What it means
Skin calluses form on the hands and feet where they rub, as from shoes or tools. In fracture healing, a soft callus of cartilage and then a hard callus of bone bridges the break over several weeks. The adjective callousKAL-usUnkind and not caring about other people's feelings; less often, hardened and thickened.Full entry , spelled differently, usually means unkind or uncaring.
For the nurse
Clients with diabetes should not cut or shave calluses on their feet themselves; teach them to see a podiatrist and check their feet daily.
At a glance
| Also written | calluses |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
callous
Unkind and not caring about other people's feelings; less often, hardened and thickened.