The Unspoken Issue: Pitted, Smelly Feet
The skin problem many people suffer from in silence during the monsoon is Pitted Keratolysis. It primarily affects the soles of the feet, causing crater-like pits and a distinctly unpleasant odour. [2] The condition is not just a simple case of smelly
feet; it's a superficial bacterial infection that thrives in the exact conditions the rainy season provides: warmth and constant moisture. [4, 7] People are often hesitant to talk about it due to embarrassment over the smell and the appearance of their feet, which can look perpetually dirty due to the pits. [2]
What Exactly Causes This Condition?
Pitted Keratolysis is caused by several types of bacteria, including Corynebacterium species, which flourish on damp skin. [2, 4] These bacteria produce enzymes that break down the top layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), creating the characteristic pits. [2] The strong, foul odour is a result of sulfur compounds—like thiols and sulphides—produced by the bacteria as they multiply. [2] The constant humidity of monsoon, combined with sweating and wearing wet or non-breathable footwear, creates the ideal breeding ground for this infection. [7, 8, 10]
Are You at Risk?
You are at a higher risk of developing Pitted Keratolysis if your feet are frequently wet or sweaty. [7, 10] This includes athletes, industrial workers, farmers, and anyone who wears occlusive, non-breathable footwear like rubber boots or vinyl shoes for extended periods. [2, 8] During the monsoon, simply walking through puddles and then continuing to wear damp socks and shoes can put you at risk. [14] Other contributing factors include excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), poor foot hygiene, and certain health conditions like diabetes. [2, 8]
Prevention Is the Best Defence
The key to preventing Pitted Keratolysis is to keep your feet as dry as possible. Wash your feet with soap or an antiseptic cleanser daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. [2, 10] Wear absorbent cotton or wool socks and change them as soon as they get damp. [2, 7] Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row to allow them to dry out completely. [10] Opt for open-toed footwear when possible and avoid tight-fitting shoes that restrict airflow. [7] Using an antiperspirant on your feet can also help manage excessive sweating. [2]
How to Treat an Active Infection
If you already have symptoms, good foot hygiene is the first step. However, the condition rarely goes away on its own without medical treatment. [7] A doctor will typically prescribe topical antibiotics, such as creams containing erythromycin or clindamycin, or antiseptic cleansers like benzoyl peroxide to eliminate the bacteria. [2, 7] In more severe cases, oral antibiotics might be necessary. [4] With proper treatment, the infection, along with the pits and odour, usually clears up within a few weeks. [8]
Other Overlooked Monsoon Skin Woes
While Pitted Keratolysis is a prime example of an unspoken issue, other conditions also thrive in the damp. Intertrigo is an inflammatory rash that occurs in skin folds (like underarms and the groin) due to friction and moisture, which can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections. [9, 13, 17] Keeping these areas clean and dry, using absorbent powders, and wearing loose, breathable clothing is crucial for prevention. [3, 17] Similarly, Folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, can appear as small red bumps or pimples on the body due to sweat and moisture. [15, 18]
