A Usually Harmless Bacterial Infection Affecting Skin Folds
Erythrasmais a superficial skininfectioncaused by a bacteria calledCorynebacterium minutissimum.
The infection causes a discolored patch, mainly in skin folds such as the armpits or groin.
The treatment may involve improved hygiene and topical or oral antibiotics if the condition is severe.
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This article describes the symptoms, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of erythrasma.
It also offers tips on how to avoid this generally harmless skin infection.
What Does Erythrasma Look Like?
Erythrasma mainly occurs in so-calledintertriginousareas of the body where two skin areas touch or rub together.
These include thearmpits, groin, navel, under the breasts, and between the toes.
This is where moisture can become trapped, creating the ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Generalized erythrasma is more widespread and will often move beyond intertriginous areas to the trunk and torso.
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How Do You Get Erythrasma?
Erythrasma is caused specifically byC.
minutissimum.This is a relatively harmless bacteria found on the skin that theimmune systemis usually able to control.
How Common Is Erythrasma?
How Can You Tell if You Have Erythrasma?
Erythrasma can often be diagnosed by appearance alone.
Under the ultraviolet light, the patch will turn a fluorescent coral-pink color.
How Do You Get Rid of Erythrasma?
Erythrasma may be treated with topical or oral antibiotics.
These medications are typically applied twice daily for one to two weeks.
Side effects include rash, redness, drying, itching, and nausea.
Serious infections may requireoral antibioticslike clarithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol.
Side effects include rash, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
This is especially true if you work outdoors.
The infection is brought on by a relatively harmless bacteria known asCorynebacterium minutissimum.
People who live in hot, humid climates, have obesity, or are immunosuppressed are at greatest risk.
Erythrasma can usually be cleared with improved hygiene.
Severe cases may require topical or oral antibiotics.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythrasma.
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2016;15(3):367-382. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1133584
DermNetNZ.Erythrasma.
