Clavus Medication

  • Author: Nanette Silverberg; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 9, 2010
 

Medication Summary

Debridement may be enhanced with the use of keratolytic agents, such as ureas, alpha-hydroxy acid (eg, glycolic, malic, or lactic acid), or beta-hydroxy acid (eg, salicylic acid). The use of these agents is not recommended in pregnant women and young children. Most salicylic acid compounds are 10-17%. High concentrations of salicylic acid (eg, 40%) may lead to severe maceration and frank foot ulcerations in patients with diabetes. Self-adhesive pads are most effective for reducing thick lesions, whereas lotions, creams, and medicaments in petrolatum are best for maintenance. Intralesional Kenalog and topical vitamin A acid compounds also may reduce localized hyperkeratosis. Kenalog may be injected during pregnancy because of its limited absorption; however, it can lead to localized hypopigmentation. Topical vitamin A derivatives are not intended for use in women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant because their safety ranges from category C to category X.

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Keratolytics

Class Summary

These agents cause cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate. Commonly used agents include urea, alpha-hydroxy acids (eg, lactic acid, glycolic acid), and beta-hydroxy acids (eg, salicylic acid).

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Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin)

 

May loosen the adhesion of the keratinocytes in the stratum corneum, thereby thinning the skin.

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Salicylic acid topical (Compound W, Panscol, Sal-Plant)

 

May be compounded in petrolatum at any percentage, usually is used at 5-20%, beginning with lower percentage. Can be purchased over the counter as a liquid or pad preparation, ranging from 17-40% (multiple companies make these). Can be irritating or cause blistering.

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Urea (Ureacin-40, Aquacare)

 

Promotes the hydration and removal of excess keratin in conditions of hyperkeratosis.

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Intralesional corticosteroids

Class Summary

These drugs have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Triamcinolone (Kenalog, Amcort)

 

Injectable version of triamcinolone is available in concentrations of 3-40 mg/mL. Generally, this compound is diluted to 1-4% for injection into lesions, such as a clavus.

Corticosteroids cause the skin to thin, and this beneficial side effect can be used to reduce the thickness of a clavus. However, overusage also can lighten the skin and cause atrophy.

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Retinoids

Class Summary

Retinoids decrease the cohesiveness of abnormal hyperproliferative keratinocytes, and they may reduce the potential for malignant degeneration. Retinoids modulate keratinocyte differentiation.

These agents are not specifically approved for use in clavus therapy. Only tretinoin has been shown to be useful for clavus therapy in the topically applied form. These agents cause the skin to peel by loosening of keratinocyte adhesion. Irritation and discomfort are limiting adverse effects.

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Tretinoin topical (Retin-A, Avita)

 

Inhibits microcomedo formation and eliminates lesions present. Makes keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles less adherent and easier to remove. Available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% creams. Also available as 0.01% and 0.025% gels.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Nanette Silverberg  MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Director of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Maimonides Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center

Nanette Silverberg is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of University Women, American Medical Association, American Medical Women's Association, Dermatology Foundation, International Society of Pediatric Dermatology, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Smeena Khan, MD  Private Practice, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology Associates

Smeena Khan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey J Miller, MD  Associate Professor of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Jeffrey J Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, North American Hair Research Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Glen H Crawford, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital

Glen H Crawford, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of USAF Flight Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous Chief Editor, William D. James, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

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Screwdriver operator's callus (ie, clavus).
Table. Clavus Formation Named for Specific Etiology or Location
Vernacular Term Location Association
Jeweler's callus, cherry pitter's thumb,[4] cameo engraver's corn[5] ThumbDigital changes, including callosities related to repetitive use of fine jeweler's instruments, which also may be seen with the use of cherry-pitting tools
Weight lifter's callus[6] Callosities over the palmar metacarpophalangeal jointsCaused by the friction of weight-lifting apparatus (This also may be seen in athletes who participate in crew.)
Prayer callus[7, 8] Callosity on the foreheadFrom kneeling prayer with the hands on the forehead
Cigarette lighter's thumb[9] Hyperkeratosis of the radial aspect of the thumbCaused by excessive cigarette lighter flicking
Knuckle pads[10] Hyperkeratosis over the knucklesCaused by boxing training
Russell sign[11] Callosities of the dorsum of the hand over the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal jointsCaused by the friction involved with self-induced emesis in bulimia nervosa
Screwdriver operator's clavus[12] Palmar surface of the handOccurs at the site of contact with a screwdriver handle
Spine bumpsHyperkeratosis over the spinal columnCaused by dancing with spinning on one's back
Hairdresser's handFirst finger on dominant handCallus formation at the site of friction caused by scissors around the first finger on the dominant hand
Sucking calluses[13] Lip, hand, or foot of a newbornCallus formation at the site of an area of suction on the lip, hand, or foot of a newborn
Vamp disease[14] FeetClavus formation due to wearing tight high-heeled shoes
Table 2
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