There are possible side effects of taking antibiotics, which could include: Before starting any treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about side effects and discuss the current medications you take to avoid drug interactions. Keratolysis Exfoliativa is a fairly common skin condition that is characterized by localized peeling (exfoliation) of the outer layers of skin of the palms and soles. Keratolysis exfoliativa (KE) is a palmoplantar eruption of air-filled bullae on an erythematous base, which results in lamellar peeling with hallmark superficial collarettes of scale. When keratin breaks down, it impairs the skins strength and elasticity. Exfoliative Keratolysis Treatment Topical steroids are often given exfoliative keratolysis. It can also fortify the epidermal barrier that may prevent future exfoliative keratolysis outbreaks. Maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding overexposure to the sun. Pitted keratolysis occurs as a result of a bacterial infection that causes smelly and itchy feet. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Peeling skin can be a menace to treat in India. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the skin. Dry skin flakes blister and slough off, leaving behind . Pits can cluster together to form a sore (lesion) that looks like a crater. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home Skin Care What Is Exfoliative Keratolysis? It is also known as Focal Palmar Peeling and is typically observed in young adults, The cause of the condition is generally unknown, but it may be aggravated by contact with irritants, such as chemicals and solvents, and is more common in summers. Use this soak for a few minutes. Pitted keratolysis can affect anyone who has feet but its most common among men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Hausauer, A. K., & Cohen, D. E. (2015). Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Can my diet help in avoiding peeling skin? Bathwater PUVA in this scenario the patient soaks himself to a bath tub with water mixed with psoralen solution. Generally, the condition does not require any lab tests to be performed. If you have pitted keratolysis, that odor will still be present after you wash your feet and change your socks and shoes. When it comes to the blisters, the former is usually air filled while the latter tend to be fluid filled. It may not be possible to prevent Keratolysis Exfoliativa in many cases. Topical psoralen emollients such as gels or lotions are typically applied to the affected areas for 10 minutes before skin is exposed to UVA. To enhance improvement, add a few drops of anti-inflammatory essential oils to the hand bath. The peroxide solution should be no more than one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts warm water. Although rare, it can also affect the palm of your hand. This problem is more prevalent in younger age groups. It is possible that sweaty palms are to blame, as hyperhidrosis in the palms is more common. This can be done by applying the medical ointments like OTC moisturizer on the affected area and then avoiding any water or moisture contact with that affected region. Common symptoms that accompany skin peeling are rashes, itching, dryness and other irritants. Generally, skin peeling on fingers is a common symptom in Indians. Yes, sometimes skin peel offs may occur due to a deficit or an excess of a few vitamins. vol. Your healthcare provider will offer treatment to make the bacteria that cause pits in your feet go away, which will ease your fear. So, how long does exfoliative keratolysis last? Exfoliative keratolysis Often times, these creams also contain silicone and urea. Last modified on March 2021With inputs from Dr.Vedalatha Kakani, General Physician. Just another site Applying lactic acid hand cream to the skin is one of the more common exfoliative keratolysis treatments. Another cause of the skin peeling is sweating in your shoes. EK is a strange skin condition that is not eczema or psoriasis. There is also some suggestion that it is incited by low-grade physical or chemical damage to the stratum corneum of the volar skin, leading to a superficial separation of the stratum corneum. Please remove adblock to help us create the best medical content found on the Internet. It is also known as exfoliative keratolysis, dyshidrosis lamellosa sicca, and focal palmar peeling. This can ensure that exfoliative keratolysis will not be exacerbated by secondary infections. Persistent itching. 2020 Dec;34(12):e783-e785. In cases like this, it would be recommended to consult a physician for extensive treatment and care but their management can only be limited too as it is best to treat the condition on its early episodes. How often should I apply topical antibiotics to my skin? Picture 1: Fingers affected withExfoliative Keratolysis. Dermatologie, U. M. C. G., & Jonkman, M. F. (2013). Keratolysis Exfoliativa is a common skin condition in India that can be noticed around the palms and soles. As a result, the disorder is already difficult to treat. However, exfoliative keratolysis will recur several weeks after skin appears to return to normal. A diet rich in Vitamin B may aid in avoiding the condition in India. When the whole hand and foot peel off it gone for next six months. Some risk factors are more important than others. Some Observations on Keratolysis Exfoliativa. Youll be sure from this test whether this is due to an allergic problem or other underlying problems which should be determined. How long does Exfoliative Keratolysis last? This process also involves the application of psoralensplant compounds that include trisoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, and methoxsalen. Superficial Cutaneous Infections and Pyodermas. Dr. Heidi Fowler answered. In some cases, the following steps may be considered: The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information: https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/, American Academy of Dermatology930 E. Woodfield Road Schaumburg, IL 60173Phone: (866) 503-SKIN (7546)Fax: (847) 240-1859Website: http://www.aad.org, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/keratolysis-exfoliativa/(accessed on 05/20/2021), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratolysis_exfoliativa (accessed on 05/20/2021). If you work in an environment where youre on your feet all day, choose shoes with good ventilation to improve how much air reaches your feet. The infection is characterised by craterlike pits on the surface of the feet and toes. Most patients deny any itching, but may rarely complain of slight tenderness. For example, avoiding irritants such as soap, detergents and solvents can really prevent the condition from recurring again. keratolysis exfoliativa has no known causes in Indians but the condition is found in young adults who are active throughout the day. KE may also resemble acral peeling skin syndrome and localized epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Thus, the skin peels off and sometimes cause pain too. arrow-right-small-blue No genetic abnormality has been detected to date (2018). No, pitted keratolysis isnt contagious and cant spread from person to person. Author: DrAmanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1999. Staph infections 4. Fusidic acid. For this scenario, only the affected hands or feet are soaked in methoxsalen solution for half an hour before it is being exposed to UVA rays. Keratolysis exfoliativa MedGen UID: 575367 Concept ID: C0343064 Congenital Abnormality; Disease or Syndrome Recent clinical studies Etiology Clinical evaluation of atopic hand-foot dermatitis. It is distinct from other diseases of volar skin, such as dyshidrosis, contact dermatitis, tinea, epidermolysis bullosa, and acral skin peeling. She is passionate about digital marketing and loves to work with fashion-related niches like nails, hairstyles etc. It is also recommended to keep the hands clean to keep the bacteria away from getting inside the cracks. Medication side effects For this procedure, the patient is contained in a cabinet consisting 24 UVA fluorescent bulbs. However, there are situations that local approach is utilized. The latter isnt seasonal as well and happens all year round and is also common for people who have skin asthma. When the condition affects the lower body, it causes foot skin peeling. Careers. Athletes foot is a contagious fungal infection that causes an itchy rash on your feet. Provides a good description of the clinical features of recurrent focal palmar peeling and how to differentiate it from other conditions. Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic preference observed, A positive family history of the condition is observed sometimes, Keratolysis Exfoliativa is more common during the warm summers. 1. Another medical approach to treat the disorder is photochemotherapy (PUVA). One of the more common forms of treatment for exfoliative keratolysis is the application of a lactic acid-infused hand cream. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. A deficiency of Niacin, which is one of the B Vitamins, causes the peeling of skin around the hands and legs. 2.ICD-10-CM classification code L08.89 5. Proper hand hygiene: Maintain hygiene with frequent cutting of your toenails and fingernails. Skin shedding (keratolysis exfoliativa congenita): report of a case. Plant-based applications: Try making a natural homemade exfoliative keratolysis cream with raw honey, shea butter, and coconut oil. Intravenous steroids may be given in severe cases, but steroids usage has its own side effects, when used for a long time. It could take between two to three days before you start to feel better. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. The .gov means its official. Keratolysis exfoliativa does not improve with topical steroids, unlike hand dermatitis. Almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts etc. Fans and air conditioning equipments are readily available to neutralize the heating process as lengthened periods of treatment tend to get very hot sometimes. Pompholyx or dyshidrotic eczema (differentiated by its chronic nature, associated pruritus, fissures, and lichenification seen on examination), 2. Avoiding drying agents, allergens, and irritants by wearing gloves. If you suffer from this condition, you will see red plaques on the skin accompanied by skin peeling on feet and other affected areas. Aloe vera juice is a completely natural moisturizer which can run the extra mile for your skin. Changing your shoes and socks when they get wet. Eczema is also a quite painful condition, whereas exfoliative keratolysis doesnt hurt as much. This should include protecting the hands from any physical or chemical irritants and encouraging the patient to wear gloves when possible. However, the condition is recurrent sometime after the skin returns to normal. Keratolytic creams containing urea, lactic acid, ammonium lactate or salicyclic acid. However, they are not generally itchy. The condition causes a foul odor and itchiness. Others may associate it with hyperhidrosis. Examples of these include urea 20% or 40% cream, ammonium lactate 12% cream, salicyclic acid 6% cream, and lactic acid 12% cream. Your socks can play a role in how much air gets to your feet too. Some believe that it is more frequently associated with underlying atopic dermatitis, while others report an association with primary hyperhidrosis. Visit your healthcare provider if you experience anxiety related to your phobia, as well as symptoms of pitted keratolysis. But, people spend a whole bunch of years without knowing that they are having this disease. Acitretin has previously been used to treat diseases of abnormal corneocyte desquamation, for example Netherton's disease. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Oatmeal bath this gains improvement when practiced daily, Taking daily Vitamin supplements as weakened immune system predisposes someone to the disorder, Mint application on affected area; mint contains healing properties and has moisturizing effects as well, Pineapple juice applied over to damaged skin, Eating protein rich foods such as meat, liver, carrots as they aid in cell repair, Drinking apple cider vinegar pills and olive extracts, Frequent cutting of fingernails and toenails to maintain hygiene, Avoidance of eating egg as it is a known allergen as well as crustaceans or seafoods. The number of cases for the condition of skin peeling off the body rises during the summer months and is usually seen in patients who have sweaty palms. If the skins of the palms and the soles start to peel off, thats the first sign of exfoliative keratolysis. After a long day on your feet, you might notice a foul odor coming from your feet, shoes and socks. Stevens-Johnson syndrome Recurrent focal palmar peeling. It is a result when blisters concentrated on the palm peel off and split making it look like it is shredding. British Journal of Dermatology, 167(5), 1076-1084. While Indian home remedies may give fruitful results, some cases are too severe to be treated with these remedies. What Is Exfoliative Keratolysis? MeSH Keratolysis exfoliativa is a innocuous but bothersome skin status in which the slim epidermis of the skin flakes, blisters and peels off. Dis., 37, 223. Any one of these can be applied up to twice daily. 143-4. But, treatment is best during the early episodes. Background: Keratolysis exfoliativa (KE), also known as dyshidrosis lamellosa sicca, is a palmoplantar dermatosis characterized by air-filled blisters and collarette desquamation. However, after a few months or sometimes even after a few weeks the condition recurs again. Youve viewed {{metering-count}} of {{metering-total}} articles this month. Around half of the individuals present the condition in summer months, Individuals with sweaty palms have a higher risk, Exposure to saltwater (especially seawater), Air-filled blister formation on the finger or palm of the hand. The procedure runs from a minimum of one minute to a maximum of 30 minutes depending on the patients tolerance. This further hardens and numbs the skin. In turn, the loss of strength causes the skin to exfoliate. Keratolysis Exfoliativa isnt a condition that is of grave concern in India. Most of the time, when a patient walks in for help, the disease has already worsened and has repeatedly recurred. Want to talk to an expert regarding your diet? Take Care Of Your Nails At Home: Easy Pro Guide. It is also known as Focal Palmar Peeling and is typically observed in young adults official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Although treatments are available, it is more of palliative. PMC The skin thickens, hardens into a callus, dries out, and peels off. Keratolysis exfoliativa (dyshidrosis lamellosa sicca): a distinct peeling entity. Talk to a doctor now . Who is at Risk for Developing this Disease? Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Another is to be extra careful during outbreaks particularly summer season. Keratolysis exfoliativa generally presents in young active adults. SANGSTER, A. No matter how small and trivial an organ is, we should take good care of that. We present a 55-year-old woman with extensive disease on the hands and feet, who failed to respond to standard topical therapy but showed a marked dose-response improvement with the use of oral acitretin. Neri I, Patrizi A, Gabrielli L, Virdi A, Veronesi G, Corsini I, Lazzarotto T, Lanari M, Misciali C, Guglielmo A. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Using quality lotions and moisturizers that can prevent infection. There is no definitive cure for exfoliative keratolysis. Getting oneself rehydrated is a good condition as well as well hydrated cells arent easily affected by extremely hot weather conditions. These lesions burst later to reveal a new layer of skin. There can be multiple layers of peeling skin (lamellae). Exfoliative keratolysis mainly attacks and is common during the summer months. On the other hand, a skin that is prone to peel off can make your hands look ugly and dirty. A bacterial infection causes pitted keratolysis. When the weather is so hot, it can cause skin peeling that may eventually lead to lamellar dyshidrosis and to prevent that it is strongly advised to apply lotion in the sensitive prone areas such as the fingers and the feet. Although there has not been any studies to confirm it, it is very rampant around that time of the year. vol. 10 Most Common Nail Diseases And Disorders. It is important to explain the natural history of keratolysis exfoliativa to the patient before initiating any treatment. The patient should be aware of the conditions benign nature and understand that typically, it will improve over time without any treatment. It tends to show up on thumbs, hands or the soles of the feet. Normal skin gradually develops as the blisters split and new skin forms. These hollow spaces are actually the peeked areas. Educating the patient on the benign nature of this condition is imperative, as often the patient merely wants a diagnosis and does not desire any further treatment. The epidermis is made up of several layers of keratin, a type of protein which helps the skin to remain flexible, strong and waterproof. How do I avoid peeling skin? 37. Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review. 2012 Nov;167(5):1076-84. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11175.x. Patients should be aware that this treatment is purely anecdotal and data to support its benefit is lacking. government site. Your healthcare provider will diagnose pitted keratolysis after reviewing your complete medical history and performing a physical exam to learn more about your symptoms. These peeled areas lack a normal barrier function and may become dry and cracked. From now on, be watchful towards your health and try these remedies if you ever have exfoliative keratolysis. When the blisters present around the palms burst, they cause circular marks leaving cracked skin on fingertips.