Callus

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Callus
Synonyms	Callosity, tyloma
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Thickened and hardened area of skin
Complications	Pain, infection
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Repeated friction, pressure, or irritation
Risks	Poorly fitting shoes, manual labor
Diagnosis	Based on physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Corn (medicine), Plantar wart, Keratoderma
Prevention	Proper footwear, protective pads
Treatment	Pumice stone, Salicylic acid, Orthotics
Medication	Topical keratolytics
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

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• Callus is a thickened and hard area of skin due to consistent pressure or friction.
• A callus may also refer to the area around a bone break where new bone is formed.
• While caluses usually form on the bottom of the feet, corns form on the top.

Calluses

Pathophysiology

• Calluses grow on the bottom of the foot or on the outer edge of a toe or heel.
• A callus may spread across the ball of your foot.
• This type of callus is usually due to a problem with a metatarsal - the long bone at the base of a toe, near the ball of the foot.
• A pinch callus may grow along the outer edge of the heel or the big toe.
• Some calluses press up into the foot instead of spreading on the outside.
• A callus may form a central core or plug of tissue where pressure is greatest.

A Callus

Purpose

The thickening of the skin is a protective reaction.

Symptoms

• Skin is thick and hardened.
• Skin may be flaky and dry.
• Hardened, thick skin areas are found on hands, feet, or other areas that may be rubbed or pressed.
• The affected areas can be painful and may bleed.

Investigations

The diagnosis is usually made by history and physical examination and tests are not needed.

Treatment

Preventing friction is often the only treatment needed.

• Calluses often occur due to excess pressure placed on the skin because of another problem such as bunions or hammertoes.
• Proper treatment of any underlying condition should prevent the calluses from returning.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands during activities that cause friction to help prevent calluses.

Prognosis

• Corns and calluses are rarely serious.
• They should improve with proper treatment and not cause long-term problems.

Complications

• Complications of corns and calluses are rare.
• People with diabetes are prone to ulcers and infections and should regularly examine their feet to identify any problems right away.

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