I have used glycerin to help with chapped hands in the winter. Use about a nickle size drop on your hands and then run one hand under water and then rub together. You've used too much if your hands feel sticky. A biochemist friend recommended this for my bodhran since glyerin will naturally dissolve after a time without leaving a residue. At least that's what I think he said. Any other biochemists out there who can confirm this? You can buy glycerin at a drug store and it is very cheap.
good luck.
Emily S (formerly emily b)