QI notice that during in the winter months, my hands get really dry. Sometimes they even crack. Besides using lotion, is there anything else I can do to prevent such dry skin?

AYes, there are some additional things you can do to prevent that annoying winter dryness. Avoid using drying or deodorant soaps. Use unscented moisturizers, multiple times each day. If your skin is really dry, an ointment or Vaseline petroleum jelly penetrates better than lotion. Use bath oil in the tub, or mineral oil right after bathing, apply moisturizer, and then cover with cotton or plastic gloves at bedtime. UHS has handouts available on Atopic (Allergic) Dermatitis and Hand Dermatitis in the General Medicine clinic. More information is also available on the UHS Web site at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/dryskin.htm or at the American Academy of Dermatology's Web site at www.aad.org.

Q Lately, I've had really brittle fingernails. They get to a certain length and snag something and break. Is there any way I can improve the strength of my nails, short of never using my hands? Also, what causes hangnails and how can I prevent them?

A Hangnails are usually the result of dry skin and trauma. Keep the skin around the nails moist by using moisturizers and avoid "playing with" the cuticle. Brittle nails may represent a vitamin deficiency. Taking a multiple vitamin daily should help. If it continues after three months of taking a multiple vitamin, you should consult a physician.

Q I heard that Ritenour doesn't give out class excuses anymore. Is that true?

A It depends on how sick you are. If you have experienced a significant, prolonged illness or injury lasting at least a week, University Health Services may provide a Verification of Significant Illness form or class excuse. Students may request the verification during their UHS clinician visit or may call the General Medicine Department advice nurse at 863-4463 or the Women's Health Department advice nurse at 863-2633.

However, these verifications will not be provided for routine or less serious illnesses, such as colds and flu-like or self-limited gastrointestinal illnesses. Verification will only be provided for serious illnesses for which UHS clinicians have provided service or for which the appropriate medical documentation from outside clinicians is provided to UHS.

For routine illness-related absences, you should inform your instructor as soon as possible, ideally before you miss a class or exam.

A good analogy might be how you would handle missing work; you would call your boss ahead of time to let him or her know that you won't be in to work that day.

This policy went into effect last fall and is consistent with a modification of Faculty Senate Policy and was made in consultation with the Faculty Senate Committee on Undergraduate Education.