Smelly Feet? Pitted Keratolysis Could Be the Reason Why
Do your feet smell bad no matter how often you wash them? Have you noticed small pits or craters on the soles? You could be dealing with pitted keratolysis, a surprisingly common bacterial skin infection we treat regularly at our Inner West Sydney clinic.
What Is Pitted Keratolysis?
Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin on the soles of your feet. The name comes from the skin (kerato) breaking down (lysis). It mainly affects the soles, although it occasionally appears on the palms too. It is also one of the most common causes of persistently smelly feet.
What Causes It?
Several types of bacteria can cause pitted keratolysis. These bacteria thrive in moist conditions and produce enzymes that break down the outer layer of your skin, creating the small pits. They also release sulphur compounds, which explains the strong odour.
In other words, the smell is not just sweat. It is a sign of active bacterial growth.
Certain conditions make the infection much more likely. These include hot and humid weather, enclosed footwear like rubber boots or vinyl shoes, naturally thickened skin on the soles, and excessive sweating of the hands and feet (hyperhidrosis).
Signs and Symptoms
Pitted keratolysis is usually easy to spot once you know what to look for:
- It mostly affects the soles, forefoot and heel
- The skin surface looks whitish with clusters of fine, punched-out pits
- Pits often join together to form larger, crater-like lesions
- Some cases also show diffuse red areas on the soles
- A strong, persistent foot odour that returns quickly after washing
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Who Is Most at Risk?
The condition is far more common in men than women. People whose feet spend long hours in enclosed, sweaty footwear face the highest risk. That includes athletes, tradespeople, farmers, military personnel, and anyone in industrial work boots all day. Salon workers who handle feet regularly can also be affected.
How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?
Our podiatrists can usually diagnose pitted keratolysis with a simple clinical examination. Swabs are rarely needed. In some cases, we may take a small skin sample to rule out a fungal infection, since the two conditions can look similar but need very different treatment.
Treatment typically involves a course of antibacterial and antiseptic therapy. Because the right treatment depends on a correct diagnosis, it is important to have your feet properly assessed before starting anything.
How to Prevent It Coming Back
Pitted keratolysis returns quickly if your feet stay damp. Therefore, prevention is all about keeping them dry:
- Limit time in boots and enclosed shoes where possible
- Wear moisture-absorbing socks made from cotton or wool
- Choose open-toed sandals when you can
- Wash your feet with soap or antiseptic cleanser twice daily
- Apply antiperspirant to your feet at least twice weekly
- Rotate your shoes so each pair dries out fully between wears
- Never share footwear or towels
Smelly Feet Treatment in Sydney's Inner West
If smelly or pitted feet sound familiar, our experienced podiatrists at Sole-Lution Podiatry in Petersham can help. As part of our general podiatry care, we treat skin and nail conditions like this every week. We will take a thorough history and conduct a detailed assessment to confirm the diagnosis and get you on the right treatment straight away.
Book an appointment online and we’ll have you seen quickly.
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