Paul McBride, age 11, of Springfield, Ill., for his question:

WHAT CAUSES CHAPPING?

When the skin becomes excessively dry, reddened, rough and cracked, the condition is called chapping. The primary cause of this chapping is dehydration, or loss of moisture from the outer layer of the skin.

Dehydration causes loss of flexibility and considerable brittleness, which can lead to cracks, the condition commonly referred to as chapped skin.

Chapping often occurs when there is a sudden drop of humidity, as in cold weather, because in a cold; dry atmosphere the outer layer of skin loses water to the air.

Frequent contact with water, incomplete drying of the skin, as well as excessive use of soaps, detergents and other chemicals may also alter the outer layer so that its water holding capacity decreases and chapping results.

Chapping can be counteracted by restricting the frequency of washing, exercising special care to dry the skin after bathing and limiting the use of soaps and detergents. It is also a good idea to wear protective rubber gloves for household tasks requiring the hands to be in water.

The liberal use of lubricating creams and lotions helps to correct chapping problems.