Pitted keratolysis: clinical manifestations in 53 cases

Pitted keratolysis (PK) has been reported to be more common among bare-footed people living in tropical regions. It is now known that the disease is not limited to the tropics but has a world-wide distribution. However, no study has previously been performed analysing the clinical manifestations of the disease in temperate countries. A survey of 53 patients revealed several distinctive clinical features. Hyperhidrosis is the most frequently observed symptom of this condition. Malodour and sliminess of the skin are also distinctive features, evident in 88.7% and 69.8% of the cases, respectively. The most common sites of onset of PK are the pressure-bearing areas, such as the ventral aspect of the toe, the ball of the foot and the heel. The next most common site is a friction area, the interface of the toes. Lesions are rarely seen on the non-pressure-bearing locations. Some of the primary lesions originate as a small defect along the plantar furrow, which gradually grows into the characteristics crateriform pit. Several clinical features are helpful in diagnosing PK.