Health And Fitness

What is pitted keratolysis in the foot?

Pitted keratolysis is a quite frequent bacterial infection in the skin of the feet that is characterized by numerous pits or small holes about the sole of the foot and sometimes about the toes. The problem is due to a microorganisms in the Corynebacterium variety. Pitted Keratolysis is far more frequent when wet footwear or work boots tend to be worn for extended amounts of time, for example work books or military footwear and excessive perspiration is allowed to build up. The accumulation of the sweating will be the surroundings which the microorganisms can grow in and it's also often together with stinky feet as well. The small craters which form caused by the excessive sweating in addition to the infection look like small holes in the feet, generally on the ball of the foot and also the skin tends to have a whitish tinge. The openings tend to be from 1 to 5 mm in diameter and are generally rounded and also shallow. Typically both your feet are affected. These cavities or craters found in pitted keratolysis are generated by bacteria which releases enzymes which in turn cause the degradation of the keratin proteins inside the top layer of the affected epidermis. The breakdown of the epidermis secretes sulphur substances which cause the foot smell. As these microbes do well in the dim, hot and also damp surroundings in the shoes or boots, this condition continues until eventually that's dealt with. Pitted keratolysis may have very similar traits as athlete's foot and excessive sweating, so doctors will conduct some tests to make some observations to differentiate which of these is the actual reason for the condition.

The actual strategy to the management of pitted keratolysis is to manage the infection and deal with the risk elements that caused it to begin with. The infection is better treated with a topical cream antibiotic that one could usually obtain at the drug store or on prescription from a physician, based on how potent the medication must be and how serious the pitted keratolysis will be. Antibiotics taken orally are generally not recommended. This antibiotic generally are helpful however normally do not function too well unless the foot cleanliness is taken care of and that inhospitable hot and damp habitat which the bacteria wants is dealt with. The feet will have to be washed no less than every day with water and soap and then dried meticulously afterwards, particularly between the toes. Making use of alcohol baby wipes will also help dry out your feet soon after bathing. After doing so, it is best to stay barefoot as long as practical for a thorough airing of the foot. Hosiery which absorb sweat which are changed more than once a day will be very useful in the workplace if boots need to be worn. Antiperspirants widely available from the pharmacy may also help to help keep your feet dry. Once the pitted keratolysis has initially getting better, prevention is very important. Your feet will still must be washed completely and antiperspirants may still should be applied. Dampness absorbing shoe inserts can be used within the shoes or work boots. Powders inside the socks may also be used to help soak up the unwanted perspiration.