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Erythrasma

Erythrasma (Greek: “red spot”) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum affecting the intertriginous areas of the toes, groins, and axillae, which mimics epidermal dermatophyte infections.

Causes of Erythrasma

The bacteria responsible for erythrasma are Corynebacterium minutissimum. This may coexist with a dermatophyte or with Candida albicans. It can infect anyone, but is particularly prevalent in those living in a warm climate or who have diabetes.

Symptoms of Erythrasma

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.

Diagnosis

Clinical findings, absence of fungi on direct microscopy, positive wood’s lamp examination.

Treatment

Prevention Wash with benzoyl peroxide (bar or wash). Wear less occlusive clothing. Use powder such as Zeasorb AF powder.

Topical Therapy Benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) gel daily after showering for 7 days. Topical erythromycin solution bid for 7 days. Topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or econazole.

Systemic Antibiotic Therapy Erythromycin or tetracycline, 250 mg qid for 14 days.

Prevention
  • Keeping the skin dry
  • Maintaining healthy body weight
  • Maintaining good hygiene

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27197103
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-200262080-00002
  3. https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erythrasma/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4996308/
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