General Information About Erythrasma
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a superficial skin infection caused by a specific bacterium that settles in areas of the skin that rub together, remain sweaty, and are enclosed.
It frequently occurs in the body's folds: the groin area, armpits, under the breasts, abdominal folds in obese patients, and between the toes.
Although its appearance is very similar to a fungus, erythrasma is a bacterial disease, not a fungal one. It does not respond to antifungal creams. The lesions have smooth edges, start off pinkish, turn brown over time, and have a slightly scaly structure.
They are brownish patches in the skin folds that grow slowly, and are generally painless and itch-free (or have very mild itching).
A dermatologist shines a Wood's Lamp (ultraviolet light) on the lesion in a dark room. If the patch emits a coral-red or bright pink fluorescent color, the diagnosis of erythrasma is confirmed.
Because it is a bacterial infection, local antibiotic creams such as erythromycin or clindamycin are used. To prevent the recurrence of the disease, it is very important to keep those areas clean, well-ventilated, and dry (e.g., by using powder).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
