In a message dated 1/22/2001 2:55:24 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  If you use rubbing alcohol to clean propolis off your hands you
 are likely to develop a propolis contact allergy that makes the skin fall
 off and is very itchy. >>

I usually use mineral spirits or other petroleum based solvent to remove
propolis.  Being a machinist, I have used mineral spirits as the 'Universal
Solvent' around the machine shop for about 30 years.  I used to get itchy
skin because the mineral spirits would remove the natural oils from my skin.
I solved that problem by mixing in about 20% clear mineral oil with the
mineral spirits. I believe the mineral oil by itself would remove the
propolis from your skin.

Clear mineral oil can be obtained from the pharmacy.  It is used as a
laxative.  If you can drink it, it probably won't hurt your skin. (Please
feel free to correct me on that.)  I am unfamiliar with the "propolis contact
allergy" being exacerbated by the use of alcohol.  Could you please expand of
this a bit for me?

Thank you kindly,
Bob Bassett - Still willing to learn something new.