Skin Conditions
Your skin talks. Breakouts, dry patches, dark spots, random bumps you can't name: it's all information. This guide breaks down the most common skin, hair, and scalp conditions so you know exactly what you're looking at and what actually helps. No guessing, no frantic googling at 2am.
Click on a condition to learn what it is and what can help.
Common Cosmetic Concerns
These aren't medical conditions. They're the everyday texture, tone, and firmness complaints that come from a mix of aging, sun exposure, dehydration, genetics, and plain old lifestyle habits (sleep, stress, diet). Most respond well to consistent skincare.
Enlarged Pores
Pores that look bigger than they are, usually from excess oil production, sun damage, and the gradual loss of elasticity around the follicle as you age.
Treat it:
Use a BHA like salicylic acid a few times a week to keep pores clear from the inside out, and add niacinamide to help regulate oil production. Retinoids can support collagen production over time, which helps firm the skin around the pore so it looks smaller. Daily SPF matters too: UV damage breaks down the elasticity that keeps pores looking tight in the first place.
Dehydrated Skin
A lack of water (not oil) in the skin, often caused by harsh cleansers, weather, over exfoliation, or just not drinking enough water. Any skin type, oily included, can be dehydrated.
Treat it:
Reach for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to pull water into the skin, then seal it in with ceramides or a lightweight moisturizer. Swap harsh, foaming cleansers for something gentle, skip over exfoliating, and yes, actually drink your water.
Uneven Texture
Rough or bumpy skin from a buildup of dead skin cells, clogged pores, or old scarring that hasn't fully smoothed out.
Treat it:
Chemical exfoliants, like glycolic or lactic acid (AHAs), dissolve the "glue" holding dead skin cells together far more evenly than a physical scrub, which can actually cause micro tears and make texture worse. Retinoids speed up cell turnover over time. Pair with consistent hydration so newly exposed skin doesn't get irritated.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Creases that form as collagen and elastin break down with age, sun exposure, and repeated facial movement (smile lines, we're looking at you).
Treat it:
Retinoids are the most extensively studied ingredient for supporting collagen and softening the look of existing lines. Start low and slow to avoid irritation. Vitamin C helps defend against the free radical damage that accelerates aging, and peptides support the skin's structural proteins. None of it works without daily SPF, since unprotected sun exposure undoes the progress.
Dullness
A lackluster, tired look caused by a buildup of dead surface cells, dehydration, poor circulation, or just not enough sleep.
Treat it:
Regular exfoliation (AHA or BHA, two to three times a week) clears away the dead cells that flatten light reflection. Vitamin C can help brighten and even tone over time, and hydration plumps skin so it looks fresher. Facial massage can help with circulation, but consistent sleep and skincare will do more heavy lifting than any single product.
Dark Circles
Discoloration under the eyes from a mix of causes, including thin skin that shows blood vessels underneath, genetics, pigmentation, allergies, or simply not enough sleep.
Treat it:
Because the cause varies, treatment does too. Vitamin C and caffeine based eye creams help with pigment and puffiness, a gentle retinoid eye cream can thicken skin over time, and treating underlying allergies helps if that's the trigger. Sun protection around the eye area matters as much as anywhere else on the face. For circles that are mostly structural, caused by deep set eyes or volume loss, filler administered by a dermatologist is the more realistic fix.
Cellulite
The dimpled texture that appears when fat deposits push against connective tissue beneath the skin, most common on the thighs and glutes. It's driven by genetics and hormones, not "toxins," despite what wellness culture says.
Treat it:
Topical caffeine and retinol creams can temporarily tighten skin and reduce the appearance slightly, but they won't eliminate it. Massage and regular exercise support circulation and muscle tone underneath. For more visible, longer lasting results, professional treatments like radiofrequency or acoustic wave therapy performed by a licensed provider are the more effective route. Either way, set realistic expectations, since cellulite is extremely common and largely genetic.
Acne Scarring
Marks left behind after acne heals, either atrophic (pitted, from collagen loss) or hypertrophic (raised, from excess collagen during healing).
Treat it:
Retinoids and vitamin C support collagen remodeling for shallow scarring, while AHA chemical peels help resurface and even tone. For deeper, pitted scars, treatments performed by a dermatologist, like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or subcision, make the biggest difference. Wear sunscreen throughout, because UV exposure darkens scars and makes them more visible.
Pigmentation Disorders
Pigmentation issues happen when melanin production goes into overdrive (too dark) or shuts down (too light) in certain areas. Triggers include sun exposure, inflammation, hormones, genetics, and skin injury.
Melasma
Symmetrical brown or grayish brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, triggered by hormones (pregnancy, birth control) and worsened dramatically by sun exposure.
Treat it:
Strict, daily mineral sunscreen is the single most important step. Melasma will not improve without it. From there, ingredients like azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C help fade pigment gradually, and prescription strength hydroquinone is the most proven lightening agent for stubborn cases. Approach lasers cautiously, since the wrong type can actually worsen melasma. This is a condition to manage with patience rather than expect to fully erase.
Sun Spots
Flat brown spots (also called solar lentigines) that develop from years of UV exposure triggering localized overproduction of melanin, typically on the face, hands, and chest.
Treat it:
Vitamin C, retinoids, and azelaic acid all help fade existing spots over consistent use, and chemical peels can speed things along. The most important step is prevention. Daily SPF keeps existing spots from darkening and stops new ones from forming. For stubborn spots, a dermatologist can offer IPL or targeted laser treatments.
PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
Dark marks left behind after acne, injury, or inflammation heals. The skin's melanin producing cells overreact to the damage and deposit excess pigment.
Treat it:
Niacinamide, azelaic acid, and vitamin C all help interrupt excess pigment production and fade marks over weeks to months. Retinoids speed up cell turnover so pigmented cells shed faster. Don't skip sunscreen: UV exposure on PIH makes it darker and slower to fade. A dermatologist can offer chemical peels for faster results on stubborn marks.
PIE (Post Inflammatory Erythema)
The red or pink marks left after acne heals. Often confused with PIH, this is actually caused by damaged capillaries near the skin's surface rather than pigment.
Treat it:
Because this is vascular rather than pigment based, look for ingredients like centella asiatica and azelaic acid to calm inflammation and support the skin barrier. Sunscreen prevents the redness from becoming more noticeable. For persistent redness that isn't fading, a pulsed dye laser or IPL treatment from a dermatologist targets the blood vessels directly and works far better than topicals alone.
Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
Dark circles specifically caused by pigment buildup around the eyes (as opposed to visible blood vessels or volume loss), often worsened by genetics, sun exposure, and eye rubbing.
Treat it:
A gentle vitamin C or niacinamide eye cream helps fade pigment, and a low strength retinoid eye cream can help with cell turnover. Introduce it slowly, since eye skin is delicate. Daily SPF around the eyes and breaking the habit of rubbing them (allergies are a common culprit) make a real difference over time.
Vitiligo
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, resulting in patches of depigmented (white) skin.
Treat it:
This isn't curable, but it is manageable. A dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors to help repigment patches, and narrowband UVB phototherapy is a common in office option. Newer topical JAK inhibitors (like ruxolitinib cream) have shown strong results for some patients. Camouflage makeup is a valid option too, and sun protection on depigmented patches is important since that skin has no natural UV defense. See a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your case.
Hypopigmentation
General lightening of skin patches, usually from injury, eczema, psoriasis, burns, or other conditions that damage melanocytes in the process of healing.
Treat it:
Start by treating whatever caused it. Once the underlying inflammation or injury resolves, pigment often returns on its own over time. Sun protection helps keep surrounding skin from tanning further and making the contrast more obvious. Topical treatment options are limited for true hypopigmentation, so persistent or widespread patches are worth a dermatologist visit.
Acne
Acne happens when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores and cause inflammation. It's driven by genetics, hormones, stress, and sometimes diet, and it's extremely common, so don't take it personally.
Whiteheads
A closed comedone: oil and dead skin trapped under a layer of skin, appearing as a small white or skin colored bump that hasn't opened to the surface.
Treat it:
Salicylic acid (a BHA) works inside the pore to clear the clog, and benzoyl peroxide helps kill the acne causing bacteria that can turn a whitehead inflamed. Retinoids help prevent new ones from forming by speeding up cell turnover. Resist the urge to pick, since it usually just spreads the inflammation.
Blackheads
An open comedone: the same trapped oil and dead skin as a whitehead, but exposed to air, which oxidizes the debris and turns it dark. It's not dirt, despite the name.
Treat it:
Salicylic acid is the most effective at dissolving the buildup inside the pore over time. Retinoids help prevent new blackheads from forming. Skip the pore strips as a long term strategy, since they only remove what's on the surface and can irritate skin with overuse. For stubborn ones, a professional extraction is safer than doing it yourself.
Milia
Small, firm, skin colored bumps that form when keratin (a protein) gets trapped under the skin. They're not technically acne, but they're often mistaken for it, and commonly show up around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Treat it:
A retinoid can help speed up cell turnover and clear milia gradually. Gentle chemical exfoliation supports the same process. Small patches often resolve on their own, and a dermatologist can safely extract more stubborn ones. Don't try to pick at them yourself, since the skin over milia is tougher than it looks.
Papules
A comedone that's become inflamed, showing up as a small, firm, raised red bump without a visible head of pus.
Treat it:
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together target both the bacteria and the clog. Don't touch or pick at it, since that's what turns a papule into a pustule or causes scarring. Niacinamide can help calm the surrounding inflammation.
Pustules
A papule that's become infected, forming a white, pus filled bump. This is the classic "pimple," usually found on the face, chest, and back.
Treat it:
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur spot treatments help dry it out and clear the infection. For widespread or recurring pustules, a dermatologist can prescribe topical retinoids combined with oral antibiotics to get things under control faster.
Nodules
A deep, hard, painful bump that forms beneath the skin's surface. It's larger and deeper than a papule, and it never really comes to a head.
Treat it:
This one requires a dermatologist. Oral antibiotics, cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pain quickly, or oral isotretinoin for more severe or recurring cases are the standard treatments. Never try to pop or extract a nodule yourself. It forms too deep for at home treatment, and picking significantly increases the risk of scarring.
Cysts
The most severe form of acne: a deep, large, pus filled, and often painful bump that forms when infection goes deep into the skin. Left untreated, it carries a high risk of permanent scarring.
Treat it:
See a dermatologist. Treatment usually involves oral isotretinoin, cortisone injections, or a combination of oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy depending on the case. Picking or attempting to pop a cyst at home will almost always make scarring worse. This is not a DIY situation.
Fungal Acne
Despite the name, this isn't acne at all. It's an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) in the hair follicles, causing small, uniform, itchy bumps often on the chest, back, and shoulders. It doesn't respond to typical acne treatments and can even get worse with them.
Treat it:
Antifungal treatments are the fix. A ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione shampoo used as a body wash (left on for a few minutes before rinsing) works well. Avoid heavy oils and certain fatty acids in skincare, which can feed the yeast, and look for products labeled "fungal acne safe." If it's persistent, a dermatologist can prescribe an oral antifungal.
Backne
Acne on the back, driven by the same causes as facial acne but often made worse by sweat, friction from clothing and backpacks, and the simple fact that it's harder to reach with skincare.
Treat it:
A salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash left on for a minute or two before rinsing treats the area more effectively than a quick rinse. Shower as soon as possible after sweating, choose breathable fabrics, and exfoliate regularly to prevent clogged pores. Widespread or cystic backne responds best to a treatment plan guided by a dermatologist.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a broad term for skin inflammation, usually caused by irritants, allergens, genetics, or immune system triggers. It shows up as redness, itching, and sometimes flaking or blistering.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
A chronic inflammatory condition causing itchy, red, often dry patches, commonly in the creases of elbows and knees, linked to a compromised skin barrier and, often, a genetic tendency toward allergies and asthma.
Treat it:
Fragrance free moisturizers with ceramides are essential daily maintenance to repair and support the skin barrier. Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors treat active flares. Identify and avoid your personal triggers, since harsh soaps, wool, sweat, and stress are common ones. For moderate to severe cases, dermatologists now have newer options like topical JAK inhibitors or the biologic dupilumab, which have significantly improved outcomes for chronic sufferers.
Contact Dermatitis
A reaction that happens when skin comes into direct contact with an irritant (like a harsh soap or chemical) or an allergen (like nickel or fragrance), causing redness, itching, and sometimes blistering right where contact occurred.
Treat it:
The first step is identifying and avoiding the trigger. A dermatologist or allergist can run patch testing to pinpoint exactly what's causing it. In the meantime, cool compresses ease discomfort, fragrance free moisturizers support healing, and topical corticosteroids or antihistamines help with active flares and itch.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
A chronic condition causing red, flaky, sometimes greasy patches, most often on the scalp, around the nose, and in the eyebrows. It's linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast combined with excess oil production. (For the scalp specific version, see Seborrheic Dermatitis under Hair & Scalp Disorders below.)
Treat it:
Antifungal shampoos or creams (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide) are the core treatment, used regularly rather than just during flares. Gentle cleansing that doesn't strip the skin helps too. Topical corticosteroids can calm more stubborn flare ups, and since stress is a known trigger, managing it plays a role in keeping symptoms in check long term.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
These conditions involve chronic immune system activity in the skin, often with a genetic component and specific environmental triggers that set off flares.
Rosacea
A chronic condition causing facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps or pustules, commonly triggered by heat, spicy food, alcohol, sun exposure, and stress.
Treat it:
Start by identifying and avoiding your personal triggers, since rosacea is highly individual. Azelaic acid is a gentle, effective topical that reduces redness and bumps. For more active cases, a dermatologist can prescribe topical metronidazole or ivermectin, and oral antibiotics for moderate flares. Visible blood vessels respond best to laser therapy. Daily mineral sunscreen and genuinely gentle, fragrance free skincare are non negotiable, because harsh actives will make rosacea worse, not better.
Eczema
A broad term for inflamed, dry, itchy skin resulting from a weakened skin barrier. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type, but the umbrella also includes other triggered forms. (For atopic dermatitis specifically, see Atopic Dermatitis under the Dermatitis section above.)
Treat it:
Rich, ceramide based emollients used daily are the foundation of managing eczema, applied right after bathing to lock in moisture. Avoid hot showers and harsh, fragranced soaps, which strip the barrier further. Topical corticosteroids treat active flares. Identifying your specific triggers, whether that's certain fabrics, detergents, allergens, or stress, and using a humidifier in dry climates both help reduce flare frequency.
Psoriasis
An autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell turnover dramatically, causing thick, scaly, red plaques, most commonly on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Treat it:
Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues (like calcipotriene) are typically the first line of treatment for mild cases. Coal tar and phototherapy (UV light treatment) can help more widespread patches. For moderate to severe psoriasis, a dermatologist may prescribe systemic medications or biologics, which have dramatically improved long term management. Daily moisturizing helps reduce scaling and itch alongside whatever treatment plan you're on.
Hair & Scalp Disorders
Hair loss and scalp issues come from a mix of genetics, hormones, autoimmune activity, stress, and physical damage from styling. Identifying which type you're dealing with matters, since treatment approaches differ significantly.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common form of hair loss, genetic and hormone driven, following a predictable pattern (receding hairline and crown thinning in men, more diffuse thinning in women).
Treat it:
Topical minoxidil (available over the counter) is the most widely used starting treatment for both men and women. Oral finasteride is a prescription option for men that blocks the hormone driving follicle shrinkage, and spironolactone is sometimes prescribed off label for women. Low level laser therapy and PRP injections are additional options a dermatologist can discuss. The earlier you start treatment, the more hair you preserve. This type doesn't reverse thinning that's already progressed far, so don't wait it out.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, often round patches of hair loss, sometimes progressing further.
Treat it:
Corticosteroid injections directly into the patches are a common first approach, along with topical or oral corticosteroids. Newer oral JAK inhibitors (like baricitinib) have been a significant advancement for more extensive cases. Minoxidil can support regrowth alongside other treatments. Since the course of this condition varies enormously from person to person, see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a plan tailored to your case.
Telogen Effluvium
Temporary, diffuse hair shedding, meaning noticeably more hair coming out than usual, all over the scalp, triggered by stress, illness, childbirth, rapid weight loss, or nutrient deficiency, which pushes hair follicles prematurely into their resting phase.
Treat it:
The good news is this usually resolves on its own within six to twelve months once the trigger is addressed. Focus on the root cause: checking thyroid levels, iron and vitamin D status, and managing stress. Gentle hair care in the meantime prevents additional breakage, and minoxidil can help speed up regrowth if you want extra support.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair, such as tight ponytails, braids, weaves, or extensions, that gradually damages the follicle.
Treat it:
The most important step is reducing or stopping the style causing the tension as early as possible, since this type can become permanent if the follicle scars. Switch to looser styles, give your scalp regular breaks from any pulling styles, and consider scalp massage to support circulation. Minoxidil can help if follicles haven't scarred yet, but if you notice thinning at the hairline from styling habits, don't wait to make a change.
Dandruff
Flaking and sometimes itching of the scalp, generally a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis linked to Malassezia yeast, oil buildup, or sensitivity to hair products.
Treat it:
Anti dandruff shampoos with zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid are the standard treatment. Use them consistently, not just when flaking appears. Rotating between two shampoos can help if one stops working as well over time. Avoid washing so often it dries out the scalp, which can actually trigger more flaking.
Seborrheic Dermatitis (Scalp)
A more persistent, often greasier and redder version of dandruff, caused by the same yeast overgrowth but with a stronger inflammatory component. (For seborrheic dermatitis on the face and body, see the Dermatitis section above.)
Treat it:
Medicated shampoos with ketoconazole or coal tar, left on for several minutes before rinsing, are the core treatment. Topical corticosteroid solutions can calm more stubborn flare ups. This tends to be a long term, manageable condition rather than a one time fix, so a consistent shampoo routine matters more than any single product.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial skin infections happen when bacteria enter through broken or compromised skin, often worsened by poor hygiene or a weakened immune system. Several of these require medical treatment rather than skincare.
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin, causing an area that's red, swollen, warm, tender, and spreading. It can become serious quickly if untreated.
Treat it:
This is not a skincare condition. It requires oral or IV antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Seek medical care promptly, especially if you notice fever, rapidly spreading redness, or red streaking extending from the area, as these can signal the infection is worsening.
Folliculitis
Inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, showing up as small red or white topped bumps, often triggered by shaving, sweating, tight clothing, or hot tub use.
Treat it:
Keep the area clean and dry, apply warm compresses to encourage healing, and use an antibacterial wash with benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine. Avoid shaving over irritated skin until it clears. If it spreads or doesn't improve within a week or two, see a doctor for a topical or oral antibiotic.
Boils
A deep, painful, pus filled bump that forms when a hair follicle becomes infected, usually with staph bacteria.
Treat it:
Warm compresses several times a day help encourage the boil to drain on its own. Keep it clean and covered, and never squeeze it, since that can push the infection deeper. Larger boils, ones that don't drain, or recurring boils need a doctor for proper drainage and possibly antibiotics.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and spread easily through shared surfaces, tight clothing, or a weakened immune system.
Ringworm
Despite the name, this is a fungal infection, not a worm, that causes an itchy, scaly, ring shaped patch with a clearer center as it spreads outward.
Treat it:
Over the counter antifungal creams (clotrimazole or terbinafine) applied consistently for two to four weeks clear most cases. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid sharing towels, clothing, or bedding while it's active. Ringworm on the scalp or widespread cases need an oral antifungal prescribed by a doctor.
Athlete's Foot
A fungal infection between the toes or on the soles of the feet, causing itching, peeling, redness, and sometimes blisters. It thrives in sweaty shoes and damp locker rooms.
Treat it:
Over the counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders clear most cases within a few weeks. Keep feet dry, choose breathable shoes and moisture wicking socks, and alternate footwear so shoes fully dry out between wears. Persistent or recurring cases may need a prescription strength antifungal from a doctor.
Tinea Versicolor
An overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the skin that disrupts normal pigmentation, causing patches that are lighter or darker than surrounding skin, most noticeable on the chest and back, especially after tanning.
Treat it:
An antifungal shampoo (selenium sulfide or ketoconazole) used as a body wash clears the underlying yeast overgrowth, alongside an antifungal cream for more targeted areas. Keep in mind pigment can take months to fully even out even after the fungus is gone, and it tends to recur, especially in warm, humid weather, so seasonal touch ups are common.
Viral Infections
These are caused by a virus, spread through direct contact, and in some cases stay dormant in the body and reactivate later.
Cold Sores
Small, painful, fluid filled blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays dormant in the body and can be triggered by stress, sun exposure, illness, or hormonal changes.
Treat it:
At the first sign of tingling, an antiviral cream (docosanol) or a prescription oral antiviral (valacyclovir) can shorten the outbreak significantly. Cool compresses ease discomfort, and an SPF lip balm helps prevent flares triggered by the sun. Avoid direct contact with others, including sharing drinks or utensils, while a sore is active, since it's contagious.
Warts
Rough, raised bumps caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the top layer of skin, spread through direct contact or shared surfaces like pool decks and locker rooms.
Treat it:
Over the counter salicylic acid wart treatments applied consistently over several weeks work for many cases. Cryotherapy (freezing) performed by a doctor is a faster option for stubborn warts. Avoid picking at them, since that can spread the virus to other areas. Some warts resolve on their own eventually, but it can take months to years.
Shingles
A painful, blistering rash, usually in a band on one side of the body, caused by reactivation of the dormant chickenpox virus, more common with age or a weakened immune system.
Treat it:
See a doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral medication (valacyclovir) is most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing, and it can reduce both severity and the risk of lingering nerve pain. Cool compresses and pain management help with symptoms in the meantime. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older to prevent shingles altogether, so it's worth asking your doctor about it if you're in that age range.
Keratinization Disorders
These happen when keratin, the protein that makes up your skin's outer layer, builds up unevenly, usually from genetics, friction, or dryness.
Keratosis Pilaris
Small, rough bumps often nicknamed "chicken skin," caused by keratin plugging hair follicles, most common on the upper arms and thighs, genetic, and typically worse in dry, cold weather.
Treat it:
Chemical exfoliants (lactic or glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or urea based creams) do more to smooth texture than physical scrubbing, which can irritate the bumps further. Consistent moisturizing keeps skin from getting drier and more textured. This isn't curable, but it's very manageable, and for most people, it improves naturally with age.
Corns
A thickened, hardened, often painful layer of skin that develops from repeated friction or pressure, most commonly on the toes.
Treat it:
Removing the source of friction, whether that's properly fitted shoes or protective padding, is the most important step. Soaking the area and gently filing it down with a pumice stone helps, and salicylic acid corn pads can soften stubborn buildup. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, see a podiatrist rather than treating corns yourself, since minor injuries can become serious complications.
Calluses
A thickened, hardened, usually painless patch of skin that forms from repeated friction or pressure, common on the hands and feet.
Treat it:
Soak the area in warm water to soften it, then gently file with a pumice stone, but don't overdo it in one session. Regular moisturizing with a urea or salicylic acid based cream keeps buildup manageable. Wearing protective gloves or properly fitted footwear addresses the friction causing it in the first place.