Differential Diagnosis for Callus in Hand
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Friction callus: This is the most common cause of callus formation on the hands, resulting from repeated friction or pressure on the skin, often due to activities such as gripping tools, playing musical instruments, or other repetitive motions.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pressure callus: Similar to friction callus but caused by constant pressure on a specific area, such as from poorly fitting gloves or tools.
- Ecstatic callus (or plantar callus when on the feet, but can be analogous to hand conditions): Though more common on the feet, similar principles can apply to the hands, especially in areas of high pressure or friction.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Though rare, SCC can masquerade as a callus, especially in areas exposed to the sun or in immunocompromised individuals. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Melanoma: Similarly, melanoma can present in unusual ways, including as a callus-like lesion, particularly in the subungual region (under the nail).
- Infection (e.g., paronychia, felon): Infections of the hand can sometimes present with callus-like symptoms, especially if there's an abscess or significant inflammation.
- Rare diagnoses
- Verruca (wart): Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts can sometimes be mistaken for calluses, especially if they are flat and hyperkeratotic.
- Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade, or sometimes considered benign, tumor that can resemble a callus but grows more rapidly.
- Porokeratosis: A rare skin disorder that can cause callus-like lesions, often with a distinctive appearance and sometimes associated with other systemic conditions.