HOMOEOPATHY FOR SMELLY FEET OR PITTED KERATOLYSIS | HOMOEOPATHY FOR PITTED KERATOLYSIS OR SMELLY FEET

A bacterial infection of the skin is what causes pitted keratolysis, also known as smelly feet, which affects the soles of the feet and, less frequently, the palms of the hands.

Causes– Corynebacteria, Dermatophilus congolensis, Kytococcus sedentarius, Actinomyces, and Streptomyces are a few of the bacterial species that cause pitted keratolysis.

The pitting is caused by the bacteria’s production of protease enzymes that break down the horny cells (stratum corneum), and the odor is brought on by the bacteria’s production of thiols, sulphides, and thioesters, which are sulfur compounds. The bacteria thrive in moist environments.

Males are much more likely than females to develop pitted keratolysis, and those at risk for it include:

· Farmers

· Athletes

· Sailors or fisherman

· Industrial workers

· Military personnel

Pitted keratolysis may also affect women working in spa salons who provide pedicures and foot care.

Factors that lead to the development of pitted keratolysis include-

· Hot, humid weather

Footwear that blocks the airflow, like vinyl or rubber boots

Prolonged hand and foot perspiration

Palm and sole skin that has thickened

· Diabetes mellitus

· Advanced age

· Immunodeficiency

Symptoms

Extremely odorous feet from a sole infection.

When the feet are wet, the appearance is more dramatic and affects either the forefoot, the heel, or both. Very rarely, the fingers also experience this condition.

Pits frequently combine to form larger lesions that resemble craters.

On the soles, there are more diffuse red areas in a form of pitted keratolysis.

The pits themselves are typically asymptomatic, but they may cause soreness or itching when walking, which is the most frequently reported symptom.

DiagnosisPitted keratolysis is typically diagnosed clinically, with swabs being infrequently needed. However, the causative organisms may be identified from the pitted lesions and cultured on brain heart infusion agar. Skin scrapings are frequently taken to rule out fungal infection. In some cases, a characteristic coral red fluorescence is seen under the woodlight during examination.

A skin biopsy may be used to make the diagnosis if it reveals distinctive pitted keratolysis histopathological features.

PreventionIf the feet are not kept dry, pitted keratolysis will return quickly; therefore, the following measures should be taken:

For as little time as possible, wear shoes.

Wear cotton or wool socks or other effective sweat-absorbing footwear.

Whenever you can, wear sandals with an open toe.

Using soap or an antiseptic cleaner, wash your feet twice daily.

At least twice a day, wipe antiperspirant on your feet.

Air out your shoes after wearing them the same day and the next.

Avoid sharing your clothes, shoes, or towels.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Pitted keratolysis can be successfully managed with the help of carefully chosen homoeopathic remedies, some of which are listed below:

SILICEA 200The presence of offensive sweat on feet that is acrid, itchy, and destructive of shoes, as well as soreness in the soles from the instep through to the sole, pits, and exfoliation of the skin are seen on the sole, makes silicea one of the best remedies for smelly feet with offensive sweat.

BARYTA CARBONICUM 200– Baryta carb is another successful treatment for Pitted Keratolysis with offensive foot sweat, especially in children. There is cold, foul foot sweat, the feet are cold and clammy, the toes and soles are sore, the soles hurt when walking, and the soles feel hot or bruised at night while sleeping.

GRAPHITES 30– Graphites is best for sweaty, excoriating feet that have fissures, cracks, and pits in the soles and between the toes. The feet are cold and wet, and the acrid foot sweat chafes the toes. Habitual constipation is present in Graphites patients.

CALCAREA CARB 30Calcarea carb is recommended for people who are overweight and have flabby skin, as well as those who have sour foot sweat, burning soles, and achy feet.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 200-In Lycopodium, one foot is hot and the other is cold, there is pain in the heels and soles when walking, and the patient prefers warm drinks and food. They also have a sweet tooth. Lycopodium is best for smelly feet with profuse foot sweat.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 200The feet are very sensitive due to the presence of large horny places, and antim. crude is thought to be a good treatment for pitted keratolysis, a condition where the skin on soles withers as a result of foot sweat.

SEPIA 30-Sepia works well for smelly feet with offensive foot sweat, itching, stinging, and burning ulcers in the toes and heels, as well as pricking, burning, and stinging sensations in the feet. There may also be excessive or offensive foot sweat that causes soreness in the heel and between the toes.

SULPHUR 200The foot feels sore from the top through to the sole and is icy cold, and sulphur patients have to get out of bed because their soles get too hot at night. Sulphur is another effective remedy for smelly feet.