What may happen to the skin if an area is subject to pressure or friction?

When an area of skin is subjected to pressure or friction, it may become callused. This is a natural protective response of the skin to repeated stress or irritation. The skin thickens in that area to protect the underlying tissues and reduce the risk of injury. Calluses often develop on hands and feet where friction is common, such as from gripping tools or walking.

While inflammation, irritation, and acne can certainly be reactions to other types of skin trauma or conditions, they are not specifically the result of pressure or friction in the same way that calluses are. For instance, inflammation typically signals an infection or disease process, irritation can arise from various factors including chemical exposures, and acne is primarily related to clogged pores, hormonal changes, or bacterial action. Hence, the development of a callus is the most direct and typical response to consistent pressure or friction on the skin.