3 messages, 74 lines:
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(1)
Date:         Thu, 9 Nov 1995 12:08:58 -0700
From:         Cheryl White <WHITCA@PLATO.LIB.ULETH.CA>
Subject:      Excessive Skin Dryness - Fingers and Serials Work -Reply

Sharon Tobin wrote:

>>> Sharon Tobin <TOBINSHA@EMAIL.ROSARY.EDU>  11/9/95, 10:10am >>>
At this time of year, we experience severe problems with the tips of
our fingers.  As soon as autumn is here, they begin to split and
crack open, bleed, and are extremely painful.  We know part of the
problem is the winter weather, but it is intensified by the constant
handling of paper and bound materials.  We have tried wearing
surgical gloves, but they are too cumbersome to wear eight hours a
day.  We have also tried numerous hand creams and have even tried
bovine products, but to no avail.  Does anyone else in the serials
world suffer as we do, and most importantly, has anyone found a
solution?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I also suffer from the effects of dry winter skin and handling a lot
of books, issues, etc which results in cracked, dry and painful
hands.  My only recommendation is to attempt to treat this away from
work as I have not found anything to help reduce the damage to my
hands from handling serials.  I soak my hands at least once a week in
a basin, using a soft pumice stone to help remove dry skin and then
apply a LOT of lotion.  I also have occassionally applied vaseline to
my hands and worn gloves all night but it's not terribly comfortable
even though it does soften your skin.  Also, apply anti-bacterial
cream to deep splits or cuts so they will heal faster.

Cheryl White
whitca@plato.lib.uleth.ca

(2)----------------------
Date:         Thu, 9 Nov 1995 13:14:52 -0500
From:         Barbara Eastland <eastland@MAX.MUHLBERG.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Excessive Skin Dryness - Fingers and Serials Work
In-Reply-To:  <no.id> from "Sharon Tobin" at Nov 9, 95 12:10:13 pm

Hi-
        Your problem is not unique.  Part of the problem, I think, is the
re-cycled air in newer buildings and the concommittant lack of
appropriate moisture.  I have been successful using a humidifier (if your
office area is small enough to use it effectively, that is) and
soaking/rinsing my hands frequently during the day in warm water, then
using a heavy lotion, e.g. Cornhuskers, that is full of lanolin while my
hands/fingers are warm from the water.  Of course, you've probably tried
all of these things already.
        Good luck--I know how painful it is.

Cordially,
Barb Eastland, serials          eastland@max.muhlberg.edu
Muhlenberg College
Allentown  PA

(3)--------------------
Date:         Thu, 9 Nov 1995 16:13:38 -0600
From:         David Iversen <DAVID@LIB.DRAKE.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Excessive Skin Dryness - Fingers and Serials Work

Sharon,
I had a similar problem in Moorhead, MN. I found that Jurgens Extra Dry
Skin Lotion used every night before bedtime worked for me.

Dave

David Iversen
Drake University
Des Moines, IA 50311
DAVID@LIB.DRAKE.EDU