Pitted Soles – Treat and Prevent

What are Pitted Soles?

Pitted soles, also known as pitted keratolysis, are small pits or holes in the skin of the soles of the feet.

They are caused by a bacterial infection that affects the upper layer of skin.

Cause, Symptoms and Consequences of Pitted Soles

The main causes of pitted soles are moisture, heat, and poor ventilation of the feet.

This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and produce enzymes that affect the skin and cause a bad odor

Risk factors include:

Sweaty feet
Moist socks and poorly ventilated shoes
Poor hygiene
Prolonged standing or walking, especially in warm conditions

Treating pitted soles

The treatment of pitted soles is aimed at tackling the causes and eliminating bacteria.

Use PediSpray® to control moisture balance and PediFris® Classic to combat bacteria and fungi (disinfection)

PediSpray® (aluminum chloride solution)

Excessive sweating is one of the main causes of pitted soles. Pedispray Foot Spray helps to reduce sweating and neutralizes unpleasant odors.

By using Pedispray daily, your feet stay dry and fresh.

How to use PediSpray®

Wash and dry feet thoroughly before going to sleep
Apply PediSpray® and let it work well
Wash your feet again the next morning
Repeat this 2 to 5 days in a row
If the skin becomes drier, a treatment of a few times a week is sufficient (no longer daily)

PediFris® Shoe Powder

This is specially developed to combat the bacteria that cause pitted soles.

It disinfects your shoes, killing the bacteria responsible for the pits and odor.

PediFris® Classic 3-Pack

Original price was: € 24,95.Current price is: € 19,98.

PediFris® Classic

Original price was: € 12,46.Current price is: € 9,98.

How to use PediFris®

Sprinkle a small amount of PediFris® Classic shoe powder into each shoe.
Shake the shoes lightly so that the powder spreads well over the insole.
The powder dissolves while wearing the shoe and then does its job. Namely, combating fungi and bacteria that cause foot odor.
For complete protection, combine it with PediSpray® for long-lasting care of your feet and shoes.

Our Expertise and Scientific Sources

The content on this page has been compiled with the utmost care and guaranteed by our expertise in the field of foot care. We base our advice and recommendations on current scientific insights and guidelines from leading national and international health organizations.

This article was created in collaboration with Loop Professional Footcare (a respected name in professional foot care) and the guidelines of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (the global authority on excessive sweating).

For additional, reliable information about specific foot conditions, we also refer you to:

Thuisarts.nl: An independent Dutch website with reliable medical information, compiled by general practitioners (consult the information about Pitted Soles).
DermNet NZ: An extensive and authoritative online source for dermatological information, recognized by dermatologists worldwide (see the section on Pitted Keratolysis).

Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and complete information so that you can make informed choices for the health of your feet.

Are pitted soles contagious?

No, pitted soles are not contagious. So you cannot get them from someone else or pass them on to others. The bacteria that cause pitted soles are naturally present on everyone’s skin. The problem only arises when these bacteria are given the opportunity to become active due to specific circumstances.

Bacteria are naturally present: The bacteria responsible for pitted soles live on everyone’s skin as standard.
Moisture and heat are the trigger: If your feet are often warm and moist (for example, in closed shoes), this provides an ideal environment for these bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Skin is affected: Under these circumstances, the bacteria produce substances that affect the upper layer of skin, resulting in the characteristic pits.

The condition is therefore not transmitted, but arises when the conditions on your feet stimulate the bacteria present to become active. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to keep your feet dry and fresh!

How quickly does the treatment for pitted soles work?

With the right treatment, such as the combination of PediSpray® and PediFris® Classic, you can expect a clear improvement within a few days.

Rapid odor reduction: Because PediFris® Classic directly tackles the odor-causing bacteria and PediSpray® reduces sweat production, the unpleasant odor will quickly decrease.
Less visible pits: The pits in your soles will gradually become less deep and less visible as the bacterial infection comes under control and the skin recovers.

Consistent use according to the instructions is crucial to achieve the best results and effectively remedy the pitted soles.

Can children get pitted soles?

Yes, children can certainly get pitted soles, just like adults. Although it is often associated with adults, it is a skin condition that can occur at any age.

The risk of pitted soles in children is especially greater if:

Excessive sweating: Some children naturally suffer more from sweaty feet.
Damp shoes from playing: Children are often playing outside and get wet feet, causing them to walk around with damp shoes for extended periods. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Prolonged wearing of shoes: During school days, children often wear their shoes for long periods at a time. This, combined with less breathable shoes, can lead to a warm and moist environment in the shoe, which increases the chance of pitted soles.

Good hygiene, wearing breathable socks and shoes, and regularly airing and drying shoes are therefore also important measures for children to prevent pitted soles.

Home remedies: What to do for Pitted Soles according to 'Grandma Knows Best'

Vinegar bath: Mix vinegar with water and soak your feet to kill bacteria.
Baking soda: Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas. This absorbs moisture and kills bacteria.

Although these methods can help, the use of professional products such as PediSpray® and PediFris® is often more effective for a long-term solution.

How can I prevent pitted soles

Good hygiene and shoes that minimize moisture and heat are essential to prevent pitted soles:

Ventilate your shoes: Wear well-ventilated materials such as leather.
Alternate shoes: Let shoes dry for at least 24 hours.
Clean socks: Put on dry and clean footwear daily, preferably made of cotton or wool.
Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and dry them well, especially between the toes.

Are pitted soles dangerous?

In general, pitted soles are not dangerous or life-threatening in themselves. It is a bacterial skin infection of the upper layer of skin that mainly causes discomfort, such as an unpleasant odor and sometimes itching or slight pain.

However, if pitted soles are not treated, complications can occur:

Skin irritation and discomfort: The constant humidity and the activity of bacteria can lead to skin irritation, redness and a burning sensation.
Increased risk of other infections: The damaged and softened skin is more vulnerable. This can increase the chance of other foot problems such as athlete’s foot or bacterial skin infections that can go deeper.
Painful spots: Sometimes the pits can merge into larger spots, which can then be more painful, especially on pressure points of the feet.

Although pitted soles are not directly dangerous, it is important to take them seriously and treat them effectively. This prevents the problem from worsening and leading to prolonged discomfort or other foot complaints.

Should I see a doctor for pitted soles?

In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor directly for pitted soles. You can often do a lot yourself with good hygiene and effective remedies such as PediSpray® and PediFris® Classic.

However, it is wise to consult a doctor if:

Your symptoms persist or worsen: If the pits do not become less, become more painful, or spread, even after a few weeks of treatment at home.
There is severe skin irritation or inflammation: If your feet become very red, swollen or inflamed, medical advice is needed.
You have diabetes or reduced blood circulation: For people with these conditions, extra caution is required with foot problems, because small infections can quickly lead to larger problems.
You are not sure of the diagnosis: If you suspect it is something other than pitted soles, your doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

In these cases, the doctor may prescribe stronger medication, such as antibiotics, to combat the bacterial infection.