Chapped hands - suggestions for relief?

[BubsMaw]

Hi, not really a health problem as such, but didn't know where to post...

I've got badly chapped hands, started just in the last few days prob with the change in weather, they are dry, cracked and bleeding. DH has the same problem. I had dry hands for the first time last winter but only for the very worst part of winter.

I've tried hand cream, L'Occitane cooling hand gel, as it's all that I have, it smells nice but isn't really helping. Last year I got some Nutrogena which was a bit better. I just bought some gloves on-line so will start wearing those when out.

Could anyone recommend something, cream etc. that is moisturising and healing? Ideally something natural, preferably no petroleum products. Also I hate greasy feeling, so would prefer something readily absorbed.

Many thanks!

I generally get a glug of olive oil, dip my hands in sugar and rub them all over each other. When I rinse the oil off in tepid water, my hands are smooth and moisturised.

I use Lanisoh (left over from DS) which is probably too pertroleumy for you. Also second the flexitol approach. My Mum likes Vaseline hand and nail cream but I just find most creams to wussy for this type of job.

Too greasy for the day but at night, coat your hands in a thick layer of Vaseline and then put on cotton gloves (I got mine in Boots) The warmth of the bed will help the Vaseline soak in and you wake with no-greasy, wonderfully moisturised hands.

Wear rubber gloves for all cleaning jobs - with a little more moisturiser on underneath as suggested above and warm gloves when outside.

I should really follow my own advice more often, my hands are really sore at the moment.