Pitted soles | Treatment and prevention

What are welted soles?

Pitted soles, also known as “pitted keratolysis,” can occur with impaired hydration of the feet. We often see these problems when there are sweaty feet, a situation exacerbated by the constant wearing of work boots or safety shoes.

Bacteria can then spread undisturbed and attack the stratum corneum. This causes the characteristic skin abnormalities (pitting) and the typical, unpleasant odor.

Content

How do pitted soles occur

The condition is caused by the bacterium “corynebacterium.

This bacterium multiplies rapidly in warm, moist environments, such as socks or shoes due to excessive sweating, and produces a substance that attacks the horny layer of the skin. This causes the skin to inflame and create pitting, also called pitted keratolysis.

Symptoms of pitted soles

Although pitting is the most prominent symptom, there are other features that fit this condition.
The most common characteristics are:

  • Pits in the skin or callus layer
  • White sole of foot
  • Foul odor (due to sweaty feet)
  • Itchy soles of feet
  • Irritation or pain
  • Loose skin on the sole of the foot

Are pitted soles contagious?

No, the condition is not contagious like foot fungus. The ailment results from a combination of conditions (heat and moisture). The causative bacteria normally live on everyone’s skin. So everyone is susceptible to this.

Treating pitted soles

Treatment of pitted soles (pitted keratolysis) often starts with addressing the underlying cause, which in many cases involves sweaty feet.

Combats the cause of pitted soles

To prevent excessive perspiration, you can use an aluminum solution such as PediSpray®. This remedy helps reduce sweat production on the treated skin.

  • 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

It may be that some time after treatment the sweaty feet problem reappears. A short follow-up treatment will then be necessary.

Always maintain good hygiene rules.

Reinforce treatment

To add extra power to your treatment, PediFris Classic® shoe powder is your secret weapon. This powder fights bacteria and fungi that live in your shoes and on your feet. By addressing both the symptoms and the cause, you take a solid step toward lasting recovery. Regular use of PediFris Classic® makes your feet ready for any challenge!

Prevent recontamination

What is certain is that hygiene always comes first. And yes, that includes your shoes. Therefore, give these regular treatments with PediFris Classic. This way you shut the door on possible re-contamination or cross-contamination.

What to do about Pits soles grandma knows the advice

There are several things that can be done to combat the condition.
Here are some tips:

 
         

Wash feet with soap

 
    
                                         

This kills bacteria that cause symptoms. Do this regularly (once or twice a day) This can be done in most common cases with a normal (mild) soap. In stubborn cases, we recommend antibacterial variant to treat the infection in a targeted way

                
 
 
         

Remedy for pitted soles

 
    
                                         

PediSpray® foot spray antiperspirant is effective against pitted soles. It reduces sweat production, keeping your feet drier. This combats pitting sole infection and significantly reduces the chance of re-infection.

Other remedies for the condition are:
Pitsoles ointment or pitsoles cream

                
 
 
         

Disinfect shoes

 
    
                                         

Use PediFris® Classic to disinfect your shoes. Combine this with the use of PediSpray® so that both treatments can reinforce each other in the fight against pitted soles and sweaty feet.

                
 
 
         

Choose correct socks

 
    
                                         

Ensure dry socks damp socks are a hotbed for bacteria

Choose natural materials such as cotton, bamboo or wood fiber.

Change these socks daily and wash them at 60° Celsius, this way during one wash all microorganisms will be fought.

For choice help, consult the following article with info on the best socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

                
 
 
         

Daily shoe change

 
    
                                         

Change shoes regularly and let them dry so that bacteria do not have a chance to multiply. Damp socks and shoes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Choose shoes that ventilate well and are made of natural material such as leather or canvas. These absorb moisture and improve air circulation.
If possible, walk barefoot as much as possible

 

                
 
 
         

Remove calluses

 
    
                                         

Calluses on the feet can contribute to bacterial growth because they absorb sweat. You can remove excess calluses using a file or rasp. This reduces moisture absorption and will reduce the likelihood of pitted soles.

However, it can be difficult to treat calluses in hard-to-reach areas. In such cases, it is wise to seek the expertise of a pedicurist or medical pedicurist.

                
 

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