A 32-year-old male construction worker presented with a painful lesion on his left sole. The lesion was first noted 1 to 2 years prior and gradually increased in size with time. The lesion was asymptomatic initially and became slightly painful in the past 6 months, especially with standing and walking. The patient was otherwise in good health. In particular, there was no history of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or neurological disease.
The patient had a hyperkeratotic, thickened plaque on the left sole. The lesion was poorly demarcated and was tender when direct firm pressure was applied to it. The rest of the physical examination was normal.
The patient had a plantar callus (also known as callosity). It was treated by deep paring and followed by application of a urea-based cream nightly. An assessment for orthotics was scheduled. The lesion resolved in approximately 2 months.
A callus refers to a diffuse thickening of the stratum corneum in response to repeated or chronic friction or pressure.