PITTED KERATOLYSIS

Pitted keratolysis is a mild bacterial infection of the skin of the soles, the balls of the feet, heels or toes, and is seen most often in young, active individuals. Small crater-like pits appear, initially tiny. These may coalesce to form large, irregularly shaped erosions. The pits are superficial, do not produce bleeding or tenderness, and have a punched-out appearance with neat, distinct borders. The skin of the pits may be discolored and appear dirty, with in­creased sweating and odor sometimes associated.

This condition is not bothersome unless it is severe and may be present, unnoticed, for some time. Pitted keratolysis is caused by footwear that does not allow air to reach the feet, thus keeping the feet damp.

PITTED KERATOLYSIS Treatment and Prevention

Pitted keratolysis can be controlled by eliminating local moisture. Cotton socks, powder and less occlusive shoes are help­ful. Whitfield's Ointment, available without a prescription, can be applied 2 to 3 times daily, to eliminate the infection.

BLACK HEELS (Tennis Heel, Basketball Heel, Talon Noir)

Tennis heel, although harmless and unnecessary to treat, is mentioned because its characteristic brown-to-black discoloration has been mistaken for a malignant mole. This "disease" is caused by shear forces which produce tiny hemorrhages into the skin, and is normally found at the edge of the heel. The hemorrhages account for the distinct dots or irregular patch that is seen, but the condition resolves by itself and is painless.