"Winter Finger Splits"

[Tom-H]

Close examination of the little Leprechaun will reveal some blood spots. No, I did not cut my finger with my pocket knife. Each winter the tips of a thumb and index finger split. These splits look, and bleed just like a knife cut. This sometimes gets embarassing when I'm teaching a class of beginners. I am sure they think I cut my fingers all the time. Anyone else have this problem? Is there a prevention?

Tom H

[Old Scout]

My Father in Law in Maine used "Bag Balm" for his cold weather skin breaks. Don't know if it is still available. Guess it was used on Cows Bag.

[sappy]

Golly Tom, thats a real problem! It could be something as easy as needing zinc, especially in the winter. My question is, does peroxide remove the blood from the wood? That's "really putting yourself into your work", hope you get an answer to the riddle.

[Dicky]

My Doc reccomended a product called Zim's Crack Creme. It works for me. It is made stateside (actually in Ohio). Their website is www.crackcreme.com.

[Claude]

The problem with most hand lotions is they contain oils that will stain the carving. My wife has some stuff she uses for here needlework that won't stain - I'll try to find out the name of it. Another solution might be to use a good lanolin hand lotion, then put on nitrile gloves, then your carving glove. To fix the splits that I get, especially on my thumbs, I use plain old superglue.

Claude

[Jim OH]

Hey Tom, Another solution might be to turn the Leprechauns into Santas ;O) or wear gloves.

[Midnight Carver]

I have had pretty good luck with "Gold Bond Ultimate Healing". It's actually foot cream but worked good for my knuckles. I put it on thick right before heading to bed so I don't have to worry about getting oil over everything I touch.

Eric

[Kadiddle]

Zims Crack Creme works for me. It does have creme or liquid in a pump.
Carve On,
Kadiddle

[Magicman]

Hi Tom
"UTTER-BALM" You can find it in Tractor Supply stores or Farm Stores. I think Walmart also carrys it. A lot of bartenders use it because their hands are in water a lot washing glasses thus causing the cracks. It does a good job.
Larry

[Tom Ellis]

Tom, try some good ol superglue. Works for my wife. I just can't let her touch my carvings for awhile. Your own saliva will help get rid of that red wood also.
Don' ask me how I know.

Tom