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Why does my skin begin to hurt around calluses almost right away, forget about handboarding!

Original Post
Roman G · · Brooklyn, NY · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 205

Hear me out,

Recently within a few weeks my skin begins to hurt around calluses on my palms after doing a few juggy boulder problems or one tr route in the gym. Hang boarding at home, or rather on rock rings my skin begins to hurt really quickly.

Its not a matter of sucking it up and dealing with it, its performance hindering, intense burning pain.

Should I shave my calluses down a bit? That however would not explain why the skin on my fingers also experience this burning between my first and second knuckles on both hands as soon as I start hangboarding or climbing. I tried plenty or rest. I am handboarding about twice a week light sessions. In the gym about once a week. Any clues?

Thanks,

Roman

Brendan N · · Salt Lake City, Utah · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 405

Shave your calluses down. They are getting hung up on the hold and the skin in between is being stretched to the point of pain.

Roman G · · Brooklyn, NY · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 205

Thanks Brendan, going to try that.

Weird, because I've always read that you want to build up your calluses and never want to touch them.

Eric Carlos · · Soddy Daisy, TN · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 121

You are using holds that are far too big if your skin on your palms hurt. Use your fingers more, and preferably the tips of them.

Eric Carlos · · Soddy Daisy, TN · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 121

Sand or file your calluses to keep them from being too big. I also recommend O'keefes working hands cream, much cheaper and more effective than the overpriced climbing specific creams.

Quinn Baker · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 1

I file my callouses down regularly, because if I don't I will regularly rip them off while climbing, which really sucks.

Then again, mine grow quickly because of weightlifting and abnormally large finger joints, but the principle remains.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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