From Mr R. I. Dunkley, MRPharmS
SIR,—As you are probably aware, I have an ongoing skin complaint which may or may not be related to the new forms FP10 which I handle (December 18/25, 1999, p971). As part of the investigation of the cause of this complaint, I have been to see a consultant dermatologist in Leeds.
In the course of the consultation, I asked him what to do when the skin splits open on my fingers, as it does with alarming regularity, leaving a very painful gap, which, while not life threatening, leaves the "milk of human kindness" running very thin - as my staff can attest. "Put superglue [cyanoacrylate glue] on it" came his rejoinder. "It will seal the cut and will grow out with the skin."
I thought this a bit extreme, until recently, when my fingers burst apart, leaving a gap that was very painful. After putting a dab of superglue in the gap, all pain ceased - instantly, just like that. I cannot convey in words the relief I obtained.
I pass this tip on to your readers who may, like me, have cuts and splits in their fingers which may be due to the new FP10s. However, there are some caveats:
I offer this tip because it has worked for me. My hands and fingers get very painful, and it has relieved the pain, but please, if you use it, be careful.
Bob Dunkley
Dewsbury
We publish this letter as a matter of interest. By publishing the letter, we do not recommend that pharmacists follow the procedure described.—EDITOR.