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Doki

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Jun 30, 2008, 4:57:21 AM6/30/08
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"Rod" <poly...@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:6crl59F...@mid.individual.net...
> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>
> I try to remember to bung on a bit of Screwfix cheapest barrier cream
> before. After, wash with liquid soap and treat with hand cream (either
> L'Occitane containing shea butter or Nivea Age Defying Contains Q10 Plus).
> (I have found that some hand creams seem to dry out my skin and keep
> making me want to put on more and more. That is why I have been so
> specific about the ones I use - they seem to work.)
>
> I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I hate
> doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as well.
>
> And I still end up having days, even weeks, of intensely dry-feeling hands
> where I am desperate to plunge them into water or oil. The best relief I
> get is often just to make fists so that as much of the skin is touching
> other skin as possible! (Partner has to tell me to stop clenching them at
> times it gets so bad.)
>
> Cement/concrete/plaster are the absolute worst. Soil, white spirit and
> other solvents are pretty awful. And cleaning with detergents or sugar
> soap. And of course we have the silicone sealants, polyurethanes and
> gripfill/pink stuff with their unremovable horrors.
>
> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common experiences
> here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?

Nitrile Gloves. For some reason you seem to sweat far less in them than in
Latex, or even worse, vinyl gloves.

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 4:51:50 AM6/30/08
to
Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.

I try to remember to bung on a bit of Screwfix cheapest barrier cream
before. After, wash with liquid soap and treat with hand cream (either
L'Occitane containing shea butter or Nivea Age Defying Contains Q10
Plus). (I have found that some hand creams seem to dry out my skin and
keep making me want to put on more and more. That is why I have been so
specific about the ones I use - they seem to work.)

I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I
hate doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as
well.

And I still end up having days, even weeks, of intensely dry-feeling
hands where I am desperate to plunge them into water or oil. The best
relief I get is often just to make fists so that as much of the skin is
touching other skin as possible! (Partner has to tell me to stop
clenching them at times it gets so bad.)

Cement/concrete/plaster are the absolute worst. Soil, white spirit and
other solvents are pretty awful. And cleaning with detergents or sugar
soap. And of course we have the silicone sealants, polyurethanes and
gripfill/pink stuff with their unremovable horrors.

It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?

--
Rod

Hypothyroidism is a seriously debilitating condition with an insidious
onset.
Although common it frequently goes undiagnosed.
<www.thyromind.info> <www.thyroiduk.org> <www.altsupportthyroid.org>

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 5:27:09 AM6/30/08
to
Doki wrote:
<>
>
> Nitrile Gloves. For some reason you seem to sweat far less in them than
> in Latex, or even worse, vinyl gloves.

Thanks. Yes - I have been using them. Definitely *much* better than
latex in lots of ways. I asked here and was advised accordingly. :-)

Stephen Howard

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Jun 30, 2008, 7:20:43 AM6/30/08
to
On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:51:50 +0100, Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com>
wrote:

>Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
>with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
>activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>

<snip>


>
>It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
>experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?

I use latex gloves regularly, for handling brand-new instruments.
My approach is to 'lubricate' my hands first with avocado oil ( for no
other reason than I use it in the workshop, so it's handy...excuse pun
) before donning the gloves.
It doesn't prevent the sweating, but it does help to avoid excessively
dry skin afterwards.
I'm nearly out of the gloves now, so I'll try the nitrile ones
next...assuming they fit skin-tight.

For general work I use cheapo cotton gloves. If I'm fooling around
with solvents/cement etc. I put a plastic glove ( the type that comes
free with hair dye kits etc. ) over the top for the duration.


Regards,

--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk

meow...@care2.com

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Jun 30, 2008, 6:50:59 AM6/30/08
to
On Jun 30, 9:51 am, Rod <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote:

> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>
> I try to remember to bung on a bit of Screwfix cheapest barrier cream
> before. After, wash with liquid soap and treat with hand cream (either
> L'Occitane containing shea butter or Nivea Age Defying Contains Q10
> Plus). (I have found that some hand creams seem to dry out my skin and
> keep making me want to put on more and more. That is why I have been so
> specific about the ones I use - they seem to work.)
>
> I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I
> hate doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as
> well.
>
> And I still end up having days, even weeks, of intensely dry-feeling
> hands where I am desperate to plunge them into water or oil. The best
> relief I get is often just to make fists so that as much of the skin is
> touching other skin as possible! (Partner has to tell me to stop
> clenching them at times it gets so bad.)
>
> Cement/concrete/plaster are the absolute worst. Soil, white spirit and
> other solvents are pretty awful. And cleaning with detergents or sugar
> soap. And of course we have the silicone sealants, polyurethanes and
> gripfill/pink stuff with their unremovable horrors.
>
> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
> experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?

Cement and lime - afterwards I rub hands with a little vinegar, it
seems to really help.


NT

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 7:30:28 AM6/30/08
to
Stephen Howard wrote:
> On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:51:50 +0100, Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
>> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
>> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>>
> <snip>
>> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
>> experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?
>
> I use latex gloves regularly, for handling brand-new instruments.
> My approach is to 'lubricate' my hands first with avocado oil ( for no
> other reason than I use it in the workshop, so it's handy...excuse pun
> ) before donning the gloves.
> It doesn't prevent the sweating, but it does help to avoid excessively
> dry skin afterwards.
> I'm nearly out of the gloves now, so I'll try the nitrile ones
> next...assuming they fit skin-tight.
>
> For general work I use cheapo cotton gloves. If I'm fooling around
> with solvents/cement etc. I put a plastic glove ( the type that comes
> free with hair dye kits etc. ) over the top for the duration.
>

You got me. :-) I saw your mention of avocado oil and wondered what on
earth you could be using it for. So I googled - and found loads and
loads of hits - but none could possibly be your use. So I have to ask,
what do you use it for?

While googling I noticed this: "We have received a report of a rare case
of cross-sensitisation to avocado fruit from a latex allergy sufferer."

I don't think I am allergic - but I can't stand the feel of my hands in
latex gloves - powdered or otherwise. Maybe the oil would help but
doesn't oil weaken the latex itself?

I am much happier with nitrile. I might try some other oil in them when
the circumstances allow.

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 7:35:10 AM6/30/08
to
meow...@care2.com wrote:
<>
>
> Cement and lime - afterwards I rub hands with a little vinegar, it
> seems to really help.
>

We *always* have vinegar (apple cider) near the sink (acid reflux for
the prevention of) - so will definitely try that.

(Just been told I must NOT use that on my hands - have to use crap malt
stuff. :-) )

Thanks.

Stephen Howard

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Jun 30, 2008, 8:52:16 AM6/30/08
to
On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:28 +0100, Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com>
wrote:

>Stephen Howard wrote:
>> On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:51:50 +0100, Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
>>> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
>>> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>>>
>> <snip>
>>> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
>>> experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?
>>
>> I use latex gloves regularly, for handling brand-new instruments.
>> My approach is to 'lubricate' my hands first with avocado oil ( for no
>> other reason than I use it in the workshop, so it's handy...excuse pun
>> ) before donning the gloves.
>> It doesn't prevent the sweating, but it does help to avoid excessively
>> dry skin afterwards.
>> I'm nearly out of the gloves now, so I'll try the nitrile ones
>> next...assuming they fit skin-tight.
>>
>> For general work I use cheapo cotton gloves. If I'm fooling around
>> with solvents/cement etc. I put a plastic glove ( the type that comes
>> free with hair dye kits etc. ) over the top for the duration.
>>
>
>You got me. :-) I saw your mention of avocado oil and wondered what on
>earth you could be using it for. So I googled - and found loads and
>loads of hits - but none could possibly be your use. So I have to ask,
>what do you use it for?

Oiling the bore of wooden-bodied instruments. It's a good non-drying
oil that's pleasant to work with and has good stability.


>
>While googling I noticed this: "We have received a report of a rare case
>of cross-sensitisation to avocado fruit from a latex allergy sufferer."

Well, I think 'a report' and 'a rare case' are the key points there. I
would say if it makes you break out in hives, don't use it again.


>
>I don't think I am allergic - but I can't stand the feel of my hands in
>latex gloves - powdered or otherwise. Maybe the oil would help but
>doesn't oil weaken the latex itself?

I haven't found it does...I know some oils do...diesel will
disintegrate a latex gloves in no time at all.
It might be that I'm not using enough oil...I rub it well into the
hands.


>
>I am much happier with nitrile. I might try some other oil in them when
>the circumstances allow.

I'd imagine any vegetable oil would do...from groundnut to sweet
almond. Certainly cheap enough to try, and it if works for you so much
the better.

Andrew Gabriel

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Jun 30, 2008, 8:00:27 AM6/30/08
to
In article <6crl59F...@mid.individual.net>,

Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com> writes:
> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>
> I try to remember to bung on a bit of Screwfix cheapest barrier cream

I use Savlon barrier cream, which I find works very well.
It's not cheap. CPC sell it, but it's a bit cheaper off
the shelf from a chemist, although not all stock it, and
there will be at most 2 tubes on the shelf IME. I did buy
Boots own brand once, but I'm not sure it worked as well.

Remember to apply before you do anything, including lifting
up bags of plaster cement in preparation. Lightly wash and
well dry hands before applying. Avoid washing hands during the
job - just rinse in water and shake dry if you need to remove
loose material and apply more barrier cream if necessary.
Wash the barrier cream (and dirt) off at the end of the job.
That way, you just have two lots of hand washing and skin
degreasing (or maybe 3 if you need to clean up for lunch),
and normal skin should cope with this.

> before. After, wash with liquid soap and treat with hand cream (either
> L'Occitane containing shea butter or Nivea Age Defying Contains Q10
> Plus). (I have found that some hand creams seem to dry out my skin and
> keep making me want to put on more and more. That is why I have been so
> specific about the ones I use - they seem to work.)

I just use any moisturiser cream. There's still no chance
of using a finger printer reader for a few days. I presume
rather few other people in data centres or other access
controlled environments spend their weekends plastering and
bricklaying.

If you have cracked/sore skin because you forgot to use
barrier cream, I find putting vaseline petroleum jelly on
your hands overnight fixes it pretty instantly. (Make sure
you keep any vaseline contianer for this purpose clean.)
Massage it in particularly in the sore/cracked areas.

You should avoid repeated contact without gloves or barrier
cream though. Some people can develop allergies or long
term skin problems on exposure to some some constituents
of building materials (some quite nasty things in cement),
and it would age your skin quickly.

> I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I
> hate doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as
> well.

I have used gloves, but I slightly prefer without, and
barrier cream works well for me.

> And I still end up having days, even weeks, of intensely dry-feeling
> hands where I am desperate to plunge them into water or oil. The best
> relief I get is often just to make fists so that as much of the skin is
> touching other skin as possible! (Partner has to tell me to stop
> clenching them at times it gets so bad.)

Try vaseline petroleum jelly.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 8:35:27 AM6/30/08
to

Thank you.

Phil

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Jun 30, 2008, 8:42:32 AM6/30/08
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On 30 Jun, 12:35, Rod <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote:

Vinegar prevents acid reflux???

stuart noble

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Jun 30, 2008, 8:51:49 AM6/30/08
to

> Try vaseline petroleum jelly.

Vaseline is chemically inert, so there shouldn't be any reaction with
anything else. Vegetable oils contain fatty acids and are not quite so
straightforward

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 9:04:24 AM6/30/08
to
Phil wrote:
> On 30 Jun, 12:35, Rod <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>> meow2...@care2.com wrote:
>>
>> <>
>>
>>
>>
>>> Cement and lime - afterwards I rub hands with a little vinegar, it
>>> seems to really help.
>> We *always* have vinegar (apple cider) near the sink (acid reflux for
>> the prevention of) - so will definitely try that.
>>
>> (Just been told I must NOT use that on my hands - have to use crap malt
>> stuff. :-) )
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>
> Vinegar prevents acid reflux???

Sounds utterly unbelievable. Counter-intuitive. I know.

It might only work in some cases. Partner was suffering a lot of reflux
probably caused by hypothyroidism - which in turn causes low stomach
acidity and for some reason that seems to cause or allow reflux to
occur. Or is it the weakening of muscles that causes it? She would
regularly be wakened (or kept awake) by reflux - if it happens now she
just pops into the kitchen and takes some vinegar.

We read lots and found that many people take one or two teaspoonsful of
apple cider vinegar in a little water when they feel the reflux coming
on - or even before. Sip. Swallow. Until it is gone. And that seems to
help. A lot.

I do not know if ACV is special or just the most pleasant to use.

There is some Russian research that claimed hiatus hernia to be a good
predictor of hypothyroidism several years down the line.

I have read of some orthodox medics in full raised eyebrow mode
expressing disbelief, even anger at vinegar being suggested. They, of
course, dismiss it. (There might be some individual doctors who don't.)

Although I am not a sufferer, I suspect that it would be worth a try -
maybe with some bicarb to hand as a reassurance. I have tried it and
found it quite refreshing to drink on a hot day.

And that, folks, is why the vinegar bottle is always in the same place
in our kitchen.

Stephen Howard

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Jun 30, 2008, 10:17:37 AM6/30/08
to
On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:04:24 +0100, Rod <poly...@ntlworld.com>
wrote:

>Phil wrote:
>> On 30 Jun, 12:35, Rod <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>>> meow2...@care2.com wrote:
>>>
>>> <>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> Cement and lime - afterwards I rub hands with a little vinegar, it
>>>> seems to really help.
>>> We *always* have vinegar (apple cider) near the sink (acid reflux for
>>> the prevention of) - so will definitely try that.
>>>
>>> (Just been told I must NOT use that on my hands - have to use crap malt
>>> stuff. :-) )
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>
>> Vinegar prevents acid reflux???
>
>Sounds utterly unbelievable. Counter-intuitive. I know.
>
>It might only work in some cases. Partner was suffering a lot of reflux
>probably caused by hypothyroidism - which in turn causes low stomach
>acidity and for some reason that seems to cause or allow reflux to
>occur. Or is it the weakening of muscles that causes it? She would
>regularly be wakened (or kept awake) by reflux - if it happens now she
>just pops into the kitchen and takes some vinegar.
>
>We read lots and found that many people take one or two teaspoonsful of
>apple cider vinegar in a little water when they feel the reflux coming
>on - or even before. Sip. Swallow. Until it is gone. And that seems to
>help. A lot.
>
>I do not know if ACV is special or just the most pleasant to use.

Some people say that eating certain apples seems to help, so it
probably springs from that.

I'm currently on pills ( Ranitidin ) for reflux...and coincidentally I
came across a site recently extolling the virtues of ACV...so I bought
some and tried it last week.
It was hell.
I gave it a couple of days but it simply got worse. I'm guessing I
just have the plain old 'too much acid' kind of reflux.

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 9:28:57 AM6/30/08
to

Amazing coincidences time.

Partner was eating an avocado for lunch as I read your earlier post. :-)

She was prescribed ranitidine but never took it - as our research
suggested achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria was more likely than good ol'
excess. But huge numbers of hypos do take various antacid, ppi and h2
medicines - which surely can't make sense in someone who is already
deficient in acidity!

Sorry to hear your problem with it. But glad you posted - others can
choose to try or not as they see fit.

John Rumm

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Jun 30, 2008, 10:24:35 AM6/30/08
to
Rod wrote:

> I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I
> hate doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as
> well.

For rough work I actually much prefer wearing gloves since it not only
protects my hands but also desensitises them, making lifting and
carrying etc more comfortable. My glove of choice is the screwfix
cowhide ultimate rigger:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/11953/Workwear/Protective-Clothing/Gloves/Cowhide-Ultimate-Riggers

They are strong, comfortable and breathe nicely.

For other messy stuff then I usually just use the powdered latex ones
bught from CPC in boxes of 100.

--
Cheers,

John.

/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/

Lino expert

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Jun 30, 2008, 12:42:14 PM6/30/08
to
> <www.thyromind.info> <www.thyroiduk.org> <www.altsupportthyroid.org>- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Out of interest, do you know if those who suffer from hypothyroidism
get cravings for things the body know would help (much like when women
are pregnant)?
I ask because my mother suffers from it and, as often happens, it was
undiagnosed for some time. However, she has always been a vinegar
fiend - will polish off a bowl of home made mint sauce (basically mint
leaves in vinegar with a touch of sugar), slooshes it on chips and
can't stand mayonnaise as it doesn't contain it but laps up the salad
cream....not literally, we broke her of that habit, using a big stick.

John Rumm

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Jun 30, 2008, 12:46:57 PM6/30/08
to
Andrew Gabriel wrote:

> You should avoid repeated contact without gloves or barrier
> cream though. Some people can develop allergies or long
> term skin problems on exposure to some some constituents
> of building materials (some quite nasty things in cement),
> and it would age your skin quickly.

It would be interesting to here is there is a difference in levels of
irritation between the traditional cements and some of the modern "high
additive" versions. e.g. Mastercrete original in paper sacks vs the
plastic sack version.

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 1:01:02 PM6/30/08
to

Fascinating.

I do know that people with adrenal problems (often associated with
hypothyroidism) can have salt craving.

It seems possible that she finds the vinegar compensates for lowered
stomach acidity (common in hypothyroidism)?

Consuming sufficient fat (of the right sorts) is important for hypos and
many suffer from gall bladder problems - quite possibly because they
don't eat enough. Perhaps she should have the salad cream. :-)

Here's hoping that all her offspring have been and will be regularly
tested - assuming it is the autoimmune variety, that is often inherited
down the female line but can affect males.

If you don't wish to, would you mind if I copied and posted your
question to alt.support.thyroid? (Feel free to do so yourself - not
trying to steal your question. :-) )

nightjar

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Jun 30, 2008, 1:05:57 PM6/30/08
to

"Rod" <poly...@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:6crl59F...@mid.individual.net...
> Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
> with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
> activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
...

> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common experiences
> here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?

I wear rigger gloves for anything that is likely to cause physical damage,
like handling glass, but otherwise, don't bother with any form of skin
protection. A bit of Swarfega cleans off most things that don't respond to
soap and water and what neither shifts wears off with time.

Colin Bignell


Lino expert

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Jun 30, 2008, 1:23:26 PM6/30/08
to
8>< (for tidiness!)

>
> > Out of interest, do you know if those who suffer from hypothyroidism
> > get cravings for things the body know would help (much like when women
> > are pregnant)?
> > I ask because my mother suffers from it and, as often happens, it was
> > undiagnosed for some time. However, she has always been a vinegar
> > fiend - will polish off a bowl of home made mint sauce (basically mint
> > leaves in vinegar with a touch of sugar), slooshes it on chips and
> > can't stand mayonnaise as it doesn't contain it but laps up the salad
> > cream....not literally, we broke her of that habit, using a big stick.
>
> Fascinating.
>
> I do know that people with adrenal problems (often associated with
> hypothyroidism) can have salt craving.

Oddly enough she can't stand salt - although my father is (like me)
rather partial to it!

> It seems possible that she finds the vinegar compensates for lowered
> stomach acidity (common in hypothyroidism)?

That could be it, although she's not one to look in to the broader
subject, she thinks it's just something to endure...I think that's
perhaps a generational thing.

> Consuming sufficient fat (of the right sorts) is important for hypos and
> many suffer from gall bladder problems - quite possibly because they
> don't eat enough. Perhaps she should have the salad cream. :-)
>
> Here's hoping that all her offspring have been and will be regularly
> tested - assuming it is the autoimmune variety, that is often inherited
> down the female line but can affect males.

I must admit I haven't been tested. I take Selenium, but I should trot
off to the doc's just in case. (BTW my mother only has daughters ;o))

> If you don't wish to, would you mind if I copied and posted your
> question to alt.support.thyroid? (Feel free to do so yourself - not
> trying to steal your question. :-)   )

Please do, I'd be interested to see any answers - is that a
subscribers-only group?

Rod

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Jun 30, 2008, 2:03:38 PM6/30/08
to
Lino expert wrote:
<>
> Please do, I'd be interested to see any answers - is that a
> subscribers-only group?
>
No - it's a public Usenet group just like uk.d-i-y - accessible through
Google groups if you wish.

I have just posted your question there with subject "Vinegar Craving in
Hypothyroidism?" - please join in if you wish.

<http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.support.thyroid/browse_frm/thread/78e6b1c838b7138a#>

My partner is one of four daughters whose mother is hypothyroid. All
four have major problems. None knew because the mother did not take the
effort to tell them about it. (Mind, her doctor didn't tell her to.)

Pete Verdon

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Jun 30, 2008, 2:15:27 PM6/30/08
to
Andrew Gabriel wrote:

> I presume rather few other people in data centres or other access
> controlled environments spend their weekends plastering and
> bricklaying.

Well, I've been known to. My work laptop has a fingerprint reader to be
used before it will boot, and I did a spot of very amateur bricklaying a
few weeks ago. I borrowed/hired the mixer and barrow from a guy at work
who lends them out at £10 a time to his colleagues, so I'm obviously not
alone. The majority of those people will also have readers on their laptops.

That said, I didn't have any issues with the computer after three days'
solid brickying. What really screws it up for a week or two is when I go
square-rig sailing - lots of hauling on big old-fashioned cordage and my
hands go glassy-smooth :-)

Pete

Lino expert

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Jun 30, 2008, 2:17:02 PM6/30/08
to
On 30 Jun, 19:03, Rod <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> Lino expert wrote:
>
> <>> Please do, I'd be interested to see any answers - is that a
> > subscribers-only group?
>
> No - it's a public Usenet group just like uk.d-i-y - accessible through
> Google groups if you wish.
>
> I have just posted your question there with subject "Vinegar Craving in
> Hypothyroidism?" - please join in if you wish.
>
> <http://groups.google.co.uk/group/alt.support.thyroid/browse_frm/threa...>

>
> My partner is one of four daughters whose mother is hypothyroid. All
> four have major problems. None knew because the mother did not take the
> effort to tell them about it. (Mind, her doctor didn't tell her to.)
>
> --
> Rod
>
> Hypothyroidism is a seriously debilitating condition with an insidious
> onset.
> Although common it frequently goes undiagnosed.
> <www.thyromind.info> <www.thyroiduk.org> <www.altsupportthyroid.org>

Fab, thanks.
I use Google Groups (cue general lambasting from some quarters!) and
will pop along and have a look.

I followed the thyroiduk.org link from your sig and could only tick
off two symptoms from the checklist, which I was quite pleased about -
but no harm in double checking.

With regard to the dry hands, if you slather them in your chosen cream
and put some cotton gloves on just before turning in, the warmth will
help it soak in overnight.

Phil L

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 3:24:49 PM6/30/08
to
Rod wrote:
<snip>

> Cement/concrete/plaster are the absolute worst. Soil, white spirit and
> other solvents are pretty awful. And cleaning with detergents or sugar
> soap. And of course we have the silicone sealants, polyurethanes and
> gripfill/pink stuff with their unremovable horrors.
>
> It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common
> experiences here. Anyone care to share their experiences and
> approaches?

Avoid alkalis like cement and plaster as they will remove the natural oils
from the skin, leaving it cracked and open to infection - no amount of
callouses or hard skin is a defence against this, and so almost all builders
avoid touching it like the plague.

I use a fantastic cream called 'Aveeno', which is made from oatmeal, doesn't
smell and is readily absorbed into the skin - my doctor once prescribed it
to me for my exzema, saying that he had been using it for years, and as it's
available without prescription, I now use it all the time.

Keep it away from your eyes though as it makes 'em water!


Rod

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 3:41:51 PM6/30/08
to
Fantastic.

Went to their website. Seems it contains shea butter (which I have
already mentioned as being good) - and they do a free sample. Which is
already ordered.

<http://www.aveeno.co.uk/>

Rod

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 3:50:52 PM6/30/08
to
Andrew Gabriel wrote:
<>
>
> I use Savlon barrier cream, which I find works very well.
> It's not cheap. CPC sell it, but it's a bit cheaper off
> the shelf from a chemist, although not all stock it, and
> there will be at most 2 tubes on the shelf IME. I did buy
> Boots own brand once, but I'm not sure it worked as well.
>
> Remember to apply before you do anything, including lifting
> up bags of plaster cement in preparation. Lightly wash and
> well dry hands before applying. Avoid washing hands during the
> job - just rinse in water and shake dry if you need to remove
> loose material and apply more barrier cream if necessary.
> Wash the barrier cream (and dirt) off at the end of the job.
> That way, you just have two lots of hand washing and skin
> degreasing (or maybe 3 if you need to clean up for lunch),
> and normal skin should cope with this.
<>
>
> Try vaseline petroleum jelly.
>

After posting I remembered the old rosalex (pink stuff) we used in metal
work. Horrible smell and feel. But it actually worked quite well.

Will try the Savlon, thanks.

One problem is washing hands before and after toilet.

Have found vaseline feels nice but somehow does not seem to work as well
as the ones mentioned in original post. At the time it is great but the
next day I don;t seem to have recieved much benefit.

gilli

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 4:47:46 PM6/30/08
to
On 30 Jun, 09:57, "Doki" <mrd...@gmail.com> wrote:
> "Rod" <polygo...@ntlworld.com> wrote in message

>
> news:6crl59F...@mid.individual.net...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Most of the posters here are not the tough-handed builders and workmen
> > with layers of callus built up over years. So, when we indulge in manual
> > activity such as is often discussed here, we need to consider our skin.
>
> > I try to remember to bung on a bit of Screwfix cheapest barrier cream
> > before. After, wash with liquid soap and treat with hand cream (either
> > L'Occitane containing shea butter or Nivea Age Defying Contains Q10 Plus).
> > (I have found that some hand creams seem to dry out my skin and keep
> > making me want to put on more and more. That is why I have been so
> > specific about the ones I use - they seem to work.)
>
> > I also try to use gloves - when I think about it! But to be honest, I hate
> > doing so. And sweaty glove-insides are pretty nasty for the skin as well.
>
> > And I still end up having days, even weeks, of intensely dry-feeling hands
> > where I am desperate to plunge them into water or oil. The best relief I
> > get is often just to make fists so that as much of the skin is touching
> > other skin as possible! (Partner has to tell me to stop clenching them at
> > times it gets so bad.)
>
> > Cement/concrete/plaster are the absolute worst. Soil, white spirit and
> > other solvents are pretty awful. And cleaning with detergents or sugar
> > soap. And of course we have the silicone sealants, polyurethanes and
> > gripfill/pink stuff with their unremovable horrors.
>
> > It seems likely that dry hands and damaged skin will be common experiences
> > here. Anyone care to share their experiences and approaches?
>
> Nitrile Gloves. For some reason you seem to sweat far less in them than in
> Latex, or even worse, vinyl gloves.- Hide quoted text -

>
> - Show quoted text -

Another hand cream is available without prescription and is called
Emulsifying Ointment. It is largely paraffin wax, and I had it for a
skin ailment,
but found it was also good for hands.
Only needs a little and rubs in quickly for me.
I use it last thing at night and then barrier cream before work.
Saves a lot of hassle and cracking skin.
Good luck and thanks for the observations on cider for reflux.
There is a book out on all the uses of vinegar...wonder if it is
mentioned there.
Thanks again.
D.

Rod

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 5:45:24 PM6/30/08
to
gilli wrote:
<>
>
> Another hand cream is available without prescription and is called
> Emulsifying Ointment. It is largely paraffin wax, and I had it for a
> skin ailment,
> but found it was also good for hands.
> Only needs a little and rubs in quickly for me.
> I use it last thing at night and then barrier cream before work.
> Saves a lot of hassle and cracking skin.
> Good luck and thanks for the observations on cider for reflux.
> There is a book out on all the uses of vinegar...wonder if it is
> mentioned there.
> Thanks again.
> D.

Not if it is the book I have seen. :-)

Bruce

unread,
Jun 30, 2008, 5:56:00 PM6/30/08
to
and...@cucumber.demon.co.uk (Andrew Gabriel) wrote:
>
>I use Savlon barrier cream, which I find works very well.


It is a first class product. Whenever I see some, I buy a tube or
two, just to make sure I will never run out.

Roger

unread,
Jul 4, 2008, 4:12:38 AM7/4/08
to
The message <26Wdna7MYeY6cfXV...@posted.plusnet>
from John Rumm <see.my.s...@nowhere.null> contains these words:

> For rough work I actually much prefer wearing gloves since it not only
> protects my hands but also desensitises them, making lifting and
> carrying etc more comfortable. My glove of choice is the screwfix
> cowhide ultimate rigger:

> http://www.screwfix.com/prods/11953/Workwear/Protective-Clothing/Gloves/Cowhide-Ultimate-Riggers

That my glove of choice too but being a cheapskate I usually buy a
back-up dozen of the cheaper riggers gloves as well for less abrasive
work. Unfortunately the cheaper ones have been known to last less than 5
minutes before wearing through when faced with a bit of gritstone
walling.

I usually have sore finger ends as it is as I try to get as much use as
possible out of each pair of gloves. The ultimate riggers do wear
through as well but they are more likely to fail on stitching first.
Every so often I have a clearout and throw aay the dozen or so badly
worn pairs of gloves that have accumulated since the last Screwfix
order. :-(

--
Roger Chapman

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