Cherrydene - when I lived in WI my face and hands would get so dry they would crack and bleed. And then i found EMU OIL. It is secreted by the Emu in some gland of some sort in their chests i think. They use it themselves to preen. I am not sure if this can be harvested from the bird while it is alive, or not. I have however seen Emu steaks - so like with tallow and lard, I am in the camp "Hey, I am helping to use up everything but the squeal!"
In its pure, unadulterated form it is insanely moisturizing. You need the tiniest bit to moisturize a large area of skin. If things got bad, I would slather all over my hands and then put on gloves before bed. I kept a little container everywhere, and slathered it on every time it crossed my mind.
I used it all over - even as a lip balm. I don't need to use it any more in GA, but I may just get some in the spirit of all the warm fuzzies it just conjured up! I kept my excess refrigerated, so as to ****** any spoilage and it kept a good long while.
I purchased mine from an Emu farmer in WI, but I think I have started to see it many places. My recommendation would be to get 100% pure - no preservatives or anything. Finally - Conair makes these mitt things that heat up - they look like thumbless mittens with a power cord. I have put on lotion, popped my hands into bags, then into the mitts, and sat down to breathe for a half hour. The heat drives the moisturizer in - and feels yummy too.
Hope all this helps! I know how painful it can be!
Best to you, Clarice
