To diagnose you with pitted keratolysis, your doctor will swab the area or do something called a skin scraping, where your doctor obtains a sample of skin to check for bacteria and parasites under a microscope. Vlahovic, Tracey C., Sean P. Dunn, and Kenneth Kemp. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. A Listerine foot soak is a type of at-home foot bath. As an integral part of your everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear. Very few studies have focused on variations in clinical manifestations of PK. As with erythrasma, the inflammatory reaction in pitted keratolysis is minimal and thus the process can be easily missed entirely histopathologically. Pitted keratolysis is a descriptive title for a superficial bacterial skin infection that affects the soles of the feet, and less often, the palms of the hands. What Is Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA)? The most common symptom of pitted keratolysis is a noticeable odor from the feet, due to the infection of the skin on the bottom of the feet. The pitting is due to destruction of the horny cells (stratum corneum) by protease enzymes produced by the bacteria. In severe cases, an oral antibiotic such as azithromycin or erythromycin can be used. You will need antibiotics to treat the infection. Pitted keratolysis is a descriptive title for a superficial bacterial skin infection that affects the soles of the feet, and less often, the palms of the hands. Causes Of Pitted Keratolysis. It's found in the coastal waters according…. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. This is called nail pitting. Pitted keratolysis can be successfully treated with topical antibiotics and antiseptics including: Pitted keratolysis will quickly recur unless the feet are kept dry. The bacteria on the feet or palms will produce protease enzymes, which destroy the outermost layer of the epidermis, causing the characteristic pitting. Wear socks which effectively absorb sweat i.e. Is Pitted keratolysis treatment over the counter your major concern? Pitted keratolysis… Wood light examination displays a characteristic coral red fluorescence in some cases. Pitted keratolysis There are two main types of staph infection: MSSA and MRSA. Pitted keratolysis occurs most frequently in people whose feet are moist for prolonged periods, because of conditions such as hyperhidrosis, or after prolonged wearing of boots or immersion in water. 1. J Invest Dermatol 1986;87:159. However, the causative organisms may be identified from the pitted lesions and cultured on brain heart infusion agar. Primary Care Dermatology Society. Limit the use of occlusive footwear and … Give your nerves what they need, no matter what’s going on in the world around you. Check Your Pantry: Gold Medal Flour Recalled Over E.coli Fears, Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Freak Out Over ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria, The Best Mattresses for Side and Stomach Sleepers, 6 Ways to Give Your Nervous System a Break, She Lost Her Mom to COVID-19, Then Her Dad. This is often accompanied by an offensive odor and is worse when the skin is wet. 1,2 The microorganism apparently invades the upper two thirds of the keratin layer by means of its hydrolytic enzymatic activity. If you have pitted keratolysis, it’s recommended that you treat your infection with a topical antibiotic prescribed by your doctor. This is the major cause of anxiety among the sufferers 4. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin infection that can affect both the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. It most commonly occurs in young adults and is typically worse in the summer months or with warm weather. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes these pits can join together, or “coalesce,” to form larger lesions. If left untreated, this can last for many years. Pitted Keratolysis is most commonly seen in men and an environment in which the feet are hot and moist favors the growth of Kytococcus sendentarius. The strain — E. coli O26 —…, Vibrio vulnificus, one of a dozen species of this Vibrio bacteria, has been making headlines this summer. How is the diagnosis of pitted keratolysis made? Shopping for a new mattress that fits your needs as a side or stomach sleeper? This infection causes small depressions, or pits, in the top layer of the skin. Exfoliative Keratolysis Treatments. Pitted Keratolysis can occur because of different bacterial infections. Home Pitted keratolysis Because this bacterial infection thrives in moist environments, it’s important to keep your feet as dry as possible to prevent pitted keratolysis. Those with this condition will usually have clusters of “punched-out” pits on the soles of their feet or palms of their hands. 2012 Aug 7. . Either the forefoot or the heel or both become white with clusters of punched-out pits. Factors that lead to the development of pitted keratolysis include: The result is very smelly feet, due to infection of the soles. Several different bacterial species will cause pitted keratolysis; the most common culprits are: These bacteria often multiply in wet or moist conditions. American Academy of Dermatology meeting. » Now she’s sharing how she’s coping with their deaths in hopes it will help…. As a result of this disease, the skin on the forefoot or heel turns white with pitted clusters. Can tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar treat pitted keratolysis? However, it most often affects the feet because of the sweaty environment created by wearing shoes and socks for an extended period of time. The diagnosis is sometimes made by skin biopsy revealing characteristic histopathological features of pitted keratolysis. Pitted keratolysis The bad smell is caused by sulfur compounds that are produced by the bacteria on the skin. Bristow IR, Lee YL. However, the pits may overlap leading to a larger lesion . BACKGROUND: Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a common bacterial infection of skin characterized by noninflammatory superficial pits. Sponsored content: melanomas are notoriously difficult to discover and diagnose. It’s also recommended that you avoid tight-fitting socks and shoes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Assessment of PK patients for … Plantar hyperhidrosis and pitted keratolysis treated with botulinum toxin injection. Advances in skin & wound care 22.12 (2009): 564-566. . Nordstrom KM, McGinley KJ, Cappiello L, Leyden JJ. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the skin. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. Something wrong? The pitted keratolysis is secondary to the hyperhidrosis. It is one of the causes of smelly feet. It is one of the causes of smelly feet. Pitted keratolysis resulting from hyperhidrosis case study. Pitted keratolysis. cotton and/or wool, Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row – dry them out. Reflection saved × Your reflective note has been saved, and you have now claimed CPD credits for this activity! Pitted keratolysis is a descriptive term for a superficial bacterial skin infection that affects the soles of the feet, and less often, the palms of the hands 1). Author: Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1998. Pitted keratolysis can also cause itching on the affected area especially when you walk as walking exerts pressure on the feet. Pitted keratolysis is usually diagnosed clinically. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection on the palms of the hands or, in most cases, the soles of the feet. Pitted keratolysis is one of the causes of smelly feet. It is characterised by whitish skin and clusters of punched-out pits. 5. Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a plantar skin disorder mainly caused by coryneform bacteria. The following precautions should be taken to prevent recurrences: Wear boots for as short a period as possible, See smartphone apps to check your skin. Very rarely, the fingers are similarly affected. 3. MSSA can usually be…, General Mills has recalled unbleached all-purpose flour due to a potential contamination with a harmful strain of E. coli. Go to CPD dashboard. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages, breadcrumbs The histopathology of the lesions is presented and world literature is reviewed. Pitted keratolysis can be seen in association with hyperhidrosis of the soles or palms. Sometimes the hands and … doi:10.4081/dr.2012.e4, https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20200629/two-concentrations-of-benzoyl-peroxide-gel-can-treat-pitted-keratolysis. Updated by Dr Oakley; Dr Jannet Gomez, Postgraduate Student in Clinical Dermatology, Queen Mary University London, United Kingdom, April 2016. The use of a clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% topical gel in the treatment of pitted keratolysis: a novel therapy. Pitted keratolysis The diagnosis of keratolysis exfoliativa is made based on history and clinical examination. [Sponsored content]. To the Editor.— Pitted keratolysis is a noninflammatory bacterial infection characterized by discrete crateriform pits of the stratum corneum on the plantar surface. Pitted keratolysis is both easily treated and preventable. The etiology of the malodor associated with pitted keratolysis. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest a drying agent like Drysol. Are There Any Benefits to Soaking Your Feet in Listerine? The appearance is more dramatic when the feet are wet. Pitted keratolysis is characterized by whitish skin and clusters of punched-out pits. Do not share footwear or towels with others. Image provided by Dr S Janjua Pitted keratolysis Pitted keratolysis. Patients typically complain of asymptomatic peeling on the palms (and occasionally the soles) that recurs every few weeks. The causative microorganism has been shown to be a Corynebacterium. It can also lead to a bad smell. Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, mupirocin, or clindamycin are also used. There is a variant of pitted keratolysis where there are more. With your help, we can update and expand the website. The BAD has been awarded The Information Standard certification for the process it employs to develop information products aimed at the general public, which include PILs, Sun Awareness Campaign materials, and other information products. These Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) are specially written by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). Take the following precautions to keep feet healthy and dry: Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2018, Have you ever noticed little depressions in your fingernails and toenails? This is because these areas are subjected to the weight of the body . The manifestations of pitted keratolysis are due to a superficial cutaneous bacterial infection. Pits – 1 to 3 mm in diameter 2. A variant of pitted keratolysis presents with diffuse red areas on the soles. The clinical syndrome is distinct and is characterized by pits and superficial erosions in the pressure areas of the soles and in the lateral surfaces of the toes. Lesions consist of 1- to 7-mm, irregularly shaped, superficial erosions of the horny layer on the soles, particularly at weight-bearing sites. Exfoliative Keratolysis often called “keratolysis exfoliativa” or “focal palmar” peeling is an integumentary disease wherein peeling of the skin occurs, it usually affects the distal parts of the fingers and the palmar toes. The pits themselves are usually asymptomatic but may cause soreness or itching when walking. Very rarely, the fingers are similarly affected. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It can affect the palms of the hands and, more commonly, the soles of the feet, particularly the weight-bearing areas. Wear shoes for as little time as possible. Submit. Pitted keratolysis may be a sign of other Corynebacterium infections and one should consider looking for evidence of erythrasma and/or trichomycosis. If you think you have pitted keratolysis, see a doctor. Pitted keratolysis can be treated with over-the-counter 5% or 10% benzoyl peroxide. There’s also a type of pitted keratolysis where the affected areas of the skin turn red. It is characterised by whitish skin and clusters of punched-out pits. It is also a good idea to avoid the warm weather during the summer, since this can lead to skin peeling that may eventually develop into exfoliative keratolysis. Tamura, Bhertha M., et al. Solve your problem quick & easy with online consultation. Although tea tree oil and acetic acid (the active component of vinegar) have been shown to have antibacterial properties in some contexts, their use in the treatment of pitted keratolysis has not been evaluated in a clinical study. Pitted keratolysis is a skin disorder characterized by crateriform pitting that primarily affects the pressure-bearing aspects of the plantar surface of the feet and, occasionally, the palms of the hand as collarettes of scale. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the skin. Here’s How She’s Coping. It's primarily used to treat athlete's foot and onychomycosis (toenail fungus). Pitted keratolysis commonly affects young male patients wearing protective shoes for professional reasons, inducing a moist and warm environment. The most common symptom of pitted keratolysis is a noticeable odor from the feet, due to the infection of the skin on the bottom of the feet. It can also lead to a bad smell. Skin scrapings are often taken to exclude fungal infection. Two concentrations of benzoyl peroxide gel can treat pitted keratolysis. In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend shots of botulin to treat this condition. Wear socks made of moisture-wicking materials, such as wool and nylon. The infection is characterized by craterlike pits on the sole of the feet and toes, particularly weight bearing areas. The first thing to do is begin avoiding warm, damp conditions that cause and exacerbate the infection. This odor is the main reason patients seek treatment for this skin condition. Although no studies are published on hygiene, several protective measures for preventing pitted keratolysis have been recommended over time. A hunter in China was diagnosed with bubonic plague Saturday after catching and eating a wild rabbit, triggering concerns that the plague — which…, MSSA is a type of infection, commonly known as a staph infection. Check out our top picks, plus how to choose the best one for you. Wash feet frequently with antiseptic cleanser. The best exfoliative keratolysis treatment is to avoid factors that cause the condition, including irritants like soaps, solvents, and detergents. As with erythrasma, the causative organism of pitted keratolysis is typically a Corynebacterium. Pitted keratolysis is much more common in males than in females. We conducted this study so that diagnosis of this treatable condition is not missed when it presents in an uncommonly perceived way. Contact us to sponsor a DermNet newsletter. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin and may give off an unpleasant odor. Other organisms have also been implicated, including Dermatophilus congolensis, and Micrococcus sedentarius.. Histology of pitted keratolysis. Smelly feet. Also known as keratolysis plantare sulcatum, keratoma plantare sulcatum or ringed keratolysis, this condition is not contagious and it often affects the soles of the feet, where is a lot of weight bearing pre… 2012;4(1):e4. This is why people who don’t let their feet air out enough often develop it. By taking topical antibiotics and other precautions, this condition will usually clear up in about four weeks. What causes a person to develop pitted keratolysis? Hyperhidrosis is considered a predisposing factor for bacterial proliferation and, consequently, for the onset of PK. It can affect the palms of the hands and, more commonly, the soles of the feet, particularly the weight-bearing areas. The result is very smelly feet, due to infection of the soles. You're likely to develop foot problems over time as a result. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. Get your query answered 24*7 with Expert Advice and Tips from doctors for Pitted keratolysis treatment over the counter | Practo Consult The disease is thought about as seasonal as this usually affects young adults during summer. Pitted keratolysis is a superficial infection of the skin confined to the stratum corneum. The leading primary care society for dermatology and skin surgery. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the skin. These are applied once or twice daily. The bacteria proliferate in moist conditions. All rights reserved. What are the symptoms of pitted keratolysis? Add reflective note × Add your reflection on what you learned from this page and how it relates to your practice:-pitted keratolysis. Done. It will cause shallow, crater-like pits on your skin, so … Pitted keratolysis; physicians' treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel. In a certain type of the condition, some red spots appear on the sores [2, 4] 6. Kaptanoglu AF, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups. The appearance is more dramatic when the feet are wet. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Recognizing and Treating Common Foot Problems, Yes the Bubonic Plague Is Still Around, Why You Don’t Need to Worry. Pitted keratolysis is a skin condition that affects the soles of your feet. Pitted keratolysis (also known as Keratolysis plantare sulcatum, Keratoma plantare sulcatum, and Ringed keratolysis) is a bacterial skin infection of the foot. A common treatment consists of the topical use of erythromycin. Clinical diagnosis and treatment options for pitted keratolysis. » Here's why it happens and what you can do…. It can be a cause of smelly feet and is much more common in men than women. Swabs are rarely required. Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial infection of the soles of the feet o r less commonly, the pal m s of the hands. It can affect the palms of the hands and, more commonly, the soles of the feet, particularly the weight-bearing areas. Either the forefoot or the heel or both become white with clusters of punched-out pits. The bad smell is due to sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria: thiols, sulfides and thioesters. DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Pitted keratolysis is a skin condition affecting the soles of the feet and, less commonly, the palms of the hands. The pits will be more noticeable when the skin is wet. To treat pitted keratolysis, your doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antibiotic or antiseptic, most commonly clindamycin, erythromycin, or mupirocin. The treatment involves topical antibiotic solutions such as clindamycin or erythyromycin. Topics A–Z This condition is characterized by small depressions or pits in the top layer of skin and areas of white skin. What is the outlook for pitted keratolysis? This infection causes small depressions, or pits, in the top layer of the skin. Mostly affects the soles, forefoot, the heel or both. Wear socks which effectively absorb sweat, ie cotton and/or wool, Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row — dry them out. While the pits themselves usually won’t present with other symptoms, they sometimes feel sore or itch when pressure is put on the foot while walking. The heel, the forefoot, or both become covered with punched out sores that make them white in color. Dermatology Reports. Pitted keratolysis is caused by several bacterial species, including corynebacteria, Dermatophilus congolensis, Kytococcus sedentarius, actinomyces and streptomyces. Palms are rarely infected. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There is a variant of pitted keratolysis where there are more diffuse red areas on the soles. Occupations at risk include: Females offering pedicure and foot care in a spa salon may also be affected by pitted keratolysis. Results in a whitish skin surface with clusters of multiple, fine punched-out pits. Wear open-toed sandals as frequently as possible. Dermatologic Surgery 30.12p2 (2004): 1510-1514. . The causative organism has not been identified. Tracey Carlos lost both her parents to COVID-19 within weeks of each other. 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Should consider looking for evidence of erythrasma and/or trichomycosis is a bacterial infection characterized by noninflammatory superficial.. Pitting is due to sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria or itching when walking & easy with online consultation.! Everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear any Benefits Soaking! This infection causes small depressions, or pits, in the summer or. ’ s coping with their deaths in hopes it will help… variations in manifestations... 5 % or 10 % benzoyl peroxide cotton and/or wool, do not wear the same shoes two in... Histology of pitted keratolysis four weeks oil or apple cider vinegar treat keratolysis... Forefoot, the soles of the causes of smelly feet the infection are subjected to weight.