Why Calluses Form on Hands and Fingers (and What to Do About Them) (2024)

Calluses are hardened, thickened patches of dead skin that form on the hands or feet. They form as a physical response to repeated friction and pressure. They’re usually flat and do not contain a central core.

Anyone who uses their hands or fingers a lot can develop calluses, and any part of the hand can be affected. For example, you can get a callus on the fingertip if you use a pen or pencil often, on the base of one or more fingers if you grip tools or rackets, or on the palms if you perform manual labor. While calluses are not dangerous and do not lead to complications, they can be painful and uncomfortable.

Why Calluses Form on Hands and Fingers (and What to Do About Them) (1)

4 Common Causes of Finger and Hand Calluses

1. Writer’s Callus

A writer's callus or "writer's bump" can form in people who frequently use writing utensils like pens or pencils. They tend to develop on the fingertips or near the outer joint of the middle, ring, or index fingers. This type is prevalent among students and other people who frequently use writing tools.

2. Gym Hands

Calluses can also form on the hands of people who lift weights. Gym hands are characterized by calluses that form on the ridge of the palm just beneath the fingers. These calluses arise due to the pressure and friction from gripping and lifting dumbbells or barbells, especially if you do not wear gloves.

3. Labor-Intensive Work

People working labor-intensive jobs may also develop calluses due to their work or using specific tools. The location of calluses depends on the part of the hands or fingers that face the most pressure and friction. For example, people who garden, do woodwork, or regularly perform other types of manual labor may develop calluses below the fingers or at the base of the palm.

4. Playing Guitar

Playing string instruments can put pressure on the fingertips and cause calluses to form. Guitarists, violinists, and other string players commonly develop these on their nondominant hands from practicing and playing. They’re slightly more common on the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, though the index finger can be affected, too.

Can Calluses Develop on Your Hands for No Reason?

In rare cases, certain diseases can cause calluses or significantly raise the risk of developing them. Diseases associated with this issue include:

  • Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK): EHK is a rare genetic disorder in which babies are born with blisters and red, purple, or dark brown skin, depending on skin tone. Over time, this can develop into callused patches of skin on joints and areas where skin rubs up on other skin.
  • Paronychia congenita: This congenital condition primarily affects skin and fingernails, with symptoms arising within the first years of life. Painful calluses on the soles of feet and thickened nails are the most common symptoms, but the condition also causes palmar keratoderma—large calluses on the palms of hands.

How to Get Rid of Calluses on the Hands

Epsom Salts

Soak your hand(s) in a warm water solution with Epsom salts for five to ten minutes to help prepare calluses for removal with a pumice stone or other methods. Solutions of water and Epsom salts remove dead skin cells and help soften the skin.

Pumice Stone

Since calluses are made up of layers of dead skin, you can use the rough edges of a pumice stone or nail file to rub away callused skin. After soaking and drying your hands, dip the pumice stone in warm water and use gentle, circular strokes to remove calluses.

Exfoliating Cream

Exfoliating creams remove layers of dead skin, and lotions moisturize and soften skin. Regularly apply creams containing ingredients like urea and ammonium to help manage calluses and make them easier to remove.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a popular home remedy for various skin conditions. It has antimicrobial properties and helps to get rid of excess skin. For calluses, make a paste by combining baking soda, water, and a couple of drops of lemon juice. Apply it to the callus and wear a glove or wrap the area up overnight.

Skin-Softening Cream

Creams designed to soften and moisturize the skin can also help manage calluses. Try using products containing jojoba oil, Shea butter, and others every morning and evening; over time, this should gradually soften the callus.

Salicylic Acid

Over-the-counter (OTC) salicylic acidproducts are designed to treat corns, warts, and calluses. Salicylic acid is available in various forms, such as medicated pads, lotions, liquids, or gels. It is very effective in removing dead skin cells; however, use it cautiously, as it can damage healthy skin.

Other Options

In rare cases—if the calluses are painful, persistent, and seriously impacting your quality of life—medical procedures may help. A dermatologist(skin health specialist) can file away calluses in the clinic or hospital.

Ways to Prevent Calluses on Hands and Fingers

Preventing calluses on your hands and fingers primarily means changing behaviors and taking steps to protect your skin. Several strategies can help, such as:

  • Inspect your hands regularly and keep them clean.
  • Moisturize your skin daily.
  • Use finger guards to manage writing-related calluses.
  • Use gardening or work gloves when performing manual labor or using tools.
  • Wear athletic gloves when working out, lifting weights, or playing racket sports.

Summary

Hand calluses are thickened, hard patches of skin that form in response to repeated pressure and friction. You can typically manage calluses at home using a combination of regular moisturizing and exfoliation and careful filing with a pumice stone. Solutions containing salicylic acid, urea, and other compounds can also help. Protecting the hands and fingers while working with the hands or lifting weights can help prevent this issue.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. U.S. Pharmacist. Corns and calluses: overview of common keratotic lesions.

  2. Srinivasan P, Chakravarthy JP. Writer’s bump: a case report. Natl J Clin Anat. 2016;5(1):51. doi:10.4103/2277-4025.297721

  3. Stricklin SM, Payne KS, Rader RK, Schilli KD, Stoecker WV. Clues from hands Part 1: personal details about patients revealed by hand examination. Mo Med. 2014;111(4):349-351. PMID:25211868

  4. Peter Rout D, Nair A, Gupta A, Kumar P. Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: clinical update. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:333-344. doi:10.2147/CCID.S166849

  5. MedlinePlus. Paronychia congenita.

  6. American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat corns and calluses.

  7. Mazzarello V, Piu G, Ferrari M, Piga G. Efficacy of a topical formulation of sodium bicarbonate in mild to moderate stable plaque psoriasis: a randomized, blinded, intrapatient, controlled study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(3):497-503. doi:10.1007/s13555-019-0302-5

  8. Harvard Health Publishing. Corns and calluses.

Additional Reading

Why Calluses Form on Hands and Fingers (and What to Do About Them) (2)

By Mark Gurarie
Gurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.

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