Home :: Erythrasma

Erythrasma - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment of Erythrasma

What is Erythrasma ?

Erythrasma is a bacterial infection usually seen in skin folds. This is a bacterial infection of the skin caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. This bacteria normally resides in the skin growing in the intertriginous areas. Erythrasma affects mostly adults, especially those with diabetes; it is most common in the tropics. The infection can produce irregularly shaped pink patches that may later turn into fine brown scales. In some people, the infection spreads to the torso and anal area.

Causes of Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a very specific chronic skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum . The typical appearance is a reddish-brown slightly scaly patch with sharp borders. The lesions occur in moist areas such as the groin, axilla (armpit), and skin folds, and may itch slightly.

The incidence of erythrasma is higher in warm climates. It is most prevalent among individuals who are overweight or have diabetes .

Symptoms of Erythrasma

Erythrasma presents as a slowly enlarging area of pink or brown dry skin. Exposure to longwave ultraviolet radiation (such as with a black light or Wood's light) causes the erythrasma to fluoresce a coral-pink colour due to porphyrins released by the bacteria. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a swab or scraping for microscopy and culture. The symptoms of erythrasma are mildly itchy , reddish-brown lesions most often found in the axilla, groin, between the toes, and in skin folds. the lesions may be slightly scaly.

Treatment of Erythrasma

Although erythrasma may be confused with a fungal infection, doctors can easily diagnose erythrasma because skin infected with Corynebacterium glows coral red under an ultraviolet light. Some the common treatment of Erythrasma are :-

• Gently scrubbing the lesions with antibacterial soap may clear the Erythrasma.
• Treatment is with topical fusiden acid three times daily for 7 days, or with oral erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 7-10 days.
• Topical erythromycin gel is very effective as well in treating Erythrasma.

Prevention of Erythrasma

Here are some prevention tips for Erythrasma :-

• Wearing clean absorbent clothing will prevent Erythrasma.
• Keeping the skin dry.
• Maintaining healthy body weight and good hygiene.

 Back to skin disorder section