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.