Pitted keratolysis is a fairly prevalent superficial infection in the skin of the feet which can be described as many pits or holes about the sole of the foot and sometimes about the toes. The infection is actually brought on by a microorganisms in the Corynebacterium variety. Pitted Keratolysis is more prevalent wherever damp footwear or boots are generally used for extended durations, such as work books or military shoes or boots and too much perspiration is permitted to accumulate. The accumulation of the sweating will be the surroundings that the microorganisms may develop in and it is frequently accompanied with smelly feet at the same time. The tiny craters which develop as a result of the higher levels of moisture as well as the infection resemble small holes in the feet, generally on the sole as well as the skin tends to have a white discolouration. The holes are usually from 1 to 5 mm in diameter and are generally circular and also shallow. Usually both feet will be affected. These holes or pits observed in pitted keratolysis come from bacteria that emits enzymes which in turn result in the breakdown of the keratin proteins inside the outermost layer of the impacted skin. The breakdown of the epidermis releases sulphur chemical substances that cause the foot smell. As these bacteria prosper in the dark, hot and also damp surroundings inside the footwear, this concern will continue until eventually that's addressed. Pitted keratolysis can have comparable traits as athlete's foot and hyperhidrosis, so doctors can do some checks and make some observations to tell apart which could well be the specific reason behind the condition.

The approach to treating pitted keratolysis would be to manage the infection and deal with the risk elements that caused this to begin with. The infection is better helped by a topical antibiotic that you can usually get at the pharmacy or perhaps on prescription from a physician, depending on how powerful the drugs really should be and how extreme the pitted keratolysis can be. Oral antibiotics are usually not advised. This antibiotic frequently are helpful but really don't function too well unless the foot hygiene is attended to and this inhospitable hot and moist habitat that the bacteria prefers is resolved. Your feet will need to be washed at the very least every day by using water and soap and then dried out meticulously afterwards, particularly between the toes. Using alcohol wipes may also help dry your feet right after bathing. After doing so, it is better to stay barefoot as long as practical for a complete airing of the foot. Hosiery that absorb dampness which are changed more than once a day can be very useful in the workplace if boots have to be used. Antiperspirants that are available from the chemist can also help to help keep your feet dry. Once the pitted keratolysis has initially settled down, prevention is very important. The feet will still need to be washed meticulously and antiperspirants will still have to be used. Sweat soaking up shoe inserts could be used inside the shoes or boots. Powders within the socks could also be used to help absorb the unwanted dampness.