Invalid?

Well, not really. A spot of bursitis on my left elbow - badly swollen a few days ago and inflamed so I went to the doc for some antibiotics. Sometimes known as student's elbow or Popeye elbow for obvious reasons.

That's actually not my arm, but one like it.  Like it was a couple of days back. But now the inflammation has spread somewhat.

Secondly, my gum is inflamed at top left, after dentist instructions I am applying more aggressive cleaning and home-brew mouth-wash (Ali having decried the commercial stuff as unsafe) whilst waiting for a hygienist appointment.

And thirdly my ongoing application of Boots' heel balm to combat cracks on my feet and hands.

The bursitis has left me feeling somewhat under the weather but, thankfully and oh bliss, sleeping 9 or 10 hours each night. I think I shall live. At least it's not my right arm! The doc says it came about maybe simply by resting my weight on the left elbow whilst working at my desk - which I do.

Cracked heel balm 2

The cracked heel balm I posted about a few weeks back really is working. The bad crack under my left great toe has healed and I have not had to resort to super-glue even once since I started using it. So I can thoroughly recommend it to would be barefoot runners.

I started off applying it morning and evening as per instructions but now find I only need to use it once a day if that.

I guess the next thing is to see if I can make my own - where does one buy urea I wonder?

Cracked Heel Balm

I've mentioned before the problem I have had with cracks opening up in the crease under my big toes, as well as cracks on my heels. I've tried applying coconut oil and removing dead skin but with limited success. Web research suggested I should try a cream with urea in it. So I was in Boots the chemist and noticed their Cracked Heel Balm with 25% urea, and made an executive financial decision.

It's amazing stuff! It is quickly absorbed so application is not messy, and it keeps the skin moisturised for ages. I started applying morning and evening per instructions but now use it only in the mornings and the cracks are healing.

I think it is still necessary to exfoliate to stop the skin getting too thick at those creases so my sand-paper method is still valid.