Pitied Keratolysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pitted keratolysis is a superficial skin infection affecting the feet.
• The exact cause of pitted keratolysis remains unclear, though bacterial involvement is suspected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical features of pitted keratolysis.
• To investigate the role of bacterial and mycological cultures in the etiology of pitted keratolysis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical data from 70 patients with pitted keratolysis were collected.
• Bacterial and mycological cultures were performed on skin scrapings from 20 patients and 10 healthy controls.
• Artificial inoculation in 5 healthy volunteers was attempted.

Main Results:

• Corynebacterium species were identified in 80% of patients with pitted keratolysis and 70% of controls.
• The presence of Corynebacterium species was noted in both affected and unaffected skin.
• Attempts to reproduce the lesions in healthy volunteers were unsuccessful.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of Corynebacterium species in both patients and controls suggests it may be a commensal organism or a secondary invader in pitted keratolysis.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of bacteria in the development of pitted keratolysis.