Pitted Keratolysis Medication

  • Author: Joseph C English III, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 1, 2010
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy for pitted keratolysis are to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

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Clindamycin topical (Cleocin)

 

Lincosamide for treatment of serious skin and soft tissue staphylococcal infections. Also effective against aerobic and anaerobic streptococci (except enterococci). Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest. Many clinicians find topical antibiotics to be effective, even without other measures. They are easy to use and well accepted by patients. Either solution or gel formulations may be used.

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Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)

 

Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest. For treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.

In children, age, weight, and severity of infection determine proper dosage. When bid dosing is desired, half-total daily dose may be taken q12h. For more severe infections, double the dose.

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Mupirocin (Bactroban)

 

Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting RNA and protein synthesis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Joseph C English III, MD  Clinical Vice-Chairman for Quality and Innovation, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh

Joseph C English III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James W Patterson, MD  Professor of Pathology and Dermatology, Director of Dermatopathology, University of Virginia Medical Center

James W Patterson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Society of Dermatopathology, Royal Society of Medicine, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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A large plaque-like lesion of Pitted keratolysis on the large toe.
A case of inflammatory pitted keratolysis
Pitted keratolysis with hyperkeratosis on the heel.
Classic pits of pitted keratolysis on the plantar aspect of the phalanges.
Pitted keratolysis forming sulci on the heel.
Histopathology reveals a crater limited to the thick stratum corneum of the epidermis.
 
 
 
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