The new year is the perfect time for reflection and self-improvement. This can mean anything from developing a new habit, learning a new language or getting in shape. If you are one of those people who decided to try lifting to transform your look and your life in 2022, then this article is perfect for you. Here, you will find out more about how lifting can lead to the apparition of calluses and how you can get rid of them. So if you want to find out more about this, keep on reading.
What calluses are and how they appear.
Calluses are the physical responses of your skin to pressure, friction, or trauma. This response causes the top layer of your skin, also known as the epidermis, to thicken. This happens so that the otherwise damaged skin does not break, crack, or tear if further trauma is applied to the skin. Calluses are normal and natural responses of your skin to the action of lifting weights or doing other physical activities such as pull-ups. They usually appear on the surface of your palms, under your fingers, as a result of exercises involving gripping objects such as deadlifts, kettlebells, and the list can go on.
Depending on the intensity of the pressure applied, calluses can be superficial or deep. Beginner lifters, personal trainers, or professional lifters will have to deal with different types of calluses. Every athlete needs to be able to identify the type of calluses they are dealing with and how to take care of them properly. Only with proper care can they avoid further pain and complications later on.
Are calluses bad for your health?
As you already saw, calluses are a natural response of your body to external stimuli. This means that when calluses appear, your body is looking out for your well being. However, you cannot deny that they have an unpleasant look. But removing this thick and excessive skin is not recommended as the skin left behind will be too thin and prone to further injuries.
At the same time, if the skin on your palms is too thick, it can interfere with the activities you are performing and rip off. In this case, if the calluses are to rip off, they will leave a raw spot on your skin. Over time, if left untreated and unattended, calluses can become painful. Finally, calluses are neither entirely good nor bad for your health. However, you want to make sure that you will take care of them before becoming too painful.
Treatment
The best way to go about dealing with calluses is to learn how to take care of them properly. Below, you will find a list of some of the best and most efficient ways to get rid of calluses healthily and painlessly:
Do not pick them
No matter how tempting it might be, picking your calluses can be very bad for your skin. Instead, you can try soaking your hands in warm water. For a more therapeutical experience, you can add Epsom salt. Once the calluses soften, you can use a pumice stone to polish them so that no rough edges that can tear are left.
- Use the right equipment
While protective gloves are meant to, just like their name suggests, protect your hands from calluses and other injuries, they might end up hurting you if used incorrectly. When used by beginners, protective gloves can interfere with the quality of your workout, leading to the apparition of not only calluses but other injuries as well. Instead of gloves, you can use chalk to prepare your hands before lifting.
- Stay moisturized
The last thing you want to do to help fight against calluses is to keep your hands hydrated and moisturized. You can do this by using a CBD tincture. Next to hydrating properties, CBD can help relieve and soothe the damaged skin on your palms. Anytime you feel like the calluses are dry, itchy, and painful, you can apply the tincture.
Prevent
To fight calluses, you might want to also look at ways you can prevent their apparition in the first place. Some things you can do include removing any jewellery pieces that might help create friction, working on your technique and performance, or massaging the area affected.
Finally, as long as you plan on lifting, calluses will never disappear fully. And they should never disappear entirely, given that they offer protection to your hands. However, you can take care of them so that they will not rip off or give you any more pain than needed. And with the tips above, you know now exactly how to do that.