How long does prescription antiperspirant take to work for pitted keratolysis?

Pitted keratolysis affects the thick skin of the soles and is encouraged by warmth, sweat and prolonged dampness. An antiperspirant reduces sweat reaching the skin surface; it does not directly remove the bacteria associated with the condition. Moisture may improve before the small pits, tenderness or smell do, so early progress is not always obvious.

Use the prescribed product exactly as directed, often on clean, completely dry feet at the recommended time. Let it dry before putting on socks, and wash it off when instructed. Change damp socks, alternate shoes, allow footwear to dry fully and keep the soles clean. Do not apply it to cracked, raw or freshly irritated skin unless your clinician says to do so. Read more about [Prescription Antiperspirant](/treatments/medical-dermatology/prescription-antiperspirant/).

Contact the prescribing clinician if burning, rash, swelling or painful cracking develops, or if the product is difficult to tolerate. Arrange a review if moisture, odour or pits are not improving after the instructed trial, because pitted keratolysis may need a separate antibacterial treatment or a different diagnosis considered.

Ask whether your product should be applied at night, when it should be washed off, and whether you also need treatment directed at the bacterial infection. Ask how to protect irritated sole skin and when the response should be reassessed.