Callus is defined as

Callus is defined as

• A. Infection of the nail bed
• B. Redness around blister
• C. Bone spur near toe
• D. Thickening of the outer layer of skin in response to pressure or friction

Answer: (D)

Callus is the thickening of the outer layer of skin in response to pressure or friction. When skin undergoes repeated rubbing or weight-bearing stress, the epidermis increases keratin production and the stratum corneum grows thicker to protect deeper tissues. This protective patch commonly forms on feet or hands where there’s regular rubbing, rather than from infection, redness around a blister, or bone growth. That’s why the correct description matches a thickened outer skin layer due to mechanical stress. If needed, manage with padding, proper footwear, and gentle removal of excess skin, and consult a clinician if pain or signs of infection occur.

Callus is the thickening of the outer layer of skin in response to pressure or friction. When skin undergoes repeated rubbing or weight-bearing stress, the epidermis increases keratin production and the stratum corneum grows thicker to protect deeper tissues. This protective patch commonly forms on feet or hands where there’s regular rubbing, rather than from infection, redness around a blister, or bone growth. That’s why the correct description matches a thickened outer skin layer due to mechanical stress. If needed, manage with padding, proper footwear, and gentle removal of excess skin, and consult a clinician if pain or signs of infection occur.