Rough, sore or cracked skin on areas that have been left wet and exposed to the wind or cold. Chapping usually occurs on the hands, face or lips, when the natural oils which keep the skin soft are depleted.

Treatment - Practical Advice.

To prevent chapped hands, wear gloves when doing household chores, and avoid immersing hands in water as much as possible. Always dry hands thoroughly and apply a rich lanolin-based hand cream. If the skin on the face is chapped, always apply moisturizer before going outside. In winter, place bowls of water around the house to counteract the dry air caused by central heating, which draws moisture out of your skin. For chapped lips, always apply a lip salve before going outside during the winter; apply sunscreen in summer.

Dietary.

Continuously chapped skin may indicate a dietary deficiency. Ensure you incorporate plenty of fatty acids in your diet by eating sufficient vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, or safflower). Increase intake of vitamin D, obtained by exposure to sunlight, and vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, egg yolk, mackerel and liver, carrots and carrot juice. Vitamin E oil or cream rubbed into the skin can also help.

Aromatherapy

Once a week steam the face over a basin of hot water to which 2 drops of geranium have been added. Then add 2 drops of either chamomile, patchouli or lavender (or one drop each of the last 2) to 10 ml carrier oil or lotion and massage into skin.

Homeopathy

Take 3 times daily for up to 4 days, repeat if necessary:

Deep cracks with a watery discharge: Petroleum 6c. Cracks and chapping with the formation of a yellow crust: Graphites 6c. Cracks in the middle of the lips from exposure to sea air: Natrum muriaticum 6c.

Orthodox

Doctors recommend the practical advice above.