A bacterial condition on the foot (rarely fingers) that is mistaken for widespread athlete’s foot, due to high sweating feet (working in hot, humid, environments, playing sports, athletes, sailors, farmers) and excess sock/shoes (particularly rubber boots or vinyl shoes) wearing, this creates a moist environment for bacteria to grow.
It normally occurs on the bottom of the feet (mainly forefeet) and the heel and is a ‘come and go’ condition.
It can causes a ‘pitted like appearance’ due to the fact the bacteria destroys the outer skin layer.
The bad smell is of sulphur caused by the bacteria.
Fingers (rare), Forefoot and/or the heel become white with clusters of punched-out pits (appearance is more dramatic when the feet are wet)?
Pits often join together to form larger, crater-like lesion?
Pits vary in colour with red areas on the soles?
Soreness or itching when walking?
One work in moist, hot and humid environments?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Prevention
Pitted keratolysis will quickly recur unless the feet are kept dry.
The following precautions should be taken to prevent recurrences:
Wear boots for as short a period as possible
Wear socks which effectively absorb sweat, i.e. cotton and/or wool or moisture-wicking materials i.e. polyester and nylon
Wear open-toed sandals whenever possible
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
Do not share footwear or towels with others.
DermNet NZ
Treatment
To treat pitted keratolysis, your Medical Doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antibiotic or antiseptic, do not use benzoyl peroxide (used for acne and spots) unless the Medical Doctor has told you so.
It will take 3- 4 weeks to clear (so please be compliant with medication) with medication and prevention methods stated above.
This condition can be mistaken for widespread athlete’s foot.
Treat this condition as soon as possible as without treatment, the pits can coalesce together to form larger crater-like depressions in the skin. The odour may also get worse.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Pitted Keratolysis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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