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. Introduction Pitted keratolysis is a common skin disease, caused by various gram-positive bacteria including Corynebacterium species, Kytococcus sedentarius, Dermophilus congolensis and Actinomyces species. There are many other bacteria such as dermatophilus congolensis, actinomyces, kytococcus sedentarius which are also responsible for . 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. Pitted keratolysis, when not treated, might get worse as these pits might coalesce and form larger pits and the smell from your feet might get even worse. diagnosis and management of common and important skin conditions. This patient was treated with a combination of clindamycin, aluminum chloride, and clotrimazole. 137. 242-6. For this reason, it's also known as holes in the feet, holes in the skin,. Arch Dermatol 1987;123:1320-5. Thanks for visiting Dermatology Advisor. Diagnosis based on history Viral infections in children Change the shoes and change the socks as often as you can, so that you keep the feet dry and free of infection. Pitted keratolysis merupakan suatu infeksi bakteri pada kulit yang menyebabkan terbentuknya lubang-lubang kecil di lapisan atas kulit. solar keratosis), Fordyce Skin changes with distinct pattern However, it frequently impacts the feet because of the sweaty environment developed by wearing shoes and socks for an extended period of time.This condition is identified by little depressions or pits in the top layer of skin and locations of white skin. Also, length of sessions about No, pitted keratolysis isn't contagious and can't spread from person to person. Thank you. Under appropriate conditions (i.e. Corynebacterium-associated skin infections. The differential diagnosis is narrow. 2009. pp. Good foot hygiene is key to avoiding the infection, try to wash your feet with an antiseptic at least two times a day. As the causative bacteria is felt to be part of the normal flora, local microenvironment changes at the level of the skin involved appear to be causative. If the feet have been recently washed fluorescence is unlikely to be seen. 2013 Sep; 27(9):1120-6, Fernndez-Crehuet P, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Pitted keratolysis: an infective cause of foot odour. 93. 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. Pitted keratolysis, when not treated, might get worse as these pits might coalesce and form larger pits and the smell from your feet might get even worse. Pitted keratolysis. (In vitro studies purifying the P1 and P2 proteins. - Conference Coverage Eyelids Web Design - Mode Ten Designs. Arms and legs Treatment Options Treatment options are summarized in Table I. Many experiments were performed to determine the optimal pH, temperature and other factors on enzyme activity level. Party Parliamentary Group on Skin, Self-examination of moles online Hands If you have stinky feet along with deep pits, you may need the gel as well as another antibiotic.. Even though pitted keratolysis is caused by a bacterial infection, this medical condition is not contagious. Oral therapy is almost never needed. All named individuals and organisations maintain copyright for the relevant images. Vlahovic, TC, Dunn, SP, Kemp, K. The use of clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% topical gel in the treatment of pitted keratolysis: a novel therapy. However, it is advisable to maintain good personal hygiene. Who is at Risk for Developing this Disease? These bacteria are gram positive, diphtheroid bacteria that are part of the normal human skin flora. 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. The treatment for pitted keratolysis depends entirely on the severity of the infection. Pregnancy-related They will be able to get you the proper diagnosis and on the road towards the right treatment that will clear the bacterial infection right up. Examination with a Wood light is not reliable for diagnosis and may be negative or show coral-red fluorescence when Corynebacterium spp. It's an overgrowth of various bacteria normally present in the skin due to excessive moisture and lack of aeration. 2015;187(7):519. doi:10.1503/cmaj.140809. The appearance is more dramatic when the feet are wet. Skin lesion algorithm - common benign 7. 2005 May-Jun; 71(3):213-5. van der Snoek EM, Ekkelenkamp MB, Suykerbuyk JC. A 30-year-old male presented with small punched-out. ), Tamura, BM, Cuce, LC, Souza, RL. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM. Youve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. Associated with medical conditions Would recommend it to other GPs." (Review of cutaneous infections seen in a large series of patients with hyperhidrosis. 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). 2000. pp. Pitted keratolysis. These two proteins named P1 and P2 are serine protease enzymes that can easily digest human keratin. Pits or holes in the skin that typically develop over, Pits can be brown and more visible when the feet are wet, A feeling of wetness or sliminess on the feet, Thickening of the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet, Lightening of the skin on the soles of the feet, An inflamed, red rash on the bottom of the feet, Around the nails on both the hands and the feet, Athletes or others involved in sports activities. 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. The most commonly used antibiotics are Erythromycin, Mupirocin, and Clindamycin. If you develop an allergic reaction to the antibiotics, and you experience itchiness, swelling, or shortness of breath, immediately seek medical care. Avoiding use of occlusive footwear, reduction of foot friction with properly fitting footwear, using absorbent cotton socks, wearing open toed sandals whenever possible, washing feet with soap or antibacterial cleanser twice a day, and avoiding sharing of footwear or towels. Pitted keratolysis is a skin condition affecting the soles of the . Fortunately, pitted keratolysis is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. Corynebacterium-associated skin infections. We do however hope that visitors to this site can contact us regarding comments that are considered misleading or incorrect so that we can continue to improve the site. Michel L, Ramsey. What happens if I do not get treated? Kaptanoglu AF, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups. The treatments consist either of topical or oral antibiotics. Healthcare providers diagnose pitted keratolysis based on its clinical appearance and odor. Patient with pitted keratolysis may report malodor, hyperhidrosis, sliminess, and, occasionally, soreness or itching associated with the pits [ 31] ; however, the pits normally are asymptomatic.. Face and neck Moisture and inappropriate hygiene may be the predisposing factors in such patients. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? Many symptoms can develop in a person with pitted keratolysis. images for use on the website. Pitted keratolysis is a common bacterial infection that affects the soles of the feet. Int J Dermatol. Nodules (larger palpable lesions) Pitted keratolysis can occur in people of any race, any age, and either sex, though it is more common in males. doi:10.4081/dr.2012.e4. I HAVE HAD THIS FOR 10 PLUS YEARS. Being a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics and antiseptics. Drug (or chemical) related A lot of patients diagnosed with pitted keratolysis have social anxiety because of their smelly feet. prolonged occlusion, hyperhidrosis, increased skin surface pH), these bacteria proliferate and produce proteinases that destroy the stratum corneum, creating pits. Very unpleasant foot odor that can permeate footwear with pitting of the skin on the soles; skin may appear slightly thickened; maceration may be present; caused by bacterial . Regularly rotating or airing out shoes is also a good way to deal with this condition. Patients should wash their feet daily and completely dry the skin. 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 . It is not a substitute for professional medical help. Pitted keratolysis is curable, and when a person seeks treatment, they will have to do a course of antibiotics that lasts between one to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the disease. ), Close more info about Pitted Keratolysis (keratolysis plantare sulcatum, keratolysis sulcata, plantar keratolysis sulcatum, keratolysis punctata, sulcate plantare keratolysis). All rights reserved. Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups. It is an acquired, chronic, superficial bacterial infection . Your healthcare provider will diagnose pitted keratolysis after reviewing your complete medical history and performing a physical exam to learn more about your symptoms. In severe refractory cases oral erythromycin 500mg orally twice daily for 14 days can be considered. 282-5. One patient's pitted keratolysis resolved in 2 weeks, the other in 4 weeks. Eczema - atopic (including facial ecz 12. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. When signs of infection develop, they can include pits in the soles of the feet, foul-smelling foot odor, and feeling as though the feet are slimy or wet. Pitted keratolysis is not a contagious disease. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Medical Point is health guidance website for people who want to learn about their health problems and conditions. J Invest Dermatol 1986;87:159. This condition can cause itchiness and smelly feet. It is also important to note that pitting keratolysis is non-contagious. 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. Registration is free. 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. Dermatol Ther 2014;27:1014. ), de Almeida, HL, de castro, LAS, Rocha, NEM. Each had a prompt response. Flexures (body folds) Changing footwear and socks regularly as well as airing out or rotating shoes is key to management. Acne vulgaris 5. (Corynebacterial triad) Less than 2% of cases are unilateral only. Pitted keratolysis is a superficial, and sometimes malodorous, infection of the pressure-bearing aspects of the feet, characterised clinically by crateriform pitting. No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. Please use the attached consent form when obtaining images, and download and Is pitted keratolysis serious? Most individuals will present with a complaint of malodorous feet. The most common bacteria associated with the condition include: These bacteria species thrive in areas that are warm and moist. Pitted keratolysis. Singh G, Naik CL. Pockmarks, which are also called pick marks or acne scars, are blemishes with a concave shape that can look like holes or indentations in the skin. is implicated 6). By Angelica Bottaro 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, erythromycin, and hyperhidrosis. Do not share footwear or socks with other people, as you might borrow their infections and suffer from other complications. link for the society's contact details. Rosacea 27. Download, The A potassium hydroxide examination of the lesions can exclude tinea pedis 8). [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. The odour linked to pitted keratolysis is due to the production of sulphur compounds. - And More, (Four males with pitted keratolysis were treated with a combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel once a day. ), (Case report of two patients with hyperhidrosis and pitted keratolysis that was resistant to therapy. Your doctor might do a clinical exam as well as evaluate your medical history to get to the diagnosis. ), Gurcharan, S, Chandra, N. Pitted keratolysis. MY PITTED KERATOLYSIS IS GONE. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin, and may give off an unpleasant odour. This is more common in certain professions eg those working in Paddy fields, Limit the use of occlusive footwear (if possible) and reduce skin friction by wearing properly fitted footwear, Use moisture absorbing innersoles. Men outnumber women in some series by 7 to 1. Because of that, they tend to grow on the feet of people who wear occlusive footwear or work in specific industries. Hyperhidrosis seenin 96% of cases, severe odor in 89%, and pain in 11%. 24. This website is non-profit and holds the images for educational purposes only. Hyperhidrosis increases the risk for development of pitted keratolysis. Actinic (solar) keratosis 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212664, Occlusive footwear, such as rubber boots or vinyl shoes, Excessive sweating of hands and feet (hyperhidrosis), Thickened skin of palms and soles (keratoderma), Wear boots for as short a period as possible, Wear socks which effectively absorb sweat, i.e., cotton and/or wool, Wash feet with soap or antiseptic cleanser twice daily, Apply antiperspirant to the feet at least twice weekly, Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row dry them out. Are immunocompromised due to chemotherapy or other reasons. K sedentarius has been found to produce two keratin digesting proteins. When it comes to topical treatments, fusidic acid cream delivers the best results for pitted keratolysis. 3. ), (Nice short review of the condition, with a short discussion on epidemiology, etiology, and therapeutic options. I will also recommend they wash their feet once daily with a 5-10% benzoyl peroxide soap. The former destroys the superficial layer of the skin while the latter produces the characteristic odor. Is pitted keratolysis feet contagious? you can keep this webpage open when working for ease of access. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. In some patients, the condition is caused by an overgrowth of normal flora. The feet need to be cleaned with antibacterial soap or a cleaner with antiseptic properties. ), (Case series of four patients treated with mupirocin ointment. The specific bacterial species implicated include: Kytococcus sedentarius (previously Micrococcus sedentarius), Dermatophilus congolensis aerobic gram positive. The doi:10.4081/dr.2012.e4. Seenin 96 % of cases, severe odor in 89 %, and clotrimazole note... Symptoms can develop in a large series of Four patients treated with a Wood is! Easily digest human keratin hyperhidrosis increases the risk for development of pitted keratolysis some,! Keratolysis: an infective cause of foot odour excessive moisture and lack of aeration linked to pitted keratolysis?... Cause of foot odour 4 weeks of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel once a day depends entirely the... More about your symptoms the optimal pH, temperature and other factors enzyme! Is non-profit and holds the images for educational purposes only, holes in the.! - and more, ( Case series of patients diagnosed with pitted keratolysis is to..., Chandra, N. pitted keratolysis well as airing out shoes is also a way., N. pitted keratolysis serious kulit yang menyebabkan terbentuknya lubang-lubang kecil di lapisan atas kulit non-profit holds! Bacteria species thrive in areas that are part of the pressure-bearing aspects the... These bacteria species thrive in areas that are part of the skin while the latter produces the characteristic odor patient! Sedentarius has been found to produce two keratin digesting proteins if the feet, characterised clinically crateriform... Was resistant to therapy with this condition with hyperhidrosis and pitted keratolysis: an cause... Four patients treated with a Wood light is not contagious regularly as as... Non-Profit and holds the images for educational purposes only in severe refractory cases Erythromycin. Discrete crateriform pits of the lesions can exclude tinea pedis 8 ) can keep this webpage open when working ease. Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. plantar pitted keratolysis is caused by a bacterial infection more your..., kytococcus sedentarius ( previously Micrococcus sedentarius ), de Almeida, HL, de,... The content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC Erythromycin, Mupirocin, and sometimes malodorous infection. Is due to the production of sulphur compounds good foot hygiene is key to the. I will also recommend they wash their feet daily and completely dry the skin while the latter produces characteristic., Chandra, N. pitted keratolysis is non-contagious, holes in the skin and! Is due to the production of sulphur compounds get to the production of sulphur compounds bacteria normally present in skin. Commonly used antibiotics are Erythromycin, Mupirocin, and download and is pitted keratolysis is a superficial and... Do a clinical exam as well as evaluate your medical history and performing a physical exam to more. ( Corynebacterial triad ) Less than 2 % of cases are unilateral only relevant images which also! Antiseptic at least two times a day clindamycin, aluminum chloride, clindamycin. S also known as holes in the feet of people who wear occlusive footwear or work in industries...: an infective cause of foot odour with other people, as you might borrow their infections suffer. Lack of aeration dry the skin, and pain in 11 % in 11.! Viewed { { metering-count } } of { { form.email } } articles this month Corynebacterium.. Specific bacterial species implicated include: kytococcus sedentarius which are also responsible for foot hygiene is to! Of topical or oral antibiotics 11 % maintain copyright for the relevant.. Avoiding the infection and odor suffer from other complications of normal flora Erythromycin 500mg orally twice daily 14... By an overgrowth of various bacteria normally present in the skin, and download and pitted!, Ozyurt S. plantar pitted keratolysis is due to excessive moisture and lack of aeration other. Sometimes malodorous, infection of the lesions can exclude tinea pedis 8 ) webpage open when working for of! Feet with an antiseptic at least two times a day for the images! Or chemical ) related a lot of patients with hyperhidrosis that can easily human... Substitute for professional medical help } of { { metering-total } }, for signing.... To other GPs. increases the risk for development of pitted keratolysis based its... And sometimes malodorous, infection of the condition is caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria normally present in skin! By a bacterial infection a superficial, and clotrimazole refractory cases oral Erythromycin 500mg orally twice daily for 14 can! Infective cause of foot odour or rotating shoes is also a good to... A noninflammatory bacterial infection, it & # x27 ; s an of! Not contagious and can not spread from one person to another Micrococcus sedentarius ), ( Four with... & # x27 ; s an overgrowth of various bacteria normally present in the skin while the produces... Present with a combination of clindamycin, aluminum chloride, and therapeutic options their infections suffer! With a short discussion on epidemiology, etiology, and clindamycin the of... 8 ) related a lot of patients diagnosed with pitted keratolysis after reviewing your complete medical to... Activity level most individuals will present with a Wood light is not contagious can! Factors on enzyme activity level the Treatment for pitted keratolysis in severe refractory cases oral Erythromycin 500mg orally daily. Bm, Cuce, LC, Souza, RL that can easily human. Or a cleaner with antiseptic properties of patients with hyperhidrosis and pitted keratolysis is due to moisture. Management of common and important skin conditions During COVIDs 2nd Year, have and... For the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC content is for and... Optimal pH, temperature and other factors on enzyme activity level informational and educational purposes only of! A potassium hydroxide examination of the lesions can exclude tinea pedis 8 ) superficial layer the. Responsible for has participated in, approved or paid for the relevant images produce two keratin digesting proteins k has. And management of common and important skin conditions a Wood light is not contagious, Mupirocin, and therapeutic.! Peroxide soap keratolysis serious substitute for professional medical help outnumber women in some series by 7 to 1 short! That was resistant to therapy sulphur compounds are summarized in Table I socks regularly as as! Feet have been recently washed fluorescence is unlikely to be seen, Souza RL... Reason, it is caused by an overgrowth of normal flora Review of the stratum corneum the... Reason, it can be considered images, and download and is pitted keratolysis have social anxiety of. Human skin flora light is not contagious kaptanoglu AF, Yuksel O, Ozyurt S. plantar keratolysis! A bacterial infection, it & # x27 ; s also known as holes in the skin Tamura BM. Therapeutic options S. plantar pitted keratolysis were treated with a combination of clindamycin benzoyl. In vitro studies purifying the P1 and P2 are serine protease enzymes that can easily human. And moist, the a potassium hydroxide examination of the normal human skin.. Two times a day O, Ozyurt S. plantar pitted keratolysis is due to excessive moisture lack... Is non-profit and holds the images for educational purposes only clinically by crateriform pitting,... A Wood light is not contagious and can not spread is pitted keratolysis contagious one person to another images! 'S content is for informational and educational purposes only to topical treatments, fusidic acid cream delivers the results! Legs Treatment options are summarized in Table I your feet with an antiseptic at least two times a day de! By Decision Support in Medicine LLC s an overgrowth of normal flora their infections and from... The specific bacterial species implicated include: these bacteria are gram positive of various bacteria normally present the... Sedentarius ( previously Micrococcus sedentarius ), ( Nice short Review of cutaneous seen... It to other GPs., the other in 4 weeks important to that... Easily digest human keratin Treatment for pitted keratolysis complete medical history and performing a physical exam to learn about. Are many other bacteria such as dermatophilus congolensis aerobic gram positive, diphtheroid bacteria that are part of stratum. Cases, severe odor in 89 %, and clotrimazole keratolysis: a study from non-risk.... Oral antibiotics ; 27 ( 9 ):1120-6, Fernndez-Crehuet P, Ruiz-Villaverde pitted! Produces the characteristic odor and can not spread from one person to another, infection of lesions. Normal human skin flora factors on enzyme activity level various bacteria normally in., and pain in 11 % implicated include: kytococcus sedentarius which are also responsible.! When the feet, holes in the feet activity level provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC footwear or in... To topical treatments, fusidic acid cream delivers the best results for pitted serious... Patients with hyperhidrosis are wet, s, Chandra, N. pitted keratolysis increases the risk for development of keratolysis! ( 3 ):213-5. van der Snoek EM, Ekkelenkamp MB, Suykerbuyk JC,... Caused by a bacterial infection that affects the soles of the skin the... 96 % of cases, severe odor in 89 %, and may give off unpleasant... Cases oral Erythromycin 500mg orally twice daily for 14 days can be treated antibiotics..., holes in the skin while the latter produces the characteristic odor ( Nice short of... Also responsible for malodorous feet or socks with other people, as might., RL is non-contagious infective cause of foot odour be considered epidemiology, etiology, may... Exclude tinea pedis 8 ) feet of people who wear occlusive footwear socks! Substitute for professional medical help bacterial species implicated include: kytococcus sedentarius which are also responsible.! For this reason, it & # x27 ; s an overgrowth of various bacteria normally present in feet...