Looking for ways to tackle those pesky calluses on your fingers? Take a close look at your hands. Calluses are a common issue that many people face, and while they’re normal, you don’t have to put up with them. Let’s dive into how you can get rid of them.
A callus is a thickened area of skin that forms due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. While they’re usually painless, neglecting them over time can lead to issues like infections or prolonged pain because of ulceration.
Calluses are part of your skin’s natural defense mechanisms and can develop in response to long-lasting inflammation, infections, sun exposure, or irritating chemicals. They’re especially common on fingers and hands from activities that involve a lot of handwork. People such as construction workers, gardeners, mechanics, guitar players, and athletes often deal with finger calluses.
Here are some proven tips to prevent and get rid of calluses on your fingers:
1. Wear gloves to reduce the risk of developing calluses. Gloves act as a barrier between your hands and the objects you’re handling, so make sure you’re using them regularly in activities that can cause friction.
2. Protective coverings can also help. Use them to create a safe way to avoid calluses.
3. Believe it or not, too much water exposure can dry out your hands. Limit baths and showers to 15 minutes or less and avoid hot water. Saltwater can also dry out your skin.
4. Use warm water instead of hot water for baths to prevent calluses.
5. Keep your hands moisturized. After washing, pat your hands dry instead of rubbing them with a towel.
6. Soften calluses by soaking them in warm water for five to ten minutes before bed, then apply lotion to the area.
7. Try caster oil as a natural remedy to soften calluses. Dip a cotton swab in the oil, place it on the callus, and secure it with a bandage.
8. Baking soda can help exfoliate. Add 2 tablespoons to warm water, soak your hands for 15 minutes, use a pumice stone to buff the calluses, and then apply lotion.
9. Vitamin E can improve skin health. Apply it directly by emptying a gel capsule onto the callus and rub it in regularly.
10. Massage the callused area to improve blood flow, which can help in removing dead skin cells.
11. Epsom salt is a gentle exfoliant. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons to warm water, soak your hands, and then gently remove the callus.
12. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. Add a few drops to hot water and soak your fingers, but don’t exceed 15 minutes as it is quite strong. Moisturize afterward.
13. Use a slice of lemon on the callus overnight. Secure it with a bandage and repeat until the callus disappears.
14. Apple cider vinegar can soften calluses. Soak the callus in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a pumice stone.
15. Reduce friction and pressure on affected areas using callus protectors, gloves, or padded gloves to help them heal over time.
16. An onion can be used as another natural remedy. Dip a slice in vinegar, apply it to the callus, secure it with a bandage, and leave it overnight, repeating the process until the callus softens.
