Treating Calluses
Calluses are thick, hardened patches of dead cells that typically build-up in areas that have been aggravated by frequent friction, such as the bottoms of your feet or the palms of your hands if you’ve been doing a lot of lifting. However, calluses can occasionally form even on areas of your face, sometimes following acne or ingrown hairs along problem areas such as your jaw line. People with circulatory problems are especially susceptible.
Treating calluses may not be necessary in mild cases, as they should fade from your skin over time. You shouldn’t try to cut off or remove them by yourself either, as this will likely just make the callus worse, and may result in infection. In serious cases, a doctor may trim the top layer of the callus off or make an incision to remove it below the surface.
For home treatment of moderate calluses, first make sure to avoid anything that may be making the callus worse. If a callus has formed on your face or neck, take extra care to be gentle while shaving. Treat the callus by soaking the area in hot water or applying a hot compress (for about 5 minutes), and then using a wet pumice stone to lightly scrape away the top layer of dead cells. For stubborn calluses, apply salicylic acid to soften up the skin cells before following with a pumice stone. Keep in mind that salicylic acid can be harsh for your surrounding skin, so only apply it directly to the callused area.
