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Erythrasma - Causes, Symptoms & 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 & anal area.

reason 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), & skin folds, & 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) reason the erythrasma to fluoresce a coral-pink color due to porphyrins released by the bacteria. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a swab or scraping for microscopy & culture. The symptoms of erythrasma are mildly itchy , reddish-brown lesions most often found in the axilla, groin, between the toes, & 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.

prohibition of Erythrasma

Here are some prohibition Tips for Erythrasma :-

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

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