could be worn at night, but have never tried them myself.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Tall, Dark, and Mysterious
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I have gloves without the fingertip ends. I don't wear them for every task but I always take them on the job.
Olive oil, or any vitamin E oil is good for my hands.
I use Badger Balm birch massage oil. I don't need much because it has some good ingredients. I know there is a good gardener's lotion. I don't know the brand. The badger oil has calendula which I have heard some good results.
Stop beating up your hands! You need them for work & play.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I work as a paper marbler and a jeweler. Both hand killers. For the papers, which are done in water, the colder the better, after a short time I adapted to surgical gloves to the point where I feel awkward without them now.
Metal work... well, on cut prone spots I place band aids on the fingers BEFORE I get the cuts. So if there are any split prone spots, maybe a little hand cream or oil on a bandage would help.
The worst thing I ever did to my hands was using a chain saw to chop wood for heat. It gave me carpal tunnel problems, which took a year to exercise and baby away. Now I am prone to it and it takes little to bring it back. I used a leaf blower this Fall and that did me in for a few weeks, but it went away.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by irisnevins
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
For cracks in the skin of the thumb and fingertips, pure lanolin works almost like magic. It is sold in little tubes for breastfeeding mothers who have cracked nipples - my wife recommended it to me and I can tell you it works. On the fingers anyway
I've found that a small split will mend almost overnight with a couple of applications. Deeper ones, after applying some of the lanolin, hold them together overnight or as long as possible with sticking plaster (band-aid).
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Jeeves Tones
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Aqueous cream and dermidex are pretty handy topical moisturisers. You can also get hydrocortisone creams from your doctor, and steroid creams will also help to heal bad cracks, but won't treat the cause.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Dragut Reis
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
zipp
1. almond oil...any drugstore/health food store is good for it or can order it. also good for wooden irish flutes!
2.Bag Balm if you're desparate....put on at night then wear those light cotton gloves they use in archives or rare book rooms
3.there's something called Liquid Glove...bascially dries on your hand and creates waterproof barrier when you're workingin garden/outdoors/on construction sites etc. Try Lee Valley in Ottawa...online catalogue...lots of good stuff.
4.Instead of workin' hard, try hardly workin'.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by skin&bow
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Good old "hydrous lanolin" is great too. It's the pure stuff. You have to order it thru a pharmacy. You get a lifetime supply for 15 bucks.But it works. amazing stuff.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by skin&bow
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Another vote for Bag Balm. It's great stuff.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Upsetter
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I have heard about a rule of thumb which applies equally in work & play.
If you are working so hard that it hurts you are working too hard.
- no one in the trades seems to follow it though.
If you are playing til it hurts you are playing too hard.
- this is also ignored by some session players.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I'd leave hydro-cortisone cream for desperate measures. It's a steroid cream and will thin the skin on your hands over time.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Bredna
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
try putting a silicone barrier gel on your hands before getting into the rough stuff. I've used it when concreting and find at the end of the day, the gunk washes off my hands and I almost feel like I haven't done anything so nasty to my hands. It's very good stuff.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Brown Creeper
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
This may sound strange but it works great. Vinegar.
Definitely when I mix concrete. Even a small splash of concrete will dry out my skin. I wear gloves (haven't tried gel) & try to keep my sleeves rolled down. I always wash up after with some vinegar.
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
try putting a silicone barrier gel on your hands before getting into the rough stuff." "
That's the way to go I would think,it is great stuff and I should use it myself.All firms should supply it by law if i remember right.Prevention n all that.
Anyway don't worry as you get older your hands harden to it.8)
For hands that do dishes
regards
Mcfairy liquid
# Posted on December 15th 2008 by J.D.Mc
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Thanks for the great advice. Besides hurting Herself crabs alot about the quality of the hands
. I have to play keyboards tonight and the hands have been killing me... Its bad enough I hate practicing the Church trash... but when the pinkies are hurting it is more miserable.
I had to work this weekend- finish millwork so putty and sanding. Everyone decides to remodel right before Christmas even in the bum economy. But I am only a day behind schedule.
Sounds like I get to go to drug store.
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by zippydw
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Bredna is correct about corticosteroids. Get a second opinion if you suspect a condition which requires it. Especially if you intend to use it long term.
I have not really tried barrier gels/ lotions . . .
Aircraft suppliers seem to be a good source though;
Invisible Gloves #1211
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/handinvisible.php
They have a couple of other hand protectants.
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
My job, unless I'm hardly working, involves squeezing the oil out of badgers. Strangely, some of them don't take to it right away, and several of us have started wearing gloves and lots of kevlar.
I'm finding that I have to remove some or all of the bandages just to practice. Is this normal? Should I wear barrier cream?
I find that applying more badger oil doesn't really do the trick, as they think I've just killed their uncle Vinny (really, he's ok, he'll be fine after a couple of days).
ps. They're very little badgers.
pps. Actually, a badger's ar$e isn't really all that rough. Well, not at first, anyway.
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by Gzeg
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Thanks Gzeg the stuff is like magic. Cheers!
http://www.badgerbalm.com/pc-410-3-healing-blend-massage-oil.aspx
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Bag Balm! (again) Another great product- Farmer's Friend
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Bag Balm is basically lanolin.
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by Bren
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I can relate as my day-job is farming- I try to wear gloves whever possible, but sometimes it's not- and I heat with wood and the humidity level in here, according to the hygrometer says 17%. Bag Balm will work- or if you can locate it, the organic version which is Udderly Herbal(made in VT). Put it on at night before bed and even put cotton gloves on afterwards if you don't want the stuff all over the place.
I use regular hand lotion- I like Bert's Bees stuff- the body lotion- on my hands- during the day. I just can't use it shortly before playing or my hands are all sticky.
I would stay far away from any cortisone type stuff unless you have a real medical problem-sounds to me like just the combo of carpentry and weather.
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
Badger balm? I will have to look for it. I. Was planning to avoid cortosteroids
Now... Kevlar gloves? I don't think Herself would be too enthusiastic about that
# Posted on December 16th 2008 by zippydw
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I think you are looking for Bag Balm which fiddlinfarmer mentions above ^ That's the voice of experience there. High Viscousity stuff.
No, it's the real deal. * Bag Balm *.
You were probably thinking badger balm because I was talking about that company. The name is 'Badger Birch Massage Oil'
I don't think my hands get as dry as yours so the oil works.
They make various balms but I have not tried any; http://www.badgerbalm.com/pc-369-2-unscented-healing-balm.aspx
Sorry for the confusion ~ probably an aftershock from the tongue - twister thread.
Listen to fiddlinfarmer Bag Balm.
# Posted on December 17th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I work in a library... and i'm dead scared of those pesky paper cuts.
Other than that... it's not a bad place to work.
# Posted on December 17th 2008 by davydd
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
RE- Udderly Herbal- I checked on-line and what is there is some company in California- not the one that I got my wonderful salve from- so you might not be able to find it as perhaps they are no longer in business?? So Bag Balm may have to do- go with a larger tin- not the small ones they sell to city types- unless you like paying a whole lot more per ounce. The stuff lasts forever...... and you never know, you might get a cow or goat to share it with some day
# Posted on December 17th 2008 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Day jobs, construction, ITM, hand care
I tried the lanolin based on the described alternative uses....must be good to use it there.....
Problem is it started to work and yesterday had to da alot of cleaning.
Back where I started .Ouch!
I'll have to hunt down some Bag Balm.Next week should be a down week for work- alot of keyboard work though. So I should be able to get the pinky splits under control
# Posted on December 18th 2008 by zippydw