David Blaine: Soggy Skin Stunt

What does Blaine get for spending 7 days underwater?	Dangerously dishpan hands!

Dermatologists worldwide watched as illusionist David Blaine emerged from his tank. Though he hadn't broken the holding-ones-breath record, he had managed to stay underwater for a full seven days, putting his health at risk. His skin health, that is. Humans are not aquatic mammals, now proven by the marked chapping and epidermal sloughing of Blaine's palms. While motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel has broken most of the bones in his body, Blaine has also suffered for his art, with a severe case of dish pan hands. Though not a dermatologist, Blaine's doctor had his priorities straight. What was the first assessment made of David's health when returned to dry land? Did they immediately record his blood pressure? An EKG to check his heart? Did they measure his pulse? No, they quickly and efficiently scrutinized his palm skin and fingernails to make sure they were intact. TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis) is a life threatening allergic reaction that can cause severe skin blistering. Occlusive dressings, antibiotics, and supportive care are used to nurse these intensely ill patients back to health. If necessary, similiar techniques can be employed to restore Blaine's palms to their original supple state. Thank goodness his tattoos and killer abs weren't similarly endangered. Still, our word to the kids out there--don't try this at home.