Pitted keratolysis is a pretty common skin infection in the skin of the foot which can be observed as a number of pits or holes in the sole of the feet and sometimes the toes. The problem is due to a bacteria belonging to the Corynebacterium species. This problem is much more frequent when wet footwear or boots are used for longer durations, for example work books or army footwear and excessive perspiration is able to build up. The accumulation of the sweat is the ecosystem that the bacteria will develop in and it is also often together with odiferous feet as well. The tiny craters that form resulting from the too much sweat as well as bacterial infection appear to be small holes in the foot, frequently on the ball of the foot and the skin has a tendency to have a white discolouration. The openings are generally about 1 to 5 mm across and tend to be round and shallow. Frequently both feet might be affected. These types of holes or craters observed in pitted keratolysis are due to bacteria which emits enzymes which result in the dysfunction of the keratin proteins in the top layer of the affected epidermis. The degradation of the epidermis produces sulphur molecules which cause the foot smell. As these microbes prosper in the dim, hot as well as damp setting in the shoes or boots, this issue will continue until eventually that's sorted out. Pitted keratolysis may have similar characteristics as athlete's foot and hyperhidrosis, so doctors can do some tests to make some observations to tell apart which could well be the particular reason behind the symptoms.
The actual method of treating pitted keratolysis should be to take care of the infection and manage the risk factors that triggered it in the first place. The infection is better helped by a topical antibiotic that you can generally buy over-the-counter as well as on prescription from your physician, dependent on how potent the medication ought to be and how acute the pitted keratolysis can be. Oral antibiotics are normally not advised. The antibiotic generally are helpful but will likely not work too well unless the foot care is sorted out and this hostile warm and damp environment that the bacteria prefers is addressed. Your feet ought to be cleaned at the very least daily using soapy water and then dried completely afterwards, especially between the toes. By using alcohol wipes could also help dry out your feet soon after washing. After accomplishing this, it is advisable to remain barefoot as long as feasible for a good airing of the foot. Hosiery which soak up sweat which are changed more than once a day can be very useful in the workplace if boots should be worn. Antiperspirants available from your drug store may also be helpful to help keep your feet dry. Once the pitted keratolysis has initially getting better, prevention is very important. The feet will still need to be washed thoroughly and antiperspirants may still have to be applied. Sweat soaking up insoles may be used within the footwear or work boots. Powders inside the socks could also be used to help soak up the excessive dampness.