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Erythrasma Causes and Risks:
Erythrasma is a very specific chronic skin infection caused by Corynebacterium
minutissimum. It occurs mostly during adolescence an is most prevalent among heavier individuals. The typical appearance is a reddish-brown slightly scaly patch with sharp borders. The lesions occur in moist areas such as the groin, axilla and skin folds. The lesions may itch slightly. The incidence of erythrasma is higher in warm climates.
Prevention:
These measures may reduce the risk of acquiring
erythrasma: - good hygiene
- keeping the skin dry
- wearing clean absorbent clothing
Symptoms:
- adolescence (contributing factor)
- obesity (contributing factor)
- reddish-brown slightly scaly lesions most often found in the axilla, groin, and skin folds
- mildly itchy lesions
Signs and Tests:
- Wood's lamp (when examined under this ultraviolet light, the lesions glow a "coral red" color)
- culture of scrapings from the lesion
Treatment:
The infection is treated with antibiotics (usually erythromycin or azithromycin). Gently scrubbing the lesions with antibacterial soap may also be recommended.
Prognosis:
Complete recovery is expected following treatment.
Complications:
- discomfort
- spread of the infection (rare)
- scarring (rare)
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child exhibit a collection of some of the above described symptoms.
Erythrasma is a bacterial infection on the skin surface. It is characterized by reddish-brown scaly patches that appear in moist body areas such as the axilla (armpit) or groin. It occurs most frequently during adolescence and in heavier individuals.
Erythrasma on the groin: This superficial skin infection is characterized by reddish-brown scaly patches appearing in moist areas of the body, such as the axilla (armpit) or groin. It occurs most frequently during adolescence and in heavier individuals.
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