Ways To Prevent And Treat Pitted Keratolysis

Use A Topical Antibiotic Or Antiseptic

When diagnosed with a case of pitted keratolysis, it's likely patients will be told to use a topical antibiotic or antiseptic, of which there are many different types. Antibiotics are medications designed to slow the growth of bacteria so they can eventually be removed from the body. While antibiotics are unable to treat viral infections, pitted keratolysis is considered a bacterial infection. While an individual's immune system should be able to destroy some or all of the bacteria causing pitted keratolysis, antibiotics will make sure the bacteria don't become too prevalent. Slower growth means the bacteria can be killed more quickly and effectively.

Antiseptics are similar to antibiotics in that they can slow down or completely stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria. Antiseptics usually come in the form of hand washes or hand rubs. When prescribed with a topical antibiotic or antiseptic, patients should make sure they only use as much as directed. Using higher amounts of any medication can create a range of side effects.

Learn more about treating and preventing pitted keratolysis now.