Erythrasma

Erythrasma is defined as the infection of the top layers of the skin. It is mainly caused by the bacterium corynebacterium minutissimum.

As we known, it is caused by bacteria known as Corynebacterium minutissimum; hence it is often confused with other skin infections. The rash of erythrisma appears as a slowly enlarging are of pink or brown dry skin that has a fine scaly and wrinkled surface.

Erythrasma is commonly seen in adult people. It may also affect people suffering from diabetes. This disease is most common in the tropics. Erythrasma is usually seen in the areas where skin touches skin, such as under the breasts and in the armpits, webs of the toes, and genital area.

It is seen particularly in men where the thigh touches the scrotum.

Signs and symptoms of erythrasma

Signs and symptoms of Erythrasma generally varies on an individual basis for each patient. In case of Erythrasma, skin infection may occur between the toes. It may also occur in skin fold. Infection is commonly seen between buttocks, in groin area, under breasts, etc.

But these signs and symptoms are generally gathered from various sources and may not be fully accurate. Only the doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms of any signs or symptoms and whether they are truly Erythrasma symptoms.

The erythrasma infection can produce irregularly shaped pink patches that may later turn into fine brown scales. In some people, the infection spreads to the torso and area.

Although, erythrasma may be confused with a fungal infection, but doctor can easily diagnose erythrasma because skin infected with Corynebacterium glows coral red under and ultraviolet light.

The incidence of erythrasma is higher in warm climates. It is most prevalent among individuals who are overweight or are suffering from diabetes. The typical appearance of erythrasma is a reddish-brown slightly scaly patch with sharp border.

The lesions commonly occur in moist areas and it occurs usually in humid environments. Usually this disease does not cause any symptoms. But sometimes it can feel very itchy and uncomfortable. Adults are most often affected by Erythrasma.

First of all, the person should avoid to be overweight. This helps to reduce the chances of developing Erythrasma. Moreover, once the infection has been treated, then the person should use antibacterial soap in order to prevent the recurrence of disease.

Because the chances of recurrence of Erythrasma are too much. An antibiotic given by mouth, that is an oral antibiotic is used to treat Erythrasma. The commonly used antibiotics are like erythromycin.

Tetracycline is also known to eliminate the infection effectively. Topical applications of antibiotics are also helpful in certain cases. Topical drugs which are commonly used for the treatment of Erythrasma are like clindamycin and miconazole cream. They also work efficiently.

If Erythrasma recures then it necessitates second treatment. It commonly recures in near about six to twelve months. Antibacterial soaps are of uttermost help to prevent recurrence. The commonly used soaps are like Chlorhexidine, which is known to be a very good antiseptic.