What is pitted keratolysis?

Health & FitnessMedicine

  • Author Craig Payne
  • Published September 28, 2022
  • Word count 524

Pitted keratolysis is often a pretty frequent infection in the skin of the feet that is described as a number of cavities or holes in the bottom of the feet and sometimes the toes. The problem is due to a bacteria in the Corynebacterium variety. Pitted Keratolysis is far more prevalent where wet shoes or boots are generally worn for longer periods of time, such as work books or army shoes or boots and too much sweat is able to build up. The accumulation of the moisture is the atmosphere that the bacteria might grow in and it is frequently accompanied with stinky feet too. The small craters that form due to the excessive perspiration as well as bacterial infection resemble small holes in the foot, typically on the bottom of the foot as well as the skin has a tendency to have a whitened discolouration. The holes usually are about 1 to 5 mm across and tend to be round and shallow. Ordinarily both feet are affected. These kinds of cavities or pits observed in pitted keratolysis develop from bacteria that emits enzymes that cause the dysfunction of the keratin protein inside the outermost layer of the impacted skin. The breakdown of the skin produces sulphur compounds which cause the foot smell. Since these microorganisms thrive in the darkish, warm in addition to moist environment within the footwear, this problem continues until eventually that is addressed. Pitted keratolysis can have very similar characteristics as athlete's foot and hyperhidrosis, so podiatrists will conduct some assessments and make some observations to distinguish which of these is the specific reason for the issue.

The actual strategy to treating pitted keratolysis is usually to manage the infection and manage the risk elements that triggered this to start with. The infection is better treated with a topical antibiotic that you could usually obtain at the chemist or perhaps on prescription from a physician, dependent on how powerful the medicine must be and how bad the pitted keratolysis will be. Antibiotics taken orally are usually not recommended. This antibiotic usually are beneficial but really don't function too well unless the foot care is taken care of and this inhospitable warm and damp environment which the bacteria prefers is taken care of. Feet ought to be cleaned at least daily with soapy water and then dried out thoroughly afterwards, especially between the toes. Using alcohol baby wipes will also help dry out the feet after washing. After completing this task, it is advisable to be barefoot as long as feasible for a thorough airing of the feet. Socks which soak up moisture which are changed more than once a day will be really useful in work if boots have to be used. Antiperspirants that are available from the chemist also may help to help keep your feet dry. Once the pitted keratolysis has initially settled down, prevention is very important. Your feet will still should be washed thoroughly and antiperspirants should still need to be used. Moisture absorbing insoles may be used within the shoes or work boots. Powders inside the socks can also be used to help absorb the unnecessary sweat.

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