[Maceration of the interdigital spaces and gram-negative infection of feet]

The microbiological flora of the macerated skin of the interdigital spaces of the feet of 64 patients were compared to those of 64 other control patients who had normal toe webs. In the control group coagulase-negative staphylococci and aerobic corynebacteria ("diphtheroids") were the most common bacteria found compared to a great number of different organisms including a high percentage of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi that were isolated from the macerated toe webs. The clinical appearance was not helpful in suggesting the nature of the causative organism. In order to prevent therapeutical errors bacteriological and mycological cultures are necessary before treatment.