Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
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
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:
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |