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.

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

Cause, Symptoms, and Consequences of Pitted Soles

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

This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and produce enzymes that damage the skin and cause an unpleasant odor

pitted-keratolysis

Risk Factors Include:

  • Sweaty Feet
  • Damp socks and poorly ventilated shoes
  • Poor hygiene
  • Prolonged standing or walking, especially in warm conditions

Treating Pitted Soles

The treatment of pitted soles focuses on addressing the causes and eliminating bacteria.

Use PediSpray® to control moisture levels 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 reduce sweating and neutralizes unpleasant odors.

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

How to Use PediSpray®

  • Before bedtime wash and dry feet thoroughly
  • Apply PediSpray® and let it soak in well
  • Next morning wash feet again
  • Repeat for 2 to 5 days at a time
  • As the skin becomes drier, a treatment of a few times a week (no longer daily) is sufficient

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.

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. Specifically, combat fungi and bacteria that cause foot odor.
  • For complete protection, combine it with PediSpray® for long-lasting care of your feet and shoes.

Pitted Soles FAQ: Identification, Treatment & Prevention

Are you dealing with troublesome pitted soles and looking for answers to questions like: “Are pitted soles contagious?” or “Should I see a doctor about pitted soles?”

Here you’ll find all the essential information about this common foot condition.

From quick treatment to effective prevention, we help you regain control over fresh, healthy 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 get the chance to become active due to specific circumstances.

  • Bacteria are naturally present: The bacteria responsible for pitted soles naturally live on everyone’s skin.
  • Moisture and warmth 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 quickly.
  • Skin is affected: Under these conditions, the bacteria produce substances that affect the upper skin layer, resulting in the characteristic pits.

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

                
 
 
         

How quickly does 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 odor-causing bacteria and PediSpray® reduces sweat production, the unpleasant odor will quickly diminish.
  • Less visible pits: The pits in your foot 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 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 higher if:

  • Excessive sweating: Some children naturally suffer more from sweaty feet.
  • Moist shoes from playing: Children are often playing outside and get wet feet, causing them to walk around with moist 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 extended periods. This, in combination with less breathable shoes, can lead to a warm and moist environment inside 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 about Pitted Soles According to “Grandma's Advice”

 
    
                                         
  • 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.

While 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 breathable materials such as leather.
  • Alternate shoes: Allow shoes to dry for at least 24 hours.
  • Clean socks: Put on dry, clean footwear daily, preferably 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 themselves are not dangerous or life-threatening. It is a bacterial skin infection of the upper skin layer that mainly causes discomfort, such as an unpleasant odor and sometimes itching or mild pain.

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

  • Skin irritation and discomfort: The constant moisture and bacterial activity 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 go to the doctor with pitted soles?

 
    
                                         

In most cases, you don’t need to go to the doctor immediately 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 advisable to consult a doctor if:

  • Your symptoms persist or worsen: If the pits do not decrease, become more painful, or spread, even after several weeks of home treatment.
  • There is severe skin irritation or inflammation: If your feet become very red, swollen, or inflamed, medical advice is needed.
  • You have diabetes or impaired 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 unsure of the diagnosis: If you suspect it is something other than pitted soles, the GP can make a correct diagnosis.

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