Difference between revisions of "Get Rid of a Writer's Callus"
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| − | A writer’s callus, or writer’s bump, is a thick lump of dead skin that forms on the fingers to protect the sensitive skin underneath from the pressure and friction of the pen or pencil rubbing against the skin. They are generally not painful or dangerous. They are just your body’s way of protecting itself. There are several simple, painless ways to remove them.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/definition/con-20014462</ref> | + | A writer’s callus, or writer’s bump, is a thick lump of dead skin that forms on the fingers to protect the sensitive skin underneath from the pressure and friction of the pen or pencil rubbing against the skin. They are generally not painful or dangerous. They are just your body’s way of protecting itself. There are several simple, painless ways to remove them.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/definition/con-20014462</ref> |
| − | [[Category:Hand and Foot Care]] | + | [[Category: Hand and Foot Care]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Provide extra protection for your hand by wearing a soft glove or using moleskin as padding. This will cushion the skin and prevent the pen or pencil from rubbing directly on your skin. | #Provide extra protection for your hand by wearing a soft glove or using moleskin as padding. This will cushion the skin and prevent the pen or pencil from rubbing directly on your skin. | ||
#* If it is too warm to comfortably wear a thin glove, protect just the area with the callus by wearing a Band-Aid or moleskin over the callus when you write. | #* If it is too warm to comfortably wear a thin glove, protect just the area with the callus by wearing a Band-Aid or moleskin over the callus when you write. | ||
| − | #*You can create a donut-shaped pad by folding the moleskin in half and cutting a half circle out of it. Then apply the moleskin donut around the callus. This will reduce the pressure on the callus.<ref>http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-calluses-and-corns#G6xTdgppBqt8BLkf.97</ref> | + | #*You can create a donut-shaped pad by folding the moleskin in half and cutting a half circle out of it. Then apply the moleskin donut around the callus. This will reduce the pressure on the callus.<ref name="rf2">http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/home-remedies/natural-home-remedies-calluses-and-corns#G6xTdgppBqt8BLkf.97</ref> |
#* Or alternatively, you can put the moleskin on the pen or pencil to make it softer. | #* Or alternatively, you can put the moleskin on the pen or pencil to make it softer. | ||
| − | #Take a bath and soak your hand in the warm soapy water to help soften the thick protective layer of dead skin.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20014462</ref> | + | #Take a bath and soak your hand in the warm soapy water to help soften the thick protective layer of dead skin.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20014462</ref> |
#*Keep your hand submerged until the skin around the callus becomes wrinkled and then gently massage the callus. | #*Keep your hand submerged until the skin around the callus becomes wrinkled and then gently massage the callus. | ||
#Use natural remedies to soak your hand. These methods will help soften and exfoliate the callus. You can try them all until you find the one that works the best for you. Soak for at least 10 minutes to get the best results. | #Use natural remedies to soak your hand. These methods will help soften and exfoliate the callus. You can try them all until you find the one that works the best for you. Soak for at least 10 minutes to get the best results. | ||
| − | #* Soak your callus in warm water with Epsom salt dissolved into it. Follow the directions on the box to adjust the concentration of salt to water.<ref | + | #* Soak your callus in warm water with Epsom salt dissolved into it. Follow the directions on the box to adjust the concentration of salt to water.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Create a solution of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda is a natural exfoliant. | #* Create a solution of warm water and baking soda. Baking soda is a natural exfoliant. | ||
#* Or alternatively, soak your hand in warm chamomile tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which will soothe irritation from the pen or pencil rubbing. | #* Or alternatively, soak your hand in warm chamomile tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which will soothe irritation from the pen or pencil rubbing. | ||
#* You can also try a warm mixture of castor oil and apple cider vinegar. The oil will have a moisturizing effect and the acid in the vinegar will help soften the skin and promote healing. | #* You can also try a warm mixture of castor oil and apple cider vinegar. The oil will have a moisturizing effect and the acid in the vinegar will help soften the skin and promote healing. | ||
| − | #Rub the dead skin away with a nail file, emery board, pumice stone, or washcloth.<ref | + | #Rub the dead skin away with a nail file, emery board, pumice stone, or washcloth.<ref name="rf3" /> This should not cause pain because the skin is already dead. Do not grind down so deeply that you hit sensitive, live skin underneath. You may need to do this repeatedly over several days. |
| − | #* Do not use a pumice stone if you have diabetes because it increases your risk of infection.<ref | + | #* Do not use a pumice stone if you have diabetes because it increases your risk of infection.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #* Do not cut or clip the callus away as this increases your chances of going too deep and injuring yourself.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/treatment/con-20014462</ref> | + | #* Do not cut or clip the callus away as this increases your chances of going too deep and injuring yourself.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/basics/treatment/con-20014462</ref> |
#Apply moisturizers to soften the callus. Gently massage the moisturizer into the callus and surrounding skin. You can use commercially manufactured moisturizers or various home-remedies including: | #Apply moisturizers to soften the callus. Gently massage the moisturizer into the callus and surrounding skin. You can use commercially manufactured moisturizers or various home-remedies including: | ||
#* Vitamin E oil | #* Vitamin E oil | ||
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#* A slice of raw onion, soaked in lemon juice and salt or vinegar | #* A slice of raw onion, soaked in lemon juice and salt or vinegar | ||
| + | [[file:Kipkis.com-get-rid-of-a-writer-s-callus.jpg|center|thumb|500px|Image: Wikihow]] | ||
===Applying Medications and Seeking Medical Care=== | ===Applying Medications and Seeking Medical Care=== | ||
| − | #Try over-the-counter medications for removing calluses. Patches containing salicylic acid are available which you can put on the callus.<ref | + | #Try over-the-counter medications for removing calluses. Patches containing salicylic acid are available which you can put on the callus.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your doctor’s recommendations for how often to change the patch.<ref | + | #* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your doctor’s recommendations for how often to change the patch.<ref name="rf4" /> These medications must be applied carefully, because if they come in contact with the healthy, live skin around the callus, they may cause chemical burns.<ref name="rf5">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-corns-calluses-treatment</ref> |
| − | #* Do not use these methods if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or are prone to numbness. In this case, consult your doctor.<ref | + | #* Do not use these methods if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or are prone to numbness. In this case, consult your doctor.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Apply aspirin as an alternative source of salicylic acid. By crushing up aspirin tablets, you can make your own topical medicine and apply it.<ref | + | #Apply aspirin as an alternative source of salicylic acid. By crushing up aspirin tablets, you can make your own topical medicine and apply it.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Grind five aspirin tablets into a powder and add a half teaspoon lemon juice and a half teaspoon water. Mix until a paste forms. | #* Grind five aspirin tablets into a powder and add a half teaspoon lemon juice and a half teaspoon water. Mix until a paste forms. | ||
#* Apply the paste to the callus, not to the healthy, live skin surrounding it. | #* Apply the paste to the callus, not to the healthy, live skin surrounding it. | ||
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#See a doctor if these methods do not help. The doctor will be able to examine it to confirm that it is a callus. | #See a doctor if these methods do not help. The doctor will be able to examine it to confirm that it is a callus. | ||
#* The doctor may prescribe a stronger medication to get rid of the callus. | #* The doctor may prescribe a stronger medication to get rid of the callus. | ||
| − | #* In extreme cases, the doctor may remove it with a scalpel.<ref | + | #* In extreme cases, the doctor may remove it with a scalpel.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Contact a medical professional if your callus shows signs of being infected. Calluses generally are not associated with infection, so if yours shows any of these symptoms, it should be examined by a doctor:<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001232.htm</ref> | + | #Contact a medical professional if your callus shows signs of being infected. Calluses generally are not associated with infection, so if yours shows any of these symptoms, it should be examined by a doctor:<ref name="rf6">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001232.htm</ref> |
#* Redness | #* Redness | ||
#* Pain | #* Pain | ||
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==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
| − | *Do not apply hydrocortisone creams. These are for rashes and will not help.<ref | + | *Do not apply hydrocortisone creams. These are for rashes and will not help.<ref name="rf5" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
| − | *If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood circulation, consult your doctor before beginning any home treatment.<ref | + | *If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood circulation, consult your doctor before beginning any home treatment.<ref name="rf3" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
