Monthly Archives September 2023

Pitted keratolysis is a relatively common skin infection of the epidermis of the feet which is observed as multiple pits or small holes in the bottom of the foot and occasionally about the toes. The infection is brought on by a bacteria from the Corynebacterium variety. This problem is much more frequent where damp footwear or work boots tend to be used for longer amounts of time, for example work books or army footwear and excessive perspiration is able to build up. The buildup of the perspiration is the surroundings that the bacteria could develop in and it is also often accompanied with smelly feet too. The little craters that appear on account of the excessive sweating and bacterial infection appear like small holes in the foot, typically on the bottom of the foot and also the epidermis has a tendency to have a whitish discolouration. The cavities are usually about 1 to 5 mm across and are also round as well as shallow. In most cases both your feet will be affected. These types of holes or pits found in pitted keratolysis come from bacteria which emits enzymes which result in the breakdown of the keratin protein inside the top layer of the impacted skin. The breakdown of the epidermis lets out sulphur compounds which cause the foot odour. Since these bacterium do well in the dark, hot and moist setting in the footwear, this issue will continue until that is addressed. Pitted keratolysis can have very similar attributes as athlete's foot and excessive sweating, so health care professionals will do some tests to make some observations to distinguish which of these is the particular explanation for the problem.

The strategy to managing pitted keratolysis is to deal with the infection and deal with the risk factors which caused it from the beginning. The infection is best helped by a topical ointment antibiotic that one could usually get at the drug store as well as on prescription from a health care provider, dependent on how potent the drugs must be and how serious the pitted keratolysis is. Antibiotics taken orally are usually not advised. The antibiotic frequently are beneficial but tend not to work too well unless the foot cleanliness is treated and that inhospitable hot and damp environment which the bacteria wants is dealt with. The feet needs to be cleansed no less than on a daily basis by using soap and water after which dried out meticulously afterwards, especially between your toes. Using alcohol wipes could also help dry the feet after bathing. After doing this, it is better to be barefoot as long as practical for a complete airing of the foot. Socks that absorb perspiration and are changed several times a day will be really helpful in the workplace if boots should be worn. Antiperspirants available from your drug store may also be helpful to keep your feet dry. Once the pitted keratolysis has initially settled down, prevention is significant. The feet will still must be cleaned thoroughly and antiperspirants should still should be used. Dampness soaking up shoe inserts could be used within the footwear or boots. Powders in the socks can also be used to help absorb the unwanted perspiration.