Treatment for pitted keratolysis focuses on removing the bacterial infection from your body. Your healthcare provider will prescribe topical antibiotics that you rub on your skin like a lotion. Pitted keratolysis is when you have holes in your feet.

Understanding the Context

Learn about symptoms, treatment, and more. We explain how to spot pitted keratolysis, why it happens, and how to get treatment if you discover symptoms. What is pitted keratolysis? Pitted keratolysis, also known as keratolysis plantare sulcatum or ringed keratolysis, is a superficial bacterial skin infection characterised by crater-like pits and malodour.

Key Insights

Topical antibiotic therapy usually leads to resolution of the disease. The clinical features, diagnosis, and management of pitted keratolysis will be reviewed here. Pitted keratolysis has a worldwide distribution but occurs most frequently in tropical and temperate regions with high humidity levels [1]. The cornerstone of treating pitted keratolysis is keeping feet dry combined with topical antibiotics, specifically clindamycin 1% with benzoyl peroxide 5% ge... Prevention tips include frequent sock changes, using foot powders, and practicing daily foot hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Several factors contribute to the development of pitted keratolysis: Sweating and Moisture: Excessive sweating and prolonged exposure to moisture create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. A study of physicians treating Dutch army personnel concluded that preventive measures, topical antibiotic therapy, and adequate treatment of hyperhidrosis are the mainstays of management in...