Thinning Out Calluses
The skin, under normal situations, work as the body's main shield against the harsh environment. In the earliest ages of Man, where flip-flops and shoes do not exist, Man would traverse the rough earth with their bare foot. We all now reap the benefits of civilization and we no longer have to toil the land bare footed, but in the comfort of our soft and cushioned footwear.
Nonetheless, people would encounter from time to time, calluses. These are the thickened layers of skin near areas of frequent and forceful contact, such as our foot. Naturally, the body would try to compensate in areas of frequent and forceful contact by increasing the amount of skin that area simply just to protect the body. In the case of guitarists, the skin at the fingertips would thicken because of repetitive sliding against guitar strings.
Calluses or tyloma are generally not painful. They are simply aesthetically displeasing for many, because of its dull color and rough feel. Some calluses can become dark because some dirt can trapped in the skin. This can sometimes lead to infection or a painful corn or heloma.
Treatment of calluses at home can be quite simple and effective. Outlined here are some of them:
To reduce further thickening of the skin in the desired area, cover the skin with bandages or soft cloth to protect it from friction. For hands, use comfortable gloves while working. For the feet, consider bandages and trying a different pair or brand of socks or shoes. For the elbows and knees, pads can be worn after wrapping them with bandage.
To soften the skin in finger tips, toes, the palm, elbow and knees, there are several specialized skin creams and lotions that can soften the skin in these desired areas. Most of these lotions would be applied once a day and usually at night. Be sure to read the instructions of your skin products. Over use of these lotions can become detrimental to the quality and thickness of your skin, thereby doing more harm than good. People with sensitive skin must consult their dermatologist of which creams are suitable for their skin type.
To remove thickened layers of skin, one may try to use pumice stone or light sandpapers to remove surface skin cells. This should be done with proper care; overly sanding the skin can cause skin reddening and even injuries, which may lead to infection. This method should not be used frequently.
Lastly, Water is a natural moisturizer and softener. Soaking affected skin areas with warm soapy water can also help in achieving a soft and healthy skin.
One of the most important things to consider in dealing with calluses is to determine the best way to avoid developing them. Remember, pads are of great help for elbows and knees, even before calluses develop. The same goes for a good pair of gloves, socks, and shoes. We live in a very civilized age, and we no longer have to endure the hardships experienced by our nature-dwelling ancestors as we sweat our way through our daily routines.