Symptoms of Erythrasma
Symptoms of Erythrasma
What is Erythrasma?
The disease Erythrasma is caused by infection due to bacteria and is prevalent normally in the skin folds. The bacterium that causes this infection is corynebacterium. This bacterium resides in intertriginous areas where the skin grows. Adults, in particular people with diabetes, are mostly affected. The infection will result in pink patches of irregular shape which over a period of time will become brown scales. This infection can spread to the anal and torso areas in some people.
What causes Erythrasma?
Erythrasma is caused by the bacterium corynebacterium minutissimum and is an infection that is chronic. Normally it has a reddish-brown color and has a scaly patch and defined borders. The affected areas normally are the armpit, groin and other skin folds. This will cause a slight itching sensation. The frequency of occurrence of erythrasma is found to be higher in warm climates. Overweight people and people with diabetes are likely to be affected by this.
What are the Symptoms for Erythrasma?
Erythrasma appears as a large area of brown/pink dry skin. If it is exposed to long-wave UV radiation it will fluoresce to a coral-pink color; this is due to the porphyrins freed by the bacteria. This diagnosis can be easily confirmed by microscopy or culture. The erythrasma is mildly itchy and has lesions of reddish-brown color. This is mostly found in axilla, between the toes, groin, and in folds of the skin.
How to Treat Erythrasma
Many people confuse erythrasma with fungal infection; however, it is easy for doctors to diagnose erythrasma. This is for the simple reason that the infected skin contains the bacterium corynebacterium which, when exposed to ultraviolet light, becomes coral red.
The following treatments are commonly given for Erythrasma:
• Scrub the affected area using antibacterial soap.
• Treat the affected area using fusiden acid three times a day for 7 days.
• Alternately, treat with 500 mg erythromycin tablets four times a day for 7 to 10 days.
• Apply erythromycin gel on the area affected.
How to Prevent Erythrasma?
The following are suggested for preventing Erythrasma:
• Wear absorbent, clean clothing.
• Keep the skin dry.
• Maintain correct body weight and best hygiene.
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