Diagnosis of Calluses
Diagnosis of calluses is typically straightforward and based on clinical evaluation. A healthcare provider can usually identify calluses through visual inspection and a brief discussion of the patient’s lifestyle, footwear, and physical habits. Since calluses are a natural response to mechanical stress, the focus of diagnosis is to confirm their presence and rule out other skin conditions that may appear similar.
Medical History
The doctor will ask questions such as:
When did the thickened skin first appear?
Does it cause pain, discomfort, or limit activity?
What kind of shoes are worn regularly?
Are there repetitive tasks or sports involved?
Is there a history of diabetes or circulatory issues?
Understanding the patient’s routine helps identify contributing factors like pressure points, foot abnormalities, or occupational hazards.
Physical Examination
During examination, the clinician will assess:
Location and size of the thickened area
Skin colour and texture
Depth and symmetry of the lesion
Presence of cracks, inflammation, or infection
Signs of underlying bone deformities, bunions, or structural misalignment
Calluses are usually flat, painless, and found over bony prominences subjected to friction or weight-bearing.
Differential Diagnosis of Calluses
It is important to differentiate calluses from:
Corns: Smaller, more localised, often with a painful central core
Plantar warts: Caused by HPV, often with black pinpoint dots and pain when pinched from the sides
Fungal infections: Scaling and redness may mimic dry callused skin
Eczema or psoriasis: May cause thickened skin but are typically itchy and inflamed
In rare cases, imaging such as an X-ray may be ordered if a bone abnormality is suspected to be contributing to recurrent or severe callus formation.
Diabetic Foot Assessment
People with diabetes require more thorough foot evaluations. A doctor may conduct:
Monofilament testing to check for neuropathy
Circulatory checks to assess blood flow
Regular foot screenings to monitor changes
In summary, diagnosis of calluses is based on physical appearance and understanding the pressures placed on the affected area. Proper evaluation ensures that the callus is not mistaken for another condition and guides the best course of management.
[Next: Treatment of Calluses →]
