February 2017

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Page A24 FEBRUARY 2017 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A
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By Matt Black
Embalming
Tips & Tools
The Importance
of Hands (Part 2)
Pre-embalming analysis of the arms and hands is a very impor-
tant focus for embalmers. In our last issue we discussed just how
important the hands are.
Once the body reaches the prep room, it is necessary for the
embalmer to do a case analysis with a focus on the hands and
arms. Special arterial embalming treatments may be necessary
depending on condition of the hands and arms. As we know,
the embalming process will fix the proteins and we do not want
to do that in the pre-embalming analysis.
Case analysis of the hands is necessary because each case pres-
ents its own level of difficulty. Common problems the embalm-
er may encounter include: edema, emaciation, dehydration, skin
slip and post mortem discoloration.
Addressing these situations begins with disinfection of the
hands and arms.
• Thorough washing, cleaning and disinfection of the hands
and arms can be done with topical embalming spray and a
germicidal soap.
• Unnatural stains on the tissue such as dirt, grease and topi-
cal medicine residue should be removed. Embalmers should
pay close attention to personal identifiers from the tobacco
stained fingers and stains from mechanic hands. It’s always
wise to ask before removing these stains. The family could
have special connections to these stains on the hands.
• Embalmers frequently overlook and fail to remove dried
blood, fecal material, grit and other substances that can be
found under the nails and on the hands. This area is a breed-
ing ground for bacteria, odor and the start of decomposition
which is the enemy of the embalmer.
• This cleaning process can be performed with a germicidal
soap and a nail brush. An orange stick or the tip of a nail file
work well to remove debris from under the nail. Cleaning
under and around nails before injection is much easier than
waiting until after you have done the arterial work. When
cleaning the debris from under the nails, great care should be
taken not to damage or puncture the skin.
• Trimming and filing of the fingernails is also very important.
Removing existing fingernail polish is recommended at this
time. Nail polish can be removed with acetone or non-ace-
tone remover, and hydrocarbon solvent. An acetone base will
remove tough polishes more efficiently. An effective tech-
nique for removing glitter or gel coat polishes is to place a
soaked cotton pad over the nail and wrap with aluminum
• Restore natural contour of skin such as the finger tips; and
• Prevent tissue shrinkage.
Embalmers who are not currently using humectant injection
accessory chemicals as a standard component in preparation
may be overlooking a simple yet highly effective means for en-
hanced results. Using massage cream or humectant injection
accessory chemicals as a pre-embalming treatment allows the
skin tissue to be more conditioned for cosmetics or further re-
storative work.
Using humectant injection accessory chemicals as topical
conditioner on the skin has become very popular. Spraying the
chemical on the hands and arms as pre-embalming treatment
will condition the skin.
If the hands and fingers are greatly emaciated or dehydrated,
soaking Webril toweling with humectant injection accessory
chemical and wrapping the fingers and hands with the satu-
rated Webril will help plump the fingers and hands. By allow-
ing the chemical to work for about 30 minutes, the skin will be
rehydrated. It will also help round the fingertips and will help
restore pliability to the skin.
As evidenced by the many and varied uses, it becomes clear
that humectant arterial accessory chemicals are unique and can
be very helpful. Many embalmers prefer a humectant injection
accessory chemical that contains no oils, animal fats, lanolin or
emulsified fat. These synthetic water soluble humectants work
on a biophysical action.
A few humectant injection accessory chemicals are unique
because they can be used as an arterial chemical and a topi-
cal treatment chemical. Using a humectant injection accessory
chemical that is designed as a topical treatment will control de-
hydration, restore cellular hydration, control tissue shrinkage,
velvetize skin tissue for a more natural appearance and restore
natural contour.
Using a humectant injection accessory chemical as a topical
treatment will improve the skin’s overall appearance and allow
for more cosmetic foundation effects and a more natural ap-
pearance to the hands.
In our next installment, we will discuss assessing the tissues
of the hands, possible chemical interventions for bruising and
discolorations, and the ever-present bruising that we see on the
hands of the deceased on a daily basis.
Matt Black has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer
in the State of Pennsylvania for over 20 years. He represents The
Dodge Company in Central and Western Pennsylvania. In addi-
tion to being a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortu-
ary Science, Matt also holds degrees in Bio-Medical Engineering
Technology and Industrial Management. Matt has also attended
the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills,
Springfield, MO, and is licensed in eye and corneal enucleation. He
has presented at Dodge Embalming Seminars as well as numer-
ous local seminars in Pennsylvania. He can be reached by email at
foil for a few minutes. This loosens the polish for easier removal.
A fresh application of polish can be applied after embalming.
• The cuticles can be softened with massage cream or humectant
injection accessory chemical. They can be trimmed or pushed
back with an orange stick.
After cleaning and disinfection of the arms and hands, you should
focus on rigor mortis in the arms and hands. Although up to now
you have been working with the arms and hands, trace amounts of
rigor mortis can still be present. The rigor mortis can be removed
through repeated manipulation, flexing and massaging of the
hands, fingers, wrist and arms. However, avoid excessive manipula-
tion of the hands and arms. This could damage capillaries and cause
swelling during arterial injections treatment. Recall that when rig-
or mortis is relieved in a dignified manner, better distribution and
drainage can be expected during your arterial injection.
Manipulation of the hands and arms will allow for a more natural
hand posture and position. Positioning the hands is normally deter-
mined by local funeral home customs. For example, if it is custom-
ary in a given area that the hands are relaxed but cupped, you can
achieve this by using either a towel or paper towels. Simply ball up
the towel or paper towels and place them in the cupped hands. This
eliminates the “straight as a board” flat appearance that we have all
seen. It is an unnatural look and can be eliminated easily.
It is common to apply massage cream or humectant injection ac-
cessory chemical to the hands and arms prior to embalming. This
practice will:
• Help relieve dehydration and will condition and protect the skin
during the embalming procedure;
• Assist with cosmetics techniques and a more natural look of the
hands after embalming;
• Provide a moisture layer and lubricating factor, helping with
massage and manipulation of the arms and hands during em-
balming; and
• Provide an extra layer of moisture to protect the delicate skin
prior to embalming.
Check with your mortuary chemical sales representative on the
various uses for their humectant injection accessory chemicals. Not
all humectant injection accessory chemicals are formulated for topi-
cal application. Some humectant accessory chemicals use animal fat
lanolin as the humectant component while others use a chemical
water soluble humectant. The water soluble humectants are more
efficient as a topical treatment and as an arterial injection chemical.
A spray applicator attached to a humectant injection accessory
chemical to spray the hands and arms has been used by many em-
balmers over the years. The late Don Sawyer and present speaker
Jack Adams have written and spoken about these techniques for
many years. When used topically prior to and during embalming
these humectant can:
• Help control dehydration;
• Restore cellular hydration;