Differential Diagnosis for Callus in Palm
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Friction callus: This is the most common cause of a callus on the palm, resulting from repeated friction or pressure on the skin, often due to activities that involve gripping or holding objects tightly.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Plantar or palmar wart: Although more common on the soles of the feet, warts can also appear on the palms and may resemble calluses. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Eczema (dyshidrotic eczema): This condition can cause small, itchy blisters on the palms, which may lead to the formation of thick skin that resembles a callus.
- Psoriasis: Palmar psoriasis can cause thickening of the skin on the palms, leading to callus-like lesions.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Although rare, this type of skin cancer can present as a callus-like lesion on the palm. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in lesions that are non-healing, grow rapidly, or have an unusual appearance.
- Melanoma (acral lentiginous melanoma): This is a rare type of skin cancer that can occur on the palms and soles. It may resemble a callus but can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated early.
- Rare diagnoses
- Keratoacanthoma: A rare, low-grade malignancy that can resemble a callus but typically grows more rapidly.
- Verrucous carcinoma: A rare type of squamous cell carcinoma that can present as a callus-like lesion, often on the sole of the foot but can also occur on the palm.
- Tylosis (Howel-Evans syndrome): A rare genetic condition characterized by the development of thick skin on the palms and soles, which can resemble calluses, and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.