A permanent callus is a thickened area of skin that occurs as a result of repetitive friction or pressure. The spelling of the word "callus" is pronounced as /ˈkæləs/ with stress on the first syllable "cal-" and the second syllable "lus" pronounced as /-əs/. The word "permanent" is pronounced as /ˈpɜːrmənənt/ with stress on the second syllable "-man-" and the final "-ent" pronounced as /-ənt/. Together, the correct phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈpɜːrmənənt ˈkæləs/.
A permanent callus refers to a thickened and hardened area of skin that does not undergo the normal process of shedding or regenerating. It is a localized and long-lasting condition caused by excessive pressure or friction on a particular area of the skin over a prolonged period of time. The development of a permanent callus is the skin's natural defense mechanism to protect itself from repeated injury or irritation.
This type of callus is often found on the hands and feet, particularly in areas that are subjected to repeated rubbing or pressure, such as the palms, fingertips, or soles. It is commonly seen in individuals who engage in activities that involve constant gripping, repetitive movements, or wearing ill-fitting footwear.
Permanent calluses display a yellowish or whitish appearance, and the skin in these areas becomes thickened and rough. Unlike regular calluses, which may soften and resolve over time with measures like moisturizing or gentle exfoliation, permanent calluses persist indefinitely and are difficult to eliminate completely.
While permanent calluses are generally considered harmless, they can cause discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area. In severe cases, the constant pressure on the deep layers of the skin can lead to the formation of painful corns or ulcers. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or podiatrist for effective management and prevention of permanent calluses.
Definitive c.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "permanent callus" consists of two main words: "permanent" and "callus". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Permanent:
The word "permanent" originated from the Latin word "permanens", which is the present participle of the verb "permanēre". "Permanēre" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "per" (meaning "through" or "thoroughly") and "manēre" (meaning "remain" or "stay"). Hence, "permanent" conveys the idea of something that lasts or remains unchanged for an extended period.
2. Callus:
The term "callus" comes from the Latin word "callus", which means "hard skin" or "thick skin".