MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Erythrasma

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Erythrasma

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Skin layers

Definition Return to top

Erythrasma is a chronic bacterial infection usually seen in skin folds.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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 and/or have diabetes.

Symptoms Return to top

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.

Signs and tests Return to top

Wood's lamp test (when examined under this ultraviolet light, the lesions glow a coral-red color)
Culture of scrapings from the lesion

Treatment Return to top

Gently scrubbing the lesions with antibacterial soap may clear the disease. Topical erythromycin gel is very effective as well. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral erythromycin.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Complete recovery is expected following treatment.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child exhibit the scaly brown patches of erythrasma.

Prevention Return to top

These measures may reduce the risk of acquiring erythrasma:

Maintaining good hygiene
Keeping the skin dry
Wearing clean absorbent clothing
Avoiding excessive heat or moisture
Maintaining healthy body weight

Update Date: 1/11/2003

Updated by: Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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