How to effectively care for and prevent calluses on hands

Table of Contents

• What are calluses on hands?
• What causes calloused hands?
• Clinical context: Differentiating calluses on hands
• How to effectively treat and reduce calluses on hands
• The science behind E45: Sustained barrier repair for callused hands
• E45 sustained barrier repair protocol: Prevention & long-term management
• When to see a doctor for calloused hands
• Conclusion
• FAQ: Lotion vs cream

What causes calloused hands?

Calluses develop when skin is repeatedly subjected to rubbing or pressure. This process encourages your body to make extra amounts of a tough protein called keratin. This leads to the thickening of the outermost skin layer, which is the technical name for the process known as hyperkeratosis. It simply means the skin is building its own natural, thickened cushion in response to stress. This often happens because of certain everyday activities.

Calluses from athletic activities

You might notice calluses if you take part in sports that involve repetitive gripping or direct contact, such as weightlifting, gymnastics, rock climbing, rowing, or cycling. These often appear on the fingers and the lower part of the palm due to the constant pressure of holding equipment.

• It can be helpful to wear appropriate gloves or protective gear.
• It’s important to make sure you’re using the proper grip technique to evenly distribute pressure.
• After your activity, you could gently file any thickened skin to keep it manageable.

E45 tip: Applying E45 Cream or E45 Rich 24hr Cream generously after a shower and before bed is key to maintaining your skin’s suppleness and elasticity, which may help slow down new callus formation.

Calluses from manual labour

If your job requires frequent use of tools or hands-on work, you’re likely to see calluses. This is very common for people in construction, gardening, carpentry, mechanics, or farming.

• You might find that well-fitting protective gloves are useful.
• Regularly checking your tools for ergonomic grips can help reduce pressure points.
• It’s wise to address calluses proactively before they start causing discomfort or become painful.

E45 tip: Before and after your work, applying E45 Cream can help create a protective barrier and provide intense moisturisation, which can prevent the skin from hardening and cracking.

Calluses from digital device use

Modern technology, particularly extensive use of smartphones or mobile gaming, can also lead to friction-related calluses. This can show up as thumb calluses from game controllers or finger and palm calluses from prolonged gripping of a smartphone or tablet.

• Taking frequent breaks from the device can really make a difference.
• It can be helpful to consider ergonomic grips or cases for your devices.
• Varying your hand positions during prolonged use is important.

E45 tip: For a light, frequent application, E45 Daily Care Hydrating Lotion can keep the skin hydrated, helping to prevent the localised dryness that might make callus development worse.

Recognising why your skin thickens is the first step, as calluses are simply your body’s way of protecting itself from friction caused by sports, work, or even your phone. To keep your hands soft, using protective gear and keeping the skin well-moisturised is helpful for slowing down the build-up of hard skin.

How to effectively treat and reduce calluses on hands

Looking after calluses involves softening the thickened skin, gently reducing the thickness, and consistent maintenance. The goal is to ease any discomfort and restore skin texture without causing further irritation or injury.

Immediate home care steps

1. Soak the affected hand: Submerge hands in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to soften the callus.
2. Gently exfoliate: While skin is soft, use a pumice stone or emery board to carefully rub away dead skin layers. Avoid excessive force.
3. Moisturise thoroughly: Immediately after filing, apply a rich emollient. Using a cream can help lock in moisture and continue the softening process.

Over-the-counter solutions

For more stubborn calluses, over-the-counter products with specific ingredients can be helpful.

• Urea-based creams: These help chemically break down thickened skin.
• Salicylic acid patches/liquids: These should be used with caution, particularly if your skin is sensitive or broken. Crucially, they are not suitable for people with diabetes or poor circulation, so always seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor before use.

When professional reduction is helpful

If home remedies are ineffective, the callus is exceptionally painful, or if you have underlying health conditions, professional reduction by a healthcare professional may be useful. They can safely trim or pare down the callus using sterile instruments.