Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1889-02-07
CARE OF THE HANDS.
Notes for Housekeepers Suffering froI
Chapped and Rough Hands.

Notes for Housekeepers Suffering from
Chapped and Rough Hands.
In the first place, too much caution
can not be exercised in regard to the
employment of good pure soap in all
parts of the homework. Cheap, in
ferior soaps are dear at any cost, and
while they are used in the house all
the ointments and care expended on
the hands is just so much time thrown
away, Pure CASTLE soap for the toilet,
and good pure white soap in laundry
and kitchen, will save good deal of
pain and annoyance to all members OF
the family, for there are few things as
Irritating to Il sensitive skin. as poor
soap.
Going out into the air after washing
the hands and drying them hastily is
often the cause of rough skin. This
should never be done, but if necessary
to wash the hands just before going
out, do so in warm water, providing
the hands are to be covered, but
if uncovered always in cold water, to
which has been added a few drops OF
ammonia, and wipe on a soft towel I'M
til thoroughly dry. Little children
should be early taught the Importance
of drying their skin thoroughly, at any
time. but, more particularly, ere going
into the air, for in their eagerneSS to
get to school in time, they are apt to do
this carelessly, and suffer much pain
in consequence. Have always at the
side of the sink small dish of finely
ground oatmeal, and rub the hands
well with this each time after drying,
also teaching the children to use it.
The use of warm water (unless just
before going ouD, good soap, few
drops of ammonia, a thorough drying,
afterward rubbing with oatmeal, will
keep most peoples hands in as good
condition as any one could wish. Ii
rain water is convenient, the ammonia
may be omitted, as the rain water and
CASTLE soap will be all that is desired
as far as the washing is concerned.
For those suffering from chapped
hands, or for those liable to them,
nothing can excel the healing qualities
of mutton tallow. This may be bought
at the druggists Or made at home, and
ought to be kept in every house. Take
the fat of mutton, usually that around
the kidney, and fry out, strain, pour
into cup and put aside to harden. II
liked it can be taken from the cup
before it is very hard, and worked into
ball, and in this shape is much more
convenient for use than if left remain
ing in the cup. To apply it, first hold
it before or over fire until the sur
face near the fire is soft, then rub this
soft tallow to the afflicted parts, work.
ing it gently into the skin. 1t is very
soothing, and gives relief almost i'm
mediately. There are very few cases
of chapped hands, provided proper at.
tention is paid to washing and wiping
them, that will not yield readily to
this treatment.
A lotion that is said to be excellent
for chapped hands or face is made as
follows: One ounce of glycerine and
one ounce of alcohol, mix together,
then add eight ounces of rose-water;
bottle for use.
Camphor ice is also good, and can
be obtained at any drug store, and APP
piled the same as the mutton tallow.
Dissolved borax added to the toilet
water, just sufficient quantity to
soften the water, is very cleansing and
softening to the skin. Glycerine is
used with good effect by some people,
while others can not use it at all. 1t
ought never be used in it's pure state,
but always diluted well with water.
Women who do their own washing
are frequently troubled with chapped
or rough hands, owing to their going
out in the air with their hands half
wet, and in this condition placing the
clothes on the lines. In cold weather
they ought always wear gloves when
hanging out the family washing.
These should be of thick white flannel,
or cotton flannel, and made in the
shape of mitten. They appear
clumsy at first to one not accustomed
to them, and one is tempted to throw
them aside, but perseverance in their
use, for one or two washings, will
soon establish them as an adjunct that
can not be dispensed with without a
good deal of inconvenience Boston
Budget.