Wood Grips Care Question

[TN_Hiker]

I have a Sig P238 with Rosewood grips and it's the only handgun I have that has wooden grips. I happened to notice something today during some cleaning, on one side the wood has become speckled/rough (the best way I can describe it) in some areas.

 

This is on the side I have it laying down in my drawer and it's the side that is pressed against my body when I'm carrying. I've attempted a picture but you can't really see it with the camera. It's very obvious to the eye though.

 

I keep a piece of neoprene in my drawer to protect the table from any residual oils, cleaners, etc that may be on the guns. I'm curious if that has something to do with it or if it's just the sweat and oil of the body doing it. 

 

*Edit: I'm always extremely careful, but I guess a cleaner could have possibly done it as well? I can only throw out guesses since I don't have too much knowledge about it.

 

What is the best way to care for these grips? I definitely want to prevent anymore damage.

 

What about caring for the wood stock of guns in general?

 

Thanks :)

Edited January 17, 2013 by Spank