Electrolysis Practice Exam

The medical term for a callus is known as?

1. Keratoma

2. Hyperkeratosis

3. Dermatitis

4. Psoriasis

The correct answer is: Keratoma

The correct answer is keratoma, which refers specifically to a localized thickening of the outer layer of the skin, often seen as a callus. A callus forms in response to repeated friction or pressure, leading to an accumulation of keratin, a protein that provides strength and resilience to the skin. This localized condition is essentially a form of a benign tumor of the keratin-producing cells. Hyperkeratosis is a broader term that describes the thickening of the outer layer of the skin but does not specifically denote a callus. Dermatitis pertains to inflammation of the skin, presenting with different symptoms and conditions unrelated to callus formation. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly patches and involves an immune response, rather than a simple response to friction like a callus.