Writer's callus is a thick bump of dead skin that forms on the fingers to protect sensitive skin from pressure and friction caused by the rubbing of a pen or pencil. It is generally not painful or dangerous; it is simply a defense reaction of the organism. There are several methods to remove it, simple and painless.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Caring for Writer's Callus at Home
Step 1. Reduce the amount of pressure you put on your fingers when writing
Since callus is nothing more than a body's defense mechanism to avoid irritating sensitive skin, you can get rid of it simply by reducing friction when writing.
Loosen your grip on the pen or pencil. If you are squeezing it too tightly, it is very likely that it is pressing and rubbing too much against the skin. Take short breaks when writing and stretch your fingers and hand a bit to remind yourself not to over-tighten them and not to squeeze the pen too hard
Step 2. Protect your hand further by wearing a soft glove or using a skin patch for padding
This allows you to cushion the impact of direct rubbing on the skin.
- If the weather is too hot to comfortably wear a thin glove, protect the area by placing a plaster or skin protection device on your callus when you write.
- You can also make a donut-shaped pad by folding the skin protection patch in half and cutting a semicircle in the center. This allows you to reduce the pressure on the callus.
- Alternatively, you can apply the patch directly to the pen to make the contact with the skin softer.
Step 3. Take a bath and dip your hand in warm soapy water to soften the thick layer of dead skin
Keep your hand underwater until the skin around the callus is wrinkled, then gently massage the thickening area
Step 4. Use natural remedies to soak your hand
Such remedies will allow you to soften and exfoliate the callus. Try several until you find the one that works best for you. Immerse your hand in the solution for at least 10 minutes for best results.
- Soak the callus in warm water and Epsom salt. Follow the directions on the package to find the right concentration of salt in the water.
- Make a solution of warm water and baking soda, which is a natural exfoliant.
- An alternative is to dip your hand in a warm chamomile tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation caused by the friction of the pen or pencil.
- You can also try a blend of castor oil and apple cider vinegar. The oil acts as a moisturizer, while apple cider vinegar helps to soften the skin and promote healing.
Step 5. Scrub the dead skin with a nail file, cardboard, pumice stone, or terry towel
You shouldn't feel pain, because the skin is already dead. However, be careful not to scratch too deeply, to avoid reaching the underlying layer of sensitive skin. You may need to repeat the procedure for several days.
- Do not use pumice stone if you are diabetic, as this will increase the risk of infections.
- Do not cut the callus even with the nail clipper, as you could go too deep and injure yourself.
Step 6. Apply a moisturizer to soften the thickening
Gently massage it into the callus and surrounding skin. You can use a commercially available moisturizer or make a solution at home with the following ingredients:
- Vitamin E oil;
- Coconut oil;
- Olive oil;
- Aloe. You can apply it by purchasing a commercial cream or, if you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can open a leaf and directly extract the viscous gel to apply it on the callus.
Step 7. Apply naturally acidic substances, which you normally use around the house, to soften the callus and peel off dead skin
You can hold them against the callus by using a band-aid. Leave them on for at least a few hours or even overnight, to give them time to act better. Some tests include:
- Wet a cotton ball with lemon juice;
- A piece of cotton wool soaked in vinegar;
- A slice of onion dipped in lemon juice and salt or vinegar.
Method 2 of 2: Apply Medication and Seek Medical Treatment
Step 1. Try over-the-counter medications to remove the callus
There are patches containing salicylic acid that you can apply directly to the thickened area.
- Follow the directions on the package and follow your doctor's recommendations for how often to change the patch. Be very careful when applying these active ingredients, as their contact with the healthy, living skin surrounding the callus causes chemical burns.
- Do not use these remedies if you have diabetes, poor blood circulation or tend to have skin numbness. In these cases, contact your doctor.
Step 2. Apply aspirin as an alternative source of salicylic acid
By breaking a tablet you can prepare a topical medicine to be applied to the callused area.
- Crush five aspirin tablets until they are pulverized, add half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half of water. Mix the three ingredients to form a dough.
- Apply the mixture to the callus, not the surrounding healthy skin.
- Wrap the callus area in cling film and cover it with a warm towel for 10 minutes. Then remove the mixture and scrub any dead skin that has softened.
Step 3. See your doctor if this doesn't work
The doctor will be able to observe the affected area of skin and confirm if it is indeed a callus.
- He may prescribe more aggressive medications to get rid of the thickening.
- In extreme cases he could even remove it with a scalpel.
Step 4. Contact a dermatologist specialist if the callus shows signs of infection
Generally this type of skin change does not cause infection, so if you see any of the following signs, see your doctor to have your skin examined:
- Redness;
- Ache;
- Inflammation
- Leakage of blood or pus.
