What is a characteristic of pitted keratolysis?

• A. Crater-like pits and malodor
• B. Red, inflamed areas
• C. Dry and scaly skin
• D. Blisters and itching

Answer: (A)

Pitted keratolysis is a skin condition that predominantly affects the feet, particularly the soles. A hallmark characteristic of this condition is the presence of crater-like pits or holes in the stratum corneum, which are often accompanied by a noticeable malodor. The pits are typically small, and the condition arises due to bacterial infection, particularly by organisms such as Corynebacterium. The malodor results from the bacterial breakdown of sweat and skin, leading to an unpleasant smell, which is a distinctive feature of this condition.

In contrast, other options present features that are not typical of pitted keratolysis. Red, inflamed areas are more characteristic of conditions like eczema or dermatitis rather than pitted keratolysis, which is usually not associated with significant inflammation. Dry and scaly skin can pertain to a variety of dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, but is not a key feature of pitted keratolysis. Similarly, blisters and itching suggest other conditions like a contact dermatitis or a fungal infection, which do not resonate with the primary symptoms of pitted keratolysis. Thus, the unique combination of crater-like pits and malodor specifically identifies pitted keratolysis.