Interesting Names for Common Calluses

By Dr Arun Pal Singh

Callus is hyperkeratotic thickening due to repetitive friction. Presentation of calluses and corns are discussed here. In this article, I am writing about the commonly used terms for different types of calluses.

These are vernacular terms and are interesting to note as they try to convey the etiology.

Jeweler’s callus or Cherry Pitter’s thumb or Cameo Engraver’s Corn

This involves thumb and other digits and occurs due to repetitive use of fine jeweler’s instruments. The same may be seen with the use of cherry-pitting tools.

Weight Lifter’s Callus

This refers to callosities over the palmar metacarpophalangeal joints. These are caused by the friction of the weight-lifting apparatus. These may also be seen in the athletes who participate in crew.

Prayer Callus

It is also called prayer bump. The callosity is on the forehead. It occurs due to the friction generated by repeated contact of the forehead with the prayer mat during daily prayers.

Cigarette lighter’s thumb

This refers to thickening due to hyperkeratosis of the radial aspect of the thumb. The thickening is caused by an excessive cigarette lighter flicking.

Knuckle Pads

This is hyperkeratosis over the knuckles caused by boxing training.

Russell Sign

This refers to callosities of the dorsum of the hand over the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints caused by the friction involved with self-induced emesis in bulimia nervosa.

Screwdriver Operator’s Clavus

Clavus is another name for a callus. Screwdriver operator occurs on the palmar surface of the hand due to contact with a screwdriver handle.

Spine Bumps

Hyperkeratosis over the spinal column is caused by dancing with spinning on one’s back.

Hairdresser’s hand

Callus on the first finger on dominant hand formed by the friction of scissors around the first finger on the dominant hand.

Sucking calluses

This is seen on lips, hand, or foot of a newborn.

Vamp disease

This is clavus formation due to wearing tight high-heeled shoes.

Muay Thai kickboxer’s Feet

The callosities on the forefoot, on the plantar first metatarsal and on the big toe as a result of kick-boxing

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About Dr Arun Pal Singh

Arun Pal Singh is an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, founder and chief editor of this website. He works in Kanwar Bone and Spine Clinic, Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

This website is an effort to educate and support people and medical personnel on orthopedic issues and musculoskeletal health.

You can follow him on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter

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