Keratoma Plantare Sulcatum (Castellani)

Pitted keratolysis; physicians’ treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel

“…Associated with the causative microorganism are erythrasma and trichomycosis axillaris 4 . PK was first reported by the Italian bacteriologist Aldo Castellani in 1910 and initially titled keratoma plantare sulcatum 5 …”

“…Both humidity in footwear due to water and hyperhidrosis have a significant role in the etiology of PK. An earlier report from Dutch Guiana describes that local natives referred to PK as ‘watra‐najng’ meaning water‐eaten that refers to the relation with ‘humid circumstances’ 5 . Between 49 and 70% of male Marine volunteers in North Carolina, US, developed PK in the different stages of the study when wading in water for several hours each day and wearing wet boots at night for 5–6 days with or without protective silicone ointment 13 .…”

“…4 PK was first reported by the Italian bacteriologist Aldo Castellani in 1910 and initially titled keratoma plantare sulcatum. 5 PK is predominantly seen in male, young adults, usually bilateral at the pressure-bearing, hyperkeratotic areas of the foot, such as the ventral aspect of the toe, the ball of the foot and the heel. 3 Especially affected are those wearing protective and occlusive footwear required by working regulations.…”