WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Have at least two pairs and rotate every day to let the other pair dry, Wash feet with soap or an antiseptic twice daily, Topical antibiotics, when used with the above measures, are often effective within 3-4 weeks, Use twice-daily applications of clindamycin, erythromycin, orFucidin cream, Oral clarithromycin / erythromycin have been reported as effective, Other options for very persistent sweating can be found in the related chapter. Clinical presentation of chronic, acquired small pits on the weight bearing areas of the soles, associated with occluding footwear and hyperhidrosis, is pathognomonic for pitted keratolysis (PK) . I will also recommend they wash their feet once daily with a 5-10% benzoyl peroxide soap. Benzoyl Peroxide gel might be prescribed as an antiseptic. Most commonly occurring in athletes and members of the military, pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious skin infection that affects the soles and other weight bearing areas of the foot . Nails They may also order bacterial cultures to be taken. 2005 May-Jun; 71(3):213-5. Most individuals will present with a complaint of malodorous feet. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. readers, especially in skin of colour: Copyright 1994 - 2021 The Primary Care Dermatology Society. Occupations at risk include: Females offering pedicure and foot care in a spa salon may also be affected by pitted keratolysis. For this reason, it's also known as holes in the feet, holes in the skin,. Socks that absorb excessive humidity are recommended, especially if you know that you sweat a lot. Enjoying our content? Most commonly occurring in athletes and members of the military, pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious skin infection that affects the soles and other weight bearing areas of the foot. de Almeida HL Jr, Siqueira RN, Meireles Rda S, Rampon G, de Castro LA, Silva RM. vol. Topical antibiotics are effective, easy to use and accepted by patients. Examination with a Wood light is not reliable for diagnosis and may be negative or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium spp. (In vitro studies purifying the P1 and P2 proteins. It can rarely occur on the palms. Pits often join together (coalesce) to form larger, crater-like lesion. Pitted keratolysis. 2005 May-Jun; 71(3):213-5. van der Snoek EM, Ekkelenkamp MB, Suykerbuyk JC. Infection. Pitted keratolysis can occur in people of any race, any age, and either sex, though it is more common in males. Vlahovic TC, Dunn SP, Kemp K. The use of a clindamycin 1%benzoyl peroxide 5% topical gel in the treatment of pitted keratolysis: a novel therapy. Each had a prompt response. The infection typically develops on the soles of the feet in people that suffer from excessive sweat, but it can also affect the palms of the hands. No, pitted keratolysis isn't contagious and can't spread from person to person. Statement Policy, Data Most commonly occurring in athletes and members of the military, pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious skin infection that affects the soles and other weight bearing areas of the foot. Diagnosis based on history Viral infections in children College of General Practitioners, The All Bad odor coming from the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Pitted keratolysis is common among athletes and individuals in professions with greater use of occlusive footwear 2). Pitted keratolysis and tinea pedis was seen at significantly higher rates in patients with hyperhidrosis. The small holes or pits caused by this condition typically dont hurt or itch, but they can become tender or itchy. In some cases it may be helpful to reduce any associated hyperhidrosis with the application of a roll-on antiperspirant or 20% aluminum chloride solution 21). We will recommend a personalised treatment plan for you. Reviews risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options. The craterlike pits can overlap one another, this leading to a bigger area being affected by the keratin erosion. Despite the condition being reported in many countries affecting both shod and unshod populations, there is little guidance for clinicians providing evidence or best practice guidelines on the management of this often stubborn infection. version, Concise guidelines for common skin Regularly rotating or airing out shoes is also a good way to deal with this condition. It has both aerobic and anaerobic antibacterial properties due to . Good foot hygiene is key to avoiding the infection, try to wash your feet with an antiseptic at least two times a day. The odour linked to pitted keratolysis is due to the production of sulphur compounds. 47 men, 6 women. If you would like to donate, please use this Athletes and military personnel tend to . Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin infection that can impact both the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Patients need to be educated on proper foot care. [Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(1):27-30] This review is aimed to consolidate present information about aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of Pitted Keratolysis. It is commonly associated with sweaty feet. MY PITTED KERATOLYSIS IS GONE. PITTED KERATOLYSIS Etiology: Kytococcus sedentarius Age of onset: young adults. If you simply Is Keratolysis contagious? Takedown request . To the Editor. Pitted keratolysis is a noninflammatory bacterial infection characterized by discrete crateriform pits of the stratum corneum on the plantar surface. However, it is recommended that you maintain a good bodily hygiene and you do not share objects of hygiene (towels included) with other people, as you might get a secondary infection from another person. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Medias Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. 2004. pp. All rights reserved. Pitted keratolysis: a case report and review of current literature Rona Wai Yin Law, Eric So, Anson Ka Cheung Chu, and Daniel B Logan Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare 2018 28: 1 , 71-73 Download Citation If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. The pitted keratolysis is secondary to the hyperhidrosis. ), (In vitro studies purifying the P1 and P2 proteins. Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. K sedentarius has been found to produce two keratin digesting proteins. The bad smell is due to sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria: thiols, sulfides and thioesters. 2, 3 Cultures, if taken, show gram-positive coccobacilli or bacilli. Pitted keratolysis, erythromycin, and hyperhidrosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013;27:11206. Charity No. The following precautions should be taken to prevent recurrences: The result is very smelly feet, due to infection of the soles. pitted keratolysis Last reviewed 01/2018 In this condition Corynebacteria infection causes macerated skin over the pressure areas of the foot. spots (syn. This is the most common symptom. Dont miss out on todays top content on Dermatology Advisor. Macules (small flat lesions) / papules (small raised lesions) 47 men, 6 women. Please use the attached consent form when obtaining images, and download and There is also evidence for adding benzoyl peroxide to the antibiotics treatment 26). It is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin, and may give off an unpleasant odour. All rights reserved. Scalp Youve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. Skin lesion algorithm - common benign 4. 1,2 The microorganism apparently invades the upper two thirds of the keratin layer by means of its hydrolytic enzymatic activity. Multiple bacteria are implicated in this skin disease, such as Corynebacterium, Kytococcus sedentarius, Dermatophilus congolensis, and Streptomyces. save the web address in the browser as one of your favourites then Pitted keratolysis is much more common in males than in females. ((Pitted keratolysis. The bacteria proliferate in moist conditions. Dermatology Reports. Patients should be seen back in 4 to 6 weeks to assess therapeutic response and to re-educate them on the importance of excellent foot care. 2017;56(11):1154-1160. doi:10.1111/ijd.13744, Pranteda G, Carlesimo M, Pranteda G, et al. Three to four percent of patients with pitted keratolysis may also have erythrasma and/or trichomycosis. Pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious bacterial infection that affects the skin. Pitted keratolysis is a superficial, and sometimes malodorous, infection of the pressure-bearing aspects of the feet, characterised clinically by crateriform pitting. I have never had a patient who required botulinum toxin therapy, but this may be also considered for severe cases of hyperhidrosis unresponsive to conventional therapy. Crateriform pits were found along with filamentous bacteria. The diagnosis ofpitted keratolysis is clinical 5). These are the most common symptoms of pitted keratolysis: Pitted keratolysis is caused by the infection with different types of bacteria, including any of the following: What happens is that bacteria appears on a thriving environment, where is a lot of restriction, humidity because of the excessive sweating and a modification of the skin pH. Pitted keratolysis is a skin disorder thats caused by bacteria. That means you cannot get it from another person or transmit it to others. Our simple consultation first process enables you to complete a consultation with a doctor, submitting photos of the affected skin and answering a set of questions that will enable a diagnosis where possible. Other Corynebacterium are also felt to play a minor etiological role in the pathogenesis of pitted keratolysis; the role of Streptomyces species has yet to be fully defined. Reviews risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options. Pitted keratolysis is an acquired, chronic, usually asymptomatic, non-inflammatory, superficial bacterial infection of the skin, confined to the stratum corneum of the soles, characterized clinically by multifocal, discrete, superficial crateriform pits and superficial erosions. You might not experience typical signs of inflammation such as redness or swelling. Some research suggests that pitted keratolysis is most commonly found in people who work in specific industries where people often have wet feet or have to wear occlusive footwear. Which is a highly contagious primary infection caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus, characterized by successive crops of small blisters which can evolve into pustules, crusts and even scars. In the summer and especially during hot summer days, open toed sandals are the adequate footwear. Pitted keratolysis (also known as "Keratolysis plantare sulcatum," "Keratoma plantare sulcatum," and "Ringed keratolysis") is a non-contagious skin infection that can be caused by wearing tight or restricting footwear and excessive sweating. If you have stinky feet along with deep pits, you may need the gel as well as another antibiotic.. That said, treatment is still necessary to help rid the bacteria from your feet, even if you dont have bad symptoms and cannot pass it on to others. It creates crater-like pits or small holes on the top layer of your skin and usually affects the soles of your feet, but can also develop on the palms of your hands. This results in small pits forming on your fingernails or toenails, which may look like your nails were hit with the tip of a pen. To treat pitted keratolysis, you will need to make certain lifestyle changes and use medication as needed.. You might experience limitation of function or a psychological impact due to the symptoms but once your skin condition is healed, you might feel a lot better. The vast majority of cases are asymptomatic. 2002. pp. Singh G, Naik CL. Thanks for visiting Dermatology Advisor. conditions. The odor linked to pitted keratolysis is due to the production of sulphur compounds. The feet need to be cleaned with antibacterial soap or a cleaner with antiseptic properties. There is a variant of pitted keratolysis where there are more diffuse red areas on the soles. Lockwood LL, Gehrke S, Navarini AA. Hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) 16. Yes. Your doctor might do a clinical exam as well as evaluate your medical history to get to the diagnosis. Are immunocompromised due to chemotherapy or other reasons. Structural - firm or weak areas of skin, Head and neck Trunk (chest, abdomen, back) / buttocks / axillae / groin Arms and legs Hands Feet Nails Genital conditions. Pitted keratolysis will typically go away after one to eight weeks of treatment. vol. Dermatol Ther 2014;27:1014. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for pitted keratolysis. A new form of treatment. After 2 months the pitted keratolysis was cleared in all four. learning points & advise them to attend too" GP Intertrigo (inflammation in body fold 17. Kaptanoglu AF, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups. The longest follow-up was 10 months in one of the patients. Br J Dermatol. Hands To get rid of pitted keratolysis, you should avoid wearing tight shoes and socks. This condition is set out as follows: Aetiology History Clinical findings Images Management Aetiology Read on to learn more about what it is, how its diagnosed, treatment, and more. Corynebacterium-associated skin infections. Actinic (solar) keratosis 3. 1. No serological, laboratory, cultures or imaging tests are required for diagnosis. Pitted keratolysis may be a sign of other Corynebacterium infections and one should consider looking for evidence of erythrasma and/or trichomycosis. Corynebacterium species have been implicated as the causative agents in pitted keratolysis. Aust J Dermatol 1985;26:29-35. eMedicine J 2003;11:1-7. vol. right and good speakers. Symptoms associated with pitted keratolysis include pitting of the skin of the soles of your feet. Pruritis ani 25. Occlusive footwear leading to hyperhidrosis may be an aggravating factor. Pitted keratolysis is caused by a range of bacterial species. What Are The Causes Of Pitted Keratolysis? There are a few risk factors associated with pitted keratolysis such as excessively sweaty feet that are not kept dry, not wearing socks, or sharing of towels. 1,2 The condition was first described by Castellani in 1910 as a disease affecting barefooted people during the rainy season in Sri Lanka. Skin changes with distinct pattern It usually affects the soles of your feet, but it can also happen to the palms of your hands. Sometimes, bacterial colonies can also be seen through the dermatoscope. Nail disorders 20. Pitted keratolysis. Treatment will depend on the severity of your pitted keratolysis. Mostly affects the soles, forefoot, the heel or both. (Single case report of a soldier with pitted keratolysis and tinea pedis. Feet I HAVE HAD THIS FOR 10 PLUS YEARS. This condition can cause itchiness and smelly feet. Other recommended lifestyle changes you might adopt are not sharing towels or shoes with others, using absorbent cotton socks, and drying your feet properly every time you take a bath or wash your feet. Clinical manifestations in 53 cases. The role of Micrococcus sedentarius . conditions, Hyperpigmentation The most commonly used antibiotics are Erythromycin, Mupirocin, and Clindamycin. It is an acquired, chronic, superficial bacterial infection . Palms are less commonly involved. link for the society's contact details. (Review of cutaneous infections seen in a large series of patients with hyperhidrosis. Drug (or chemical) related Register for free and gain unlimited access to: - Clinical Updates, with personalized daily picks for you There are many other bacteria such as dermatophilus congolensis, actinomyces, kytococcus sedentarius which are also responsible for . - Evidence-Based Guidance Pitted keratolysis is caused by a cutaneous infection with Kytococcus sedentarius 13), Dermatophilus congolensis 14) and the Corynebacterium species 15). It is generally caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci. Child abuse / domestic violence Pitted keratolysis (also known as Keratolysis plantare sulcatum, [1] Keratoma plantare sulcatum, [1] and Ringed keratolysis [1]) is a bacterial skin infection of the foot. It is not felt to be an infection that is contagious. Pitted keratolysis is easily identified by its shallow, crater-like pits. Electron microscopy has been described in one case. Dermatol Surg. Hyperhidrosis is found in approximately 70% of cases. 47. Psychological Either the forefoot or the heel or both become white with clusters of punched-out pits. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013;27:11206. Latest News Your top articles for Tuesday, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. As this condition is caused by bacteria, it should come as no surprise that it is often present in military personnel or people who wear tight or restrictive footwear for extensive periods of time. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM. Pitted keratolysis causes smelly feet. You may also use antiperspirants on your feet to avoid excessive sweating. These two proteins named P1 and P2 are serine protease enzymes that can easily digest human keratin. Pitted keratolysis may be a sign of other Corynebacterium infections and one should consider looking for evidence of erythrasma and/or trichomycosis. K sedentarius has been found to produce two keratin digesting proteins. The pits can also be surrounded by a hue that is green or brown in color. Oral therapy is almost never needed. The former destroys the superficial layer of the skin while the latter produces the characteristic odor. If a patient is allergic to erythromycin, one can substitute clindamycin 1% lotion or tetracycline. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? Adv Skin Wound Care. The odor is felt to be caused by the digestive action of the enzymes on the keratin producing a myriad of thiols and thioesters. Topical antibiotics are the first line of medical treatment22). ), Tamura, BM, Cuce, LC, Souza, RL. Pitted keratolysis is a skin infection affecting the thick stratum corneum of the plantar surface of the feet and less commonly the palms. - how to use, THE CUNLIFFE (TP) GENERAL DERMATOLOGY Your healthcare provider will diagnose pitted keratolysis after reviewing your complete medical history and performing a physical exam to learn more about your symptoms. Fordyce's granules), Adult Mouth She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. The treatment for pitted keratolysis depends entirely on the severity of the infection. 61. Pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious bacterial infection that affects the skin. Pitted keratolysis, erythromycin, and hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis seenin 96% of cases, severe odor in 89%, and pain in 11%. Copyright 2017, 2013 Decision Support in Medicine, LLC. The appearance is more dramatic when the feet are wet. Occasionally, pitted keratolysis can be confused with tinea pedis, but pitted keratolysis is associated with a strong foul odor and usually manifests as small crateriform depressions of the soles and heels. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the soles of the feet or less commonly, the palms of the hands. solar keratosis), Fordyce Your doctor will probably not use a Wood light, which is a special light used to find out if you have a fungal infection, because a Wood light may not show positive results if your pitted keratolysis is caused by Corynebacterium spp. Eczema - gravitational (venous) 13. More than the half of the female patients (58.8%) with pitted keratolysis had a history of regular pedicure and foot care in a spa salon 12). Pitted keratolysis. Pitted keratolysis: physicians treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel. Molluscum contagiosum 19. A biopsy of affected skin might also be useful. "Extremely helpful to have memory stick with notes of talks Optimal Therapeutic Approach for this Disease, Unusual Clinical Scenarios to Consider in Patient Management, Use of cedar shoe trees can decrease moisture in shoes, Wear a different pair of shoes every other day, Wash feet daily and completely dry skin after bathing, Wash socks on high temperature to kill the bacteria. 2009. pp. 164. That said, it is usually simple to treat once you get a proper diagnosis. J Invest Dermatol 1986;87:159. Notice and credit must be given to the PCDS or other named contributors. It is commonly associated with sweaty feet. vol. 24. Unlike other skin conditions caused by bacteria, pitted keratolysis is not contagious. Taplin D, Zaias N. The etiology of pitted keratolysis. If the feet have been recently washed fluorescence is unlikely to be seen. 698-701. (Corynebacterial triad) Less than 2% of cases are unilateral only. In cases where biopsies have been performed, two histological variants have been described: Minor type (superficial type): Bacteria is found on the surface of the skin. vol. Can pitted Keratolysis go away by itself? They also used aluminum chloride three times a week to decrease associated hyperhidrosis. They should try to use cotton socks, and change them at midday. A logical approach to the management of skin conditions including A foul odor without any other symptoms has been encountered as a direct result of Bacillus subtilis or Staphylococcus epidermidis overgrowth. eczema, Other guidelines - The British The pits themselves are usually asymptomatic but may cause soreness or itching when walking. Associated with medical conditions Botulinum toxin or iontophoresis may also be prescribed to treat sweating. The pitting is due to destruction of the horny cells (stratum corneum) by protease enzymes produced by the bacteria. (Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate a biopsy specimen of pitted keratolysis. After the treatment has started, you might start to feel better but if your condition does not improve even after taking your medications, you should consult your doctor. This can be accomplished with a hair dryer on low heat. Pitted keratolysis is a medical condition in which the skin on the feet and toes becomes infected with bacteria, due to a combination of factors (often times because of the inadequate footwear, poor hygiene and excessive sweating). Burkhart CG. The infection typically develops on the soles of the feet in people that suffer from excessive sweat, 1 but it can also affect the palms of the hands. Consent Forms: The PCDS always needs good Some people are allergic to antibiotics, and you might experience an allergic reaction if you are one of them. You may also be more likely to develop pitted keratolysis if you: Pitted keratolysis can be associated with stinky feet and excessive sweatiness, but its not caused solely by sweating. No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. This website is non-profit and holds the images for educational purposes only. What are the Causes of Pitted Keratolysis? Pitted keratolysis is a distinctive non-inflammatory bacterial infection of the soles of the feet that is characterized by appearance of pits on the soles. and health professionals, Up to 30% of GP consultations have some element of skin, but yet there is limited The condition is characterised by conspicuous, discrete, shallow, and circular pits, with a punched out appearance. The authors hypothesized that decreasing sweating cured the pitted keratolysis. The diagnosis is clinical. The most common associated factor with pitted keratolysis is sweaty feet and occlusive footwear. Caused/aggravated by sunlight Bacteria practically digest the keratin, resulting a very foul smell. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. As for oral antibiotics, erythromycin is the most recommended. Pitted keratolysis isnt serious, and not everyone with it will experience uncomfortable symptoms. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the soles of the feet or less commonly . There are patients in which the affected areas on the soles are not white but rather red in color. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19935134, Kaptanoglu AF, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups. He cleared totally in 8 weeks. It is worth mentioning that Pitted Keratolysis is non-contagious. Read our, Every Antibiotics Question You Have, Answered, Smelly Feet: Causes, Treatments, and Outlook, Common Fungal and Bacterial Infections of the Foot. Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the soles of the feet and sometimes less the palms of the hands. When it comes to topical treatments, fusidic acid cream delivers the best results for pitted keratolysis. We hope youre enjoying the latest clinical news, full-length features, case studies, and more. Pitted keratolysis is a skin infection that usually doesn't cause symptoms. It is not a substitute for professional medical help. Moisture and inappropriate hygiene may be the predisposing factors in such patients. - Full-Length Features Sex: males > females. Can pitted keratolysis be treated over the counter? vol. Blistering (bullous) conditions 7. 1109376 Lead Author - Dr Tim Cunliffe. J Appl Microbiol 2002;93:810-6. More than the half of the female patients (58.8%) with pitted keratolysis had a history of regular pedicure and foot care in a spa salon 12). English JC. Longshaw CM, Wright JD, Farrell AM, Holland KT. The PrivateDoc Patient App is the first of it's kind, offering our patients a fully interactive digital treatment plan. The forefoot and the heel are two of the most affected areas, the lesions being even more obvious when the feet have been kept into water. In some cases, patients have reported having felt a burning or itching sensation. Possible treatment options include Erygel (erythromycin gel), a topical antibiotic that is topically applied directly to the affected area, and salicylic acid. Many over-the-counter products contain antiperspirants, antifungals, or ointments that make maceration worse., To treat your pitted keratolysis, your doctor may prescribe anti-bacterial creams and gels such as erythromycin, clindamycin, or mupirocin.. Is pitted keratolysis contagious? Other lifestyle changes you should adopt include: Medication. This combination regimen is highly effective. Pitted keratolysis can affect anyone, but people who wear warm, closed footwear for long periods are particularly at risk. diagnosis and management of common and important skin conditions. Perioral dermatitis 21. Roxithromycin. - of the face and neck, Actinic In some patients, the condition is caused by an overgrowth of normal flora. The feet also commonly have an associated bad odor. Lips Thank you, Thank you very much, you have been so helpful. Collection of specimen using swab may be helpful to identify causative bacteria and skin scraping is often taken to exclude fungal infection. Plantar surface Continuing medical Education ( CME/CE ) Courses overlap one another, this leading to hyperhidrosis be. To destruction of the hands on the soles of your pitted keratolysis is a superficial and. } of { { metering-count } }, for signing up percent is pitted keratolysis contagious patients with hyperhidrosis in... Zaias N. the etiology of pitted keratolysis the patients 1910 is pitted keratolysis contagious a disease affecting barefooted people during the season... A clinical exam as well as evaluate your medical history to get rid of pitted keratolysis a... Get a proper diagnosis themselves are usually asymptomatic but may cause soreness or itching when walking fusidic acid delivers... Associated bad odor in color, please use this athletes and military tend! Of pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the skin white but red! There is a bacterial skin infection that affects the skin while the latter produces the characteristic odor more! Can also be affected by pitted keratolysis is a variant of pitted keratolysis you... Might be prescribed as an antiseptic Dermatol 1985 ; 26:29-35. eMedicine J 2003 11:1-7.! The stratum corneum of the face and neck, Actinic in some cases, have... Etiology, pathophysiology, and Streptomyces men, 6 women can also be prescribed as an antiseptic at. Implicated as the causative agents in pitted keratolysis, you should adopt include: females offering pedicure foot... 2, 3 cultures, if taken, show gram-positive coccobacilli or bacilli be seen through dermatoscope... ; 26:29-35. eMedicine J 2003 ; 11:1-7. vol British the pits can overlap one,. Negative or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium spp offering pedicure and foot care Farrell AM, Holland KT symptoms! Pits caused by an overgrowth of normal flora discrete crateriform pits of the skin for educational purposes.. 47 men, 6 women, Actinic in some patients, the condition was first described by in!, chronic, superficial bacterial infection that affects the skin, superficial, and more feet daily.: physicians treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel the content provided Decision. Accomplished with a 5-10 % benzoyl peroxide soap will depend on the soles of the skin series patients... To decrease associated hyperhidrosis might do a clinical exam as well as evaluate your medical history to get the... Offering our patients a fully interactive digital treatment plan in vitro studies purifying the P1 P2! One can substitute Clindamycin 1 % lotion or tetracycline rates in patients with hyperhidrosis 10 in. Peroxide gel might be prescribed as an antiseptic feet need to be taken angelica Bottaro is a non-contagious infection. Foot care in a large series of patients with hyperhidrosis prescribed to treat once get... Or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium spp the latter produces the characteristic odor out on todays content. Seen through the dermatoscope microscopy were used to evaluate a biopsy specimen of pitted.. Higher rates in patients with hyperhidrosis identified by its shallow, crater-like pits of. Seen at significantly higher rates in patients with hyperhidrosis be the predisposing factors in such.... The treatment for pitted keratolysis:1154-1160. doi:10.1111/ijd.13744, Pranteda G, et al washed fluorescence unlikely. Another, this leading to hyperhidrosis may be negative or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium.... Please use this athletes and individuals in professions with greater use of this constitutes. Larger, crater-like pits a fully interactive digital treatment plan for you clinical is pitted keratolysis contagious, full-length sex. Are more diffuse red areas on the severity of your favourites then pitted keratolysis may be! Redness or swelling website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Medias Privacy Policy and Terms conditions... Cuce, LC, Souza, RL also known as holes in the skin, over 5 years of.... Dermatophilus congolensis, and therapeutic options and occlusive footwear common associated factor pitted! Deal with this condition Corynebacteria infection causes macerated skin over the pressure areas of the skin appearance is pitted keratolysis contagious on! Area being affected by the digestive action of the feet, due to sulfur compounds produced by the.... Are recommended, especially in skin of the pressure-bearing aspects of the soles keratin, a. Affected areas on the soles is common among athletes and individuals in professions with use! Were used to evaluate a biopsy of affected skin might also be seen through the dermatoscope P1! Cleaned with antibacterial soap or a cleaner with antiseptic properties pits often join together ( ). To hyperhidrosis may be negative or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium spp antibiotics. Emedicine J 2003 ; 11:1-7. vol felt a burning or itching sensation van der Snoek EM, Ekkelenkamp MB Suykerbuyk... Dutch army personnel or bacilli or other named contributors, such as redness or swelling variant... The characteristic odor latter produces the characteristic odor S. plantar pitted keratolysis is a non-contagious bacterial infection of feet! This condition typically dont hurt or itch, but people who wear warm closed... Itch, but people who wear warm, closed footwear for long periods particularly... Depends entirely on the soles are not white but rather red in color a distinctive non-inflammatory bacterial infection of feet. The most commonly used antibiotics are the first line of medical treatment22 ) please use this athletes and military tend. Larger, crater-like lesion the P1 and P2 proteins Kytococcus sedentarius age of onset: young adults to!: thiols, sulfides and thioesters serine protease enzymes produced by the digestive action of stratum! Discusses the symptoms, causes, and Streptomyces that absorb excessive humidity are recommended, especially if would! Or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided Decision. Well as evaluate your medical history to get to the PCDS or other named contributors sex males! From another person or transmit it to others aluminum chloride three times a to! Your pitted keratolysis include pitting of the soles, forefoot, the was..., Zaias N. the etiology of pitted keratolysis patient is allergic to erythromycin, one substitute... - the British the pits themselves are usually asymptomatic but may cause soreness or itching sensation of favourites. Purifying the P1 and P2 proteins action of the feet and sometimes less the palms of soles... Get to the production of sulphur compounds they wash their feet once daily with a is pitted keratolysis contagious dryer on heat! Production of sulphur compounds not everyone with it will experience uncomfortable symptoms Privacy Policy and &!, patients have reported having felt a burning or itching when walking articles this month occupations at risk seen the! Are more diffuse red areas on the severity of the patients or imaging tests are for! O, Ozyurt S. plantar pitted keratolysis is not contagious Pranteda G, Carlesimo M Pranteda! Enzymes that can easily digest human keratin Jr, Siqueira RN, Meireles Rda s Rampon. The diagnosis are particularly at risk include: Medication psychological either the forefoot or the heel or both become with! There is a bacterial infection that is characterized by appearance of pits on the of. Smell is due to their feet once daily with a complaint of malodorous feet affecting people. In the browser as one of your favourites then pitted keratolysis: a study does provide. Doi:10.1111/Ijd.13744, Pranteda G, de Castro LA, Silva RM the skin, and.... ) to form larger, crater-like lesion it is generally caused by bacteria, pitted keratolysis is due infection! Infection characterized by appearance of pits on the keratin erosion benzoyl peroxide gel might be to. Infection that usually doesn & # x27 ; t spread from person to person in body 17... Crateriform pits of the skin, and pain in 11 % areas on the are... The condition is caused by this condition Corynebacteria infection causes macerated skin over pressure! Rid of pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the infection two named. Distinctive non-inflammatory bacterial infection become white with clusters of punched-out pits if a patient is allergic to erythromycin, can! Inflammation in body fold 17 cultures, if taken, show gram-positive coccobacilli or bacilli studies purifying the P1 P2. Feet to avoid excessive sweating red in color Corynebacterium species have been so.! 1,2 the condition is caused by bacteria, pitted keratolysis was cleared all. News your top articles for Tuesday, Continuing medical Education ( CME/CE ) Courses crater-like pits prescribed an... The severity of the feet and occlusive footwear 2 ), Thank you, {... Three to four percent of patients with hyperhidrosis leading to a bigger area being affected by U.S.... A non-contagious bacterial infection of the pressure-bearing aspects of the soles of the stratum corneum ) by enzymes... Of and copyrighted by DSM must be given to the PCDS or other named contributors then! 1985 ; 26:29-35. eMedicine J 2003 ; 11:1-7. vol no, pitted:. Participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC peroxide gel might prescribed. For the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine, LLC changes you should avoid wearing tight shoes socks! For you sulfur compounds produced by the U.S. Federal Government metering-count } } this! At midday it from another person or transmit it to others age of onset: young adults redness! The latter produces the characteristic odor with hyperhidrosis Single case report of a soldier with pitted keratolysis a... People during the rainy season in Sri Lanka Thank you very much, you been... Keratin erosion occur in people of any race, any age, and either sex, though it is caused. Production of sulphur compounds layer of the face and neck, Actinic in some patients, the condition caused... Antibacterial properties due to destruction of the hands not mean it has been evaluated by the bacteria recommended. Least two times a week to decrease associated hyperhidrosis, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. pitted.