Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Health

Is it true that when you remove calluses with a razor, they come back harder?

December 20, 2010

The basic answer to this question is no. Callus (also called tyloma) formation is the normal protective reaction of the skin to repeated friction or pressure which occurs over a long period of time. (If the pressure or friction occurs excessively over a short period of time, the skin does not have enough time to form the callus and the result is the formation of a fluid blister.)

Callus is a thickening of the keratin layer of the epidermis and is nature’s way of protecting the delicate structures beneath the skin from external abuse. The excessive external irritation to a particular area of the skin causes the underlying blood vessels to dilate. This in turn supplies more oxygen and other nutrients to the keratin producing layers of the skin. As a result of these extra nutrients, there is an excess production of epithelial cells in the area. As these cells are pushed upward, they cause a thickening of the horny layer of the skin. This is the callus, or tyloma. Trimming away the callus tissue does not change the actual cellular structures which produce the callus so there is no way for these cells to form “harder” callus tissue.

Remember, the nail professional should not “remove” calluses. She should smooth and soften calluses. If the callus is severe enough to require removal, the client should be referred to a podiatrist. — Dr. Mix

More FAQ

Does working with chemicals and powders all day harm my lungs?

The salon I work in is extremely busy with acrylics. Does working with chemicals and powders all day harm my lungs? My clients wonder the same for times they stay in the salon for long periods of time. How do I reply to their questions?... read more

Do vitamins really enhance the strength and thickness of nails?

Do vitamins really enhance the strength and thickness of nails?... read more

Are there polish removers for people with allergies to traditional removers?

I have a client whose sister is extremely allergic to everything. I know there are polishes for sensitive nails, but what about polish removers? She says both acetone and non-acetone removers cause allergic reactions on her hands. Is there any solution?... read more

Are there natural alternatives out there for cleaning and disinfecting the whirlpool spa chair that are effective?

Are there natural alternatives out there for cleaning and disinfecting the whirlpool spa chair that are effective? We are currently using an EPA-registered aerosol spray made for this purpose, but I find the fumes unbearable and I am concerned they are unhealthy to inadvertently inhale.... read more

Should I work on a client with a green bacterial infection under enhancements?

If a new client comes to me from another salon with artificial overlays and they have a green bacterial infection underneath, should I soak the nails off and reapply new product or have them come back after the infection has been treated and is gone?... read more

Is it safe for me to wear acrylics if I do a lot of pedicures and my hands are constantly in dirty water?

I am a nail technician who does a lot of pedicures. My hands are constantly in dirty water. Is it safe for me to wear acrylics? Am I more likely to develop a nail infection?... read more

Why does my natural nail client have red moons?

I have a natural nail client who has red moons. They used to be healthy and white, but now they are an angry red about halfway up from the cuticles. She hasn’t changed medications or detergent and she isn’t experiencing any discomfort. What could this be?... read more

How can I increase adhesion on a hardly filed nail?

I have a client with eczema. Her nails have horizontal ridges and are very thin. If I go easy on the filing, her enhancements pop off. If I file like usual, she tells me they’re sensitive. I have recommended letting one or two nails go “bare” until they heal, but she doesn’t want to. How can I increase adhesion on a hardly filed nail?... read more

Isn’t it unsanitary to repeatedly use the same bottle of brush-on cuticle oil on our clients' nails?

Even though we have clients scrub before a service, isn’t it unsanitary to repeatedly use the same bottle of brush-on cuticle oil around (and especially under) our clients’ nails?... read more

When can I work on bruised nails?

When can I work on bruised nails?... read more

What is the best way to treat a client with scarring of the proximal nail fold region?

What is the best way to treat a client with scarring of the proximal nail fold region?... read more

What is psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?... read more