What should you know about pitted keratolysis and athlete s foot?

Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial problem affecting the thick skin of the soles, especially pressure areas. It can produce shallow pits, softened skin, and a strong odour that becomes more noticeable when feet stay damp. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that often causes scaling, peeling, cracking, itching, or burning between the toes or along the sole. Both can occur in a warm, sweaty shoe, and one does not rule out the other.

Wash feet gently, dry carefully between the toes, change damp socks, and rotate breathable shoes so they can dry fully. Avoid sharing towels, socks, or footwear. Do not rely on an antifungal product alone when the main problem is pits and odour, and do not use leftover antibiotics. A clinician may recommend topical antibiotic therapy for pitted keratolysis and prescription antiperspirant when sweating keeps the skin wet.

Arrange an examination if odour persists despite keeping the feet dry, pits are spreading, or itching and scaling do not settle with appropriate care. Seek prompt help for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or redness moving beyond the affected area. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should arrange foot problems early rather than treating them repeatedly at home.

Ask whether the findings fit pitted keratolysis, athlete’s foot, or both; whether testing is needed; and whether topical antibiotic therapy or prescription antiperspirant is suitable. Ask how to clean shoes and when to return if the odour or pits continue.