MY WONDER TREATMENT . . .VASELINE

A SMALL pot can cost around £ 1.50, but as a stand- by treatment for skin problems, Vaseline is unrivalled.

The secret is the paraffin. This acts as a barrier to stop harmful organisms, irritants or potential allergens penetrating the skin when it is vulnerable (for example after surgery or when the skin is broken or raw). It also works to prevent water loss from the surface, so helps keep skin supple.

As well as using it to treat surgery wounds (see left), it’s suitable for everyday problems such as dry skin, inflamed areas (eczema and psoriasis) and itchy skin (dermatitis). You can rub it into dry nails, or use it for a host of minor first aid problems.

My sons know it as ‘ special cream’ because when they were young I always used to say to them: ‘What that needs is some special cream on it!’

But do not smoke near bandages/cloths soaked in Vaseline as they will be flammable.

BLISTERS

PAINFUL, clear, fluid- filled swellings on the skin (blisters) can result from numerous different causes. The most common are burns, friction, trauma, bites and skin infections/allergies.

Whatever the cause, the immediate treatment is the same. Wash the skin with soap and water and puncture the blister close to its base with a sterile needle (it can be cleaned with alcohol hand gel or passed through a flame and cooled).

Gently press down on the blister with a clean tissue so the liquid comes out. Try to keep the roof on as this will help to reduce pain and protect the underlying raw skin from infection.

Cover the blister with Vaseline

and a plaster (blister plasters protect the skin and help to reduce pain). CUTS AND WOUNDS

CONTRARY to what we were told as children (‘keep it dry’), keeping the wound surface moist is best for healing. Plain Vaseline smeared on to the wound and covered is ideal.

MILD BURNS

FIRST, you need to cool the area. If you can, put the burnt skin under cold water immediately. Any delay in cooling can cause the effects of the burn — such as blistering and pain — to be much worse. The key is to keep the skin under the cold, running tap for much longer than you think will be necessary (usually about five to ten minutes).

Burns can be covered with cling film. This is especially helpful if blisters appear in the burnt skin. If it is a finger/hand that is burnt/blistering, then after the cold water/ice treatment apply Vaseline and put cling film over it to keep the ointment on and keep the air off it for 24 hours.

DRY, CRACKED LIPS

CRACKED lips or corners of the mouth are common when the weather is cold and wet, as air and wind suck moisture out of the skin. If it rains or if you lick your lips, the cold air leads to evaporation and drying.

Because the lips feel dry, there is a tendency to lick them (often subconsciously) and this makes them worse.

Saliva contains enzymes and chemicals that irritate the dry and inflamed skin.

Regularly applying Vaseline or lip salve is effective at helping to heal the lips and stops you licking them, too.