Differential Diagnosis for Corn on the Plantar Surface of the Foot
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Callus: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the location on the plantar surface of the foot, which is a common area for callus formation due to pressure and friction.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Corn: A corn is a small, circular, thickened area of skin that can occur on the plantar surface of the foot, often due to pressure or friction.
- Plantar wart: A plantar wart is a viral infection that can cause a thickened area of skin on the plantar surface of the foot, which may resemble a corn or callus.
- Intractable plantar keratosis: This condition is characterized by a thickened area of skin on the plantar surface of the foot that can be painful and resistant to treatment.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Although rare, this type of skin cancer can present as a thickened area of skin on the plantar surface of the foot, making it essential to consider in the differential diagnosis.
- Melanoma: A melanoma can occur on the plantar surface of the foot, and it is crucial to not miss this diagnosis due to its potential for aggressive behavior and poor prognosis if left untreated.
- Deep tissue infection (e.g., plantar abscess): An infection in the deep tissues of the foot can cause pain, swelling, and thickening of the skin, making it essential to consider in the differential diagnosis.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Keratoacanthoma: A keratoacanthoma is a rare, benign tumor that can occur on the plantar surface of the foot and may resemble a corn or callus.
- Porokeratosis: This is a rare skin disorder that can cause thickened areas of skin on the plantar surface of the foot, often with a distinctive appearance.
- Arsenical keratosis: This is a rare condition caused by long-term exposure to arsenic, which can lead to thickened areas of skin on the plantar surface of the foot.