Pitted soles – Treatment and prevention

Q: Are pitted soles contagious?

No, pitted soles are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else or pass them on to others. The bacteria that cause pitted soles are naturally present on everyone’s skin. The problem only arises when these bacteria get the chance to become active due to specific circumstances. Bacteria are naturally present: The bacteria responsible for pitted soles normally live on everyone’s skin. Moisture and heat are the trigger: If your feet are often warm and damp (for example, in enclosed shoes), this provides an ideal environment for these bacteria to multiply rapidly. Skin is affected: Under these conditions, the bacteria produce substances that affect the top layer of the skin, resulting in the characteristic pits. The condition is therefore not transmitted, but occurs when the conditions on your feet stimulate the present bacteria to become active. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do yourself to keep your feet dry and fresh!

Q: Home remedies: What to do for Pitted soles according to 'Grandma's Tips'

Vinegar bath: Mix vinegar with water and soak your feet to kill bacteria. Baking soda: Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas. This absorbs moisture and kills bacteria. While these methods can help, using professional products like PediSpray® and PediFris® is often more effective for a long-term solution.

Q: Are pitted soles dangerous?

In general, pitted soles themselves are not dangerous or life-threatening. It is a bacterial skin infection of the top skin layer that mainly causes discomfort, such as an unpleasant odor and sometimes itching or slight pain. However, if pitted soles are not treated, complications can occur: Skin irritation and discomfort: The constant moisture and bacterial activity can lead to skin irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. Increased risk of other infections: The damaged and softened skin is more vulnerable. This can increase the chance of other foot problems such as athlete’s foot or bacterial skin infections that can go deeper. Painful areas: Sometimes the pits can merge into larger areas, which can then be more painful, especially on pressure points of the feet. Although pitted soles are not directly dangerous, it is important to take them seriously and treat them effectively. This prevents the problem from worsening and leading to long-term discomfort or other foot complaints. PlaySettings

What are Pitted soles?

Pitted soles, also known as pitted keratolysis, are small pits or holes in the skin of the soles of the feet.

They are caused by a bacterial infection that affects the top layer of the skin.

Cause, Symptoms and Consequences of Pitted soles

The main causes of pitted soles are moisture, heat, and poor ventilation of the feet.

This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and produce enzymes that affect the skin and cause a foul odor

Risk factors include:

Sweaty feet
Damp socks and poorly ventilated shoes
Poor hygiene
Standing or walking for long periods, especially in warm conditions

Treating pitted soles

The treatment of pitted soles is aimed at addressing the causes and eliminating bacteria.

Use PediSpray® for moisture control and PediFris® Classic for fighting bacteria and fungi (disinfection)

PediSpray® (aluminum chloride solution)

Excessive sweating is one of the main causes of pitted soles. Pedispray Foot Spray helps to reduce sweating and neutralizes unpleasant odors.

By using Pedispray daily, your feet stay dry and fresh.

How to use PediSpray®

Wash and dry feet thoroughly before going to bed
Apply PediSpray® and let it absorb well
Wash feet again the next morning
Repeat this for 2 to 5 consecutive days
Once the skin becomes drier, a treatment a few times a week is sufficient (no longer daily)

PediFris® Shoe Powder

This is specially developed to fight the bacteria that cause pitted soles.

It disinfects your shoes, killing the bacteria responsible for the pits and the odor.

PediFris® Classic 3-Pack

Original price was: € 24,95.Current price is: € 19,98.

PediFris® Classic

Original price was: € 12,46.Current price is: € 9,98.

How to use PediFris®

Sprinkle a small amount of PediFris® Classic shoe powder into each shoe.
Shake the shoes lightly so the powder spreads well over the insole.
The powder dissolves while wearing the shoe and then does its job. Namely, fighting fungi and bacteria that cause foot odor.
For complete protection, combine it with PediSpray® for long-lasting care of your feet and shoes.

✓

Our Expertise and Scientific Sources

The content on this page has been compiled with the greatest care and is guaranteed by our expertise in the field of foot care. We base our advice and recommendations on current scientific insights and guidelines from leading national and international health organizations.

This article was created in collaboration with Loop Professional Footcare (a respected name in professional foot care) and the guidelines of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (the global authority on excessive sweating).

Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and complete information, so you can make informed choices for the health of your feet.

For additional, reliable information, we also refer you to: Thuisarts.nl: Information on Pitted soles DermNet NZ: Pitted Keratolysis (pitted soles)

Are pitted soles contagious?

No, pitted soles are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else or pass them on to others. The bacteria that cause pitted soles are naturally present on everyone’s skin. The problem only arises when these bacteria get the chance to become active due to specific circumstances.

Bacteria are naturally present: The bacteria responsible for pitted soles normally live on everyone’s skin.
Moisture and heat are the trigger: If your feet are often warm and damp (for example, in enclosed shoes), this provides an ideal environment for these bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Skin is affected: Under these conditions, the bacteria produce substances that affect the top layer of the skin, resulting in the characteristic pits.

The condition is therefore not transmitted, but occurs when the conditions on your feet stimulate the present bacteria to become active. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do yourself to keep your feet dry and fresh!

How quickly does the treatment for pitted soles work?

With the right treatment, such as the combination of PediSpray® and PediFris® Classic, you can expect a clear improvement within a few days.

Rapid odor reduction: Because PediFris® Classic directly tackles the odor-causing bacteria and PediSpray® reduces sweat production, the unpleasant odor will quickly diminish.
Less visible pits: The pits in your soles will gradually become shallower and less visible as the bacterial infection is brought under control and the skin recovers.

Consistent use according to the instructions is crucial to achieve the best results and effectively resolve the pitted soles.

Can children get pitted soles?

Yes, children can certainly get pitted soles, just like adults. Although it is often associated with adults, it is a skin condition that can occur at any age.

The risk of pitted soles in children is particularly higher if:

Excessive sweating: Some children naturally suffer more from sweaty feet.
Damp shoes from playing: Children often play outside and get wet feet, causing them to walk around in damp shoes for long periods. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Wearing shoes for long periods: During school days, children often wear their shoes for long periods at a time. This, combined with less breathable shoes, can lead to a warm and damp environment in the shoe, increasing the chance of pitted soles.

Good hygiene, wearing breathable socks and shoes, and regularly airing and drying shoes are therefore also important measures for children to prevent pitted soles.

Home remedies: What to do for Pitted soles according to 'Grandma's Tips'

Vinegar bath: Mix vinegar with water and soak your feet to kill bacteria.
Baking soda: Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas. This absorbs moisture and kills bacteria.

While these methods can help, using professional products like PediSpray® and PediFris® is often more effective for a long-term solution.

How can I prevent pitted soles

Good hygiene and shoes that minimize moisture and heat are essential to prevent pitted soles:

Ventilate your shoes: Wear breathable materials such as leather.
Rotate shoes: Let shoes dry for at least 24 hours.
Clean socks: Put on dry and clean footwear daily, preferably made of cotton or wool.
Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and dry them well, especially between the toes.

Are pitted soles dangerous?

In general, pitted soles themselves are not dangerous or life-threatening. It is a bacterial skin infection of the top skin layer that mainly causes discomfort, such as an unpleasant odor and sometimes itching or slight pain.

However, if pitted soles are not treated, complications can occur:

Skin irritation and discomfort: The constant moisture and bacterial activity can lead to skin irritation, redness, and a burning sensation.
Increased risk of other infections: The damaged and softened skin is more vulnerable. This can increase the chance of other foot problems such as athlete’s foot or bacterial skin infections that can go deeper.
Painful areas: Sometimes the pits can merge into larger areas, which can then be more painful, especially on pressure points of the feet.

Although pitted soles are not directly dangerous, it is important to take them seriously and treat them effectively. This prevents the problem from worsening and leading to long-term discomfort or other foot complaints.

Do I need to see a doctor for pitted soles?

In most cases, you don’t need to go straight to the doctor for pitted soles. You can often do a lot yourself with good hygiene and effective remedies like PediSpray® and PediFris® Classic.

However, it is wise to consult a doctor if:

Your symptoms persist or worsen: If the pits do not decrease, become more painful, or spread, even after several weeks of home treatment.
There is severe skin irritation or inflammation: If your feet become very red, swollen, or inflamed, medical advice is needed.
You have diabetes or poor blood circulation: Extra caution is required for people with these conditions when it comes to foot problems, as small infections can quickly lead to larger problems.
You are not sure of the diagnosis: If you suspect it is something other than pitted soles, your GP can make a correct diagnosis.

In these cases, the GP may prescribe stronger medication, such as antibiotics, to fight the bacterial infection.