Your hands take lots of abuse. Detergents strip away natural oils, and water and weather alone can cause chapping. Rubber gloves are a good idea, but if you already have splits in your skin or some sort of dermatitis, they should not be put directly on your hands. [A pair of cotton gloves beneath the rubber ones will absorb perspiration and prevent re-infection.] Also, do not use cornstarch in the gloves; it can promote the growth of micro-organisms. If you want to use something to absorb the moisture, try plain, unscented talcum powder.

As for toenails and fingernails, the best remedy for problems is diet. Gelatin is commonly accepted as the cure for weak nails, but this is a misconception. The nails do need protein, but gelatin is a poor supplier. Not only are two essential amino acids missing, but another amino acid, glycine, is supplied in amounts you do not need. Foods rich in sulphur, such as egg yolks, should be part of your diet, and desiccated liver [powder or tablets] should be taken as a supplement.

Supplements

Multiple-vitamin and mineral complex – 1 daily

Take after any meal. Promotes general skin health and growth of nails.

В Complex, 100 mg. [time release] – 1 daily. Take after any meal. Helps build resistance to fungus infections and vital to nail growth.

Vitamin A, 25,000 IU – 1 daily 6 days a week

Take after any meal. Helps to prevent splitting nails.

Vitamin E, 10O400 IU – 1-2 daily Take in a.m. and p.m. Necessary for proper utilization of vitamin A.

Multiple chelated minerals – 1 daily Take after any meal. Iron helps strengthen brittle nails; zinc gets rid of white spots.

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GENERAL HEALTH