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Case Reports
. 2010 Aug 19;2(2):146-148.
doi: 10.1159/000319792.

Dermoscopy of Pitted Keratolysis

Lauren L Lockwood  1 , Samuel Gehrke, Alexander A Navarini
Affiliations
Case Reports

Dermoscopy of Pitted Keratolysis

Lauren L Lockwood et al. Case Rep Dermatol. .

Abstract

Irritated hyperhidrotic soles with multiple small pits are pathognomonic for pitted keratolysis (PK). Here we show the dermatoscopic view of typical pits that can ensure the diagnosis. PK is a plantar infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium. Increases in skin surface pH, hyperhidrosis, and prolonged occlusion allow these bacteria to proliferate. The diagnosis is fundamentally clinical and treatment generally consists of a combination of hygienic measures, correcting plantar hyperhidrosis and topical antimicrobials.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Multiple 2-3 mm crater-like shallow plantar pits. b Dotted line indicates magnified area in inset: 10× dermoscopic magnification revealing heterogeneous architecture of the pit walls according to random dissolution of stratum corneum by bacterial colonies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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