___________ is thickened or hardened areas of skin caused by friction:

___________ is thickened or hardened areas of skin caused by friction:

• A. Keratoma
• B. Verruca
• C. Mole
• D. Nevus

Answer: (A)

Thickened or hardened areas of skin caused by friction are keratomas. This happens when the epidermis responds to repeated rubbing or pressure by producing more keratin, forming a protective, tougher patch often seen as a callus. Verruca is a wart caused by HPV and isn’t simply a friction-related thickening; a mole or nevus is a pigmented skin lesion from melanocyte growth, not a friction-induced change. So keratoma best matches the description because it specifically denotes hyperkeratosis from mechanical irritation.

Thickened or hardened areas of skin caused by friction are keratomas. This happens when the epidermis responds to repeated rubbing or pressure by producing more keratin, forming a protective, tougher patch often seen as a callus. Verruca is a wart caused by HPV and isn’t simply a friction-related thickening; a mole or nevus is a pigmented skin lesion from melanocyte growth, not a friction-induced change. So keratoma best matches the description because it specifically denotes hyperkeratosis from mechanical irritation.