1. An emery cloth, sandpaper, Carborundum, pumice stone or similar device should be used on the calluses several times during the day. The calluses must be sanded down to keep them small. This method is better than using a razor blade to trim them, which may result in little cuts that can become infected.

2. The hands should be soaked in warm water at the end of each training session. This should be followed by an application of petrolatum, Vaseline, coca butter, laolin, vitamin 3 ointment or any other moistener which should be applied several times a say including once at bedtime. The calluses must be kept small and pliable. Sanding, soaking and using a moisturizer can accomplish this. If they do rip, an antibiotic cream should be used. Remember every day, “S&S” sand them down and soften them. If a callus rips during a competition, sometimes the lifter must drop out. However, if the lifter has a high pain threshold, he/she can complete the lifts by taking the following steps:

1. Stop the bleeding with pressure, wash with a mild soap (if time permits), dry and remove the loose skin by carefully trimming with a small, preferably, sterile scissors.
2. Apply an antiseptic, i.e. betadine, and allow drying.
3. Apply a pain killer, i.e. lidocaine gel or preparation H (should be washed off after competition)
4. Apply tuf-skin or tineture of benzoin; allow drying, and chalking the area.
  The athlete should now be able to compete. (if in a hurry , skip steps 2&3, and chalk hand well).  After competition wash the area with phisohex, betadine, or a similar substance. Dry the area and apply antibiotic cream and a sterile bandage. Once again, remember that this condition can be avoided by proper daily preventative maintenance.

Another cause of injury to the hands is attributable to the poor hand strength. Lifters must devote time to developing hand strength, for it is important to begin this process at an early age. The roller apparatus, grippers, pinch gripping plates, reverse curls, wrist curls, and squeezing rubber balls and newspaper drill are some of the exercises, which are beneficial for the hands and fingers. The newspaper drill consists of curling or crushing a large page of newspaper into a small ball, continuing until several can be rolled up into a ball.

Another technique is to carry large dumb-bells or “kettle-bells” for distances which can help develop grip strength, especially if the lifter uses straps for deadlight, snatch and or clean workouts.