Pitted keratolysis

Pitted keratolysis
Other names: Keratolysis plantare sulcatum, keratoma plantare sulcatum, ringed keratolysis,[1] sweaty sock syndrome[2]
Right foot affected with pitted keratolysis
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsPit like holes in the foot skin, bad smell[3]
CausesCorynebacterium bacteria[2]
Risk factorsExcessive sweating, occlusive footwear, diabetes, older age[2][3]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptom[3]
Differential diagnosisAthlete's foot, plantar warts, palmoplantar keratoderma[4]
PreventionKeeping feet dry (moisture-wicking socks, antiperspirant)[2]
TreatmentAntibiotic cream[2]
FrequencyRelatively common[5]

Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial skin infection of the foot.[3] Symptoms include areas of pits on the weight bearing parts of the soles of the feet and bad smelling feet.[6] The pits are generally about 1 to 7 mm in size.[2][5] The areas may also be sore or itchy.[3]

The cause is often infection by Corynebacterium bacteria such as Kytococcus sedentarius .[2] Risk factors include excessive sweating of the feet, occlusive footwear, diabetes, and older age.[2][3] Diagnosis is usually based on appearance and smell.[3]

Treatment is with antibiotics applied to the skin, such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or mupirocin.[2] Benzoyl peroxide may also be used.[2] Prevention is by keeping the feet dry by using moisture-wicking socks and antiperspirant.[2]

Pitted keratolysis is relatively common, with 2.5% of people in New Zealand affected.[5] Professions at risk include military, farmers, athletes, and sailors.[3] Males are more commonly affected than females.[3] It occurs more commonly among those in tropical locations who do not wear shoes.[5] It was first described in 1910 by Castellani.[7][8]

Signs and symptoms

Pitted keratolysis typically presents with white discoloration of the skin and numerous discrete, "punched-out" pitted lesions or erosions, usually located on the soles of the feet.[2] The pits are typically 1-7 millimeters in diameter.[2][5]

These circular and shallow pits are characteristic of pitted keratolysis, and often overlap to produce larger areas of erosion. The appearance of this condition’s characteristic lesions becomes more pronounced when the affected area is wet or submerged in water. Occasionally these lesions present with a green or brown hue around and within the pits.

These superficial erosions are found under the toes and on the soles of the feet, and especially at the pressure bearing points such as the heel.[2] Typically, both feet are equally affected. Rarely, the condition affects the palms.

  • Pitted keratolysis
    Pitted keratolysis
  • Pitted keratolysis
    Pitted keratolysis
  • Pitted keratolysis
    Pitted keratolysis
  • Pitted keratolysis
    Pitted keratolysis

Cause

The most common cause of pitted keratolysis is Corynebacterium species. However, several other bacteria may also cause the condition, particularly Actinomyces keratolytica, Dermatophilus congolensis, Kytococcus sedentarius, and Streptomyces.[2][5] Less frequently, it is due to Acinetobacter, Clostridium, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas species.

Pathogenesis

Pitted keratolysis is associated with excessive sweating of the palms or soles (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.)[2] The pits seen in pitted keratolysis are caused by bacteria secreting proteinase enzymes which cause the breakdown of the keratin proteins in the stratum corneum layer of the affected skin.[5] This results in the formation of sulfur compounds which leads to a very strong and foul foot odor.[2] The bacteria that cause pitted keratolysis thrive in warm and humid environments.[5] Irritation is generally minimal, though occasionally burning, itching, and soreness are experienced with pitted keratolysis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pitted keratolysis is based primarily on the physical examination, with recognition of the classic pitted lesions and pungent odor. Dermoscopic examination can facilitate visualization of pits and pit walls. A Wood's lamp may show coral red fluorescence, as seen in erythrasma. However, this finding is not uniformly present, as the condition may be caused by bacteria that do not produce fluorescent pigments. Further laboratory testing is not typically required for the diagnosis. However, a potassium chloride preparation can help rule out the presence of a fungal infection. Imaging and biopsy are not necessary.

Differential diagnosis

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), planter warts, palmoplantar keratoderma[4]

Treatment

As of 2014, there is little high-quality evidence to provide guidance and support one treatment method over another. Therefore, the optimal treatment approach for pitted keratolysis remains unclear as the condition has not been well-studied.[5] One review suggested a treatment approach requiring modification of risk factors (e.g., keeping feet clean and dry) and treating the underlying bacterial infection.[5] Effective antibiotic options include clindamycin, erythromycin, mupirocin, and fusidic acid. Topical clindamycin is generally preferred as the first-line choice due to lower cost and better availability.[5] Fusidic acid is preferred over mupirocin in most cases due to less resistance to fusidic acid amongst Methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.[5] Benzoyl peroxide is an effective alternative over-the-counter option and is thought to be as effective as topical clindamycin.[5] Clinical cure was typically seen after 2.5–3 weeks.[5] Oral antibiotics are not typically recommended.[5]

Foot hygiene is important. The feet may be washed at least daily with soap and water, and dried thoroughly afterwards. Moisture-wicking socks and shoes may be worn and antiperspirants, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, may help to keep the feet dry. Injections of botulinum toxin have successfully induced cessation of sweating (anhidrosis) of the soles of the feet and led to resolution of pitted keratolysis.[5] These injections are typically reserved for refractory cases of pitted keratolysis that have failed to respond to environmental modifications and antibiotics due to the high cost and pain associated with botulinum toxin injections.[5]

Pitted keratolysis can be reduced and eventually stopped by regularly applying a liberal amount of antiperspirant body powder to the inside of the shoes and socks . Regular powder application will reduce foot perspiration and keep the plantar surface of the foot dry therefore creating an environment hostile to the Corynebacterium.

Epidemiology

Pitted keratolysis occurs worldwide and in various climates. The infection is more common in people who live in tropical climates and walk barefoot, and those who spend a lot of time wearing occlusive footwear (e.g., tight shoes, rubber boots),[5] such as in the military where wet shoes are worn for a prolonged period of time without removing and proper hygiene.[9]

History

Pitted keratolysis was first named keratoma plantare sulcatum.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Hsu, AR; Hsu, JW (July 2012). "Topical review: skin infections in the foot and ankle patient". Foot & Ankle International (Review). 33 (7): 612–9. doi:10.3113/FAI.2012.0612. PMID 22835400.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Pitted keratolysis | DermNet NZ". dermnetnz.org. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  4. 1 2 Fernández-Crehuet, P; Ruiz-Villaverde, R (21 April 2015). "Pitted keratolysis: an infective cause of foot odour". CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal Journal de l'Association medicale canadienne. 187 (7): 519. doi:10.1503/cmaj.140809. PMID 25712956.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Bristow, IR; Lee, YL (March 2014). "Pitted keratolysis: a clinical review". Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (Review). 104 (2): 177–82. doi:10.7547/0003-0538-104.2.177. PMID 24725039.
  6. ↑ James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "14. Bacterial infections". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 267. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6. Archived from the original on 2023-07-01. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  7. ↑ Sacchidanand, S.; AS, Savitha; K, Shilpa (30 June 2013). Snapshots in Dermatology. JP Medical Ltd. p. 570. ISBN 978-93-5090-459-6. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  8. ↑ Goldsmith, Lowell A.; Katz, Stephen I.; Gilchrest, Barbara A.; Paller, Amy; Leffell, David J.; Wolff, Klaus (22 February 2012). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, Eighth Edition, 2 Volume set. McGraw Hill Professional. p. 2145. ISBN 978-0-07-171755-7. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  9. ↑ van der Snoek, E.M.; Ekkelenkamp, M.B.; Suykerbuyk, J.C.C.W. (September 2013). "Pitted keratolysis; physicians' treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel: Pitted keratolysis in Dutch army personnel". Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 27 (9): 1120–1126. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2012.04674.x.
  10. ↑ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Fairly common, especially common in military. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
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