Calluses are parts of
the skin that contain become toughened and thick due to frequent pressure and
contact. For some people, having callused skin, especially on the hands or
areas that are frequently handled by others, can make one very self-conscious.
Really not that calluses are a reason of shame - it's just that with today's
standard of beauty, having soft skin area (especially for women) is a must.
Since calluses are
formed due to frequent contact with something, most people develop calluses on
the hands and the feet. People in whose jobs or hobbies frequently involve hand
or toes activity are particularly at risk of calluses. For example, guitar
players develop calluses on the fingers of their playing hand due to pressure
and frequent contact with the guitar strings. Weight-lifters and construction
staff have calluses on their hands as a result of frequent handling of heavy
materials and equipment; in spite of protective gloves, frequent heavy activity
results in calluses on the damaged area. Even video game enthusiasts develop
calluses on their thumbs due to the regular pushing of the buttons; calluses
also develop on the sides of their pointer fingers if they're using
non-ergonomic control pads.
Calluses are not
really harmful to you; they're quite the face-to-face, actually. Calluses are
the body's way of guarding your skin against the pressure and friction that is
subjected to it. Without calluses, your body would be prone to lacerations and
infection. Believe how uncomfortable and unpleasant it could be to have the
soles of your toes shredded whenever you run or you grimace in pain whenever
you lift up rough, heavy objects. The calluses are there to protect you by
toughening you up.
If you still want to
become softer your skin and eliminate those calluses, you can try several
methods to reduce them.
Wear comfortable
shoes and footwear. Shoes that do not restrict your feet or pack them up like
sardines are, by far, the best way to reduce those calluses. Tight or poorly-fitted
shoes tend to cause your toes to rub against each other, creating scrubbing
and, you guessed it, calluses. Tight shoes also restrict the movements inside
the shoe when you walk, putting your toes in frequent contact with the sole. A
boot with a comfortable fit allows your foot deep breathing space, so to speak.
Choose shoes with a
soft insole, preferably the one which allows you to "dig in" when you
step on them. Pressure will be lessened when you do so and there won't be much
scrubbing, either. Good foot cushioning is going a long way in treating your
calluses. The calluses may take a little while to disappear, so if you don't
see any effect instantly, avoid lose hope.
As an aside, your
foot will less likely develop any structural issues like hammertoes or bunions
if you wear comfortable shoes. Although this is usually a consideration aiimed
at women who wear ill-fitting ladies high heel sandals, men who wear boots that
are not well-adjusted are at risk to growing structural foot problems as well.
Wear gloves or other
padded protection when working with your hands and knees. Construction staff
are especially at risk of thick and hardened calluses due to the nature of
their job. Wearing padded hand protection with a comfortable fit will alleviate
and decrease the challenge of developing calluses. Make sure that the gloves
fit well; very loose gloves will do the other and irritate your skin more
through the regular friction they produce. Also, choose a baseball glove that
is durable and does not tear easily. Nothing is more frustrating than having
one part of your palm uncovered. It might get around rather than just give you
calluses; it could tender spot your hand instead.
If the job entails
having to kneel down all the time, proper padding put on the knees will help
reduce or eliminate the calluses that usually form in this area.
On a regular basis
soak and scrub your feet. Soaking your ft in a remedy for about ten minutes
daily and then scrubbing these a pumice stone is a frequent and effective way
to getting rid of your foot calluses. A common solution is Epsom debris,
vinegar and salicylic acidity mixed with warm normal water.
Pumice stones can be
bought at any drug-store or drugstore that offers foot pads or pedicure items.
They are abrasives that are exquisite for getting rid of dry or dead pores and
skin above the bottom of the foot.
For those who have
diabetes, however, be careful when scrubbing your foot or, to be on the safe
side, don't rinse them at all. Simply use a rough bath towel to get rid of the
excess epidermis. It might take more hours, but you will not risk cutting your
skin area and getting an disease. Regularly be on the safe side of things.
Work with aspirin to
soften your calluses. Crush five or six tablets of acetylsalicylsäure and mix
these one-half teaspoon of lemon drink and water. Apply the resulting paste to
the damaged area, then cover it with a warm towel and cover it with a plastic
tote. Leave it for about ten minutes and then eliminate the coverings. Scrape
off the calluses with a pumice stone. Again, if you're diabetic, don't try this
treatment. Also, if you are allergic to aspirin, do not use this method.
