History:

Pitted keratolysis (PK), also known as keratolysis plantare sulcatum, is characterized by pits and collarettes from bacterial infection. PK is a superficial infection, confined to the stratum corneum.  Micrococcus sedentarius, a Gram-positive Staphylococcus-related bacterium, Dermatophilus congolensis, a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic Actinomyces species, and several Corynebacterium species have all been identified as causative agents of PK. These bacteria make proteinases that destroy the stratum corneum and open small tunnels and pits in the skin.