Pitted keratolysis: successful management with mupirocin 2% ointment monotherapy

Dermatol Online J. 2015 Aug 15;21(8):13030/qt6155v9wk.

Abstract

Background: Pitted keratolysis is a benign dermatosis that occurs on plantar skin.

Purpose: We describe a man with pitted keratolysis that was successfully treated with mupirocin 2% ointment monotherapy.

Methods and materials: We reviewed PubMed for the following terms: mupirocin, ointment, pitted keratolysis, treatment. We also reviewed papers containing these terms and their references.

Results: Complete resolution of pitted keratolysis occurred following monotherapy with twice daily application of mupirocin 2% ointment for a duration of three weeks. There was no recurrence at a follow-up visit eight weeks later.

Conclusions: Several topical and oral treatments are available to successfully manage pitted keratolysis. Our patient confirms previous reports of pitted keratolysis resolving with mupirocin 2% ointment treatment. Monotherapy with mupirocin 2% ointment should be considered as a primary treatment alternative for pitted keratolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Emollients
  • Foot Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Foot Dermatoses / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mupirocin / administration & dosage
  • Mupirocin / therapeutic use*
  • Ointments
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Emollients
  • Ointments
  • Mupirocin