Erythrasma: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Erythrasma | |||
| image = [[File:Erythrasma.jpg|alt=Erythrasma rash]] | |||
| caption = Erythrasma rash on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Rash]], reddish-brown patches | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Corynebacterium minutissimum]] | |||
| risks = [[Diabetes mellitus]], [[obesity]], [[hyperhidrosis]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Wood's lamp]] examination, [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Tinea corporis]], [[intertrigo]], [[inverse psoriasis]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Topical antibiotics]], [[oral antibiotics]] | |||
| medication = [[Erythromycin]], [[clindamycin]] | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
}} | |||
'''Erythrasma''' is a type of skin infection caused by the bacterium ''Corynebacterium minutissimum''. This condition is characterized by irregularly shaped pink patches that darken and scale over time. Erythrasma is more common in warm climates and in individuals with diabetes. | '''Erythrasma''' is a type of skin infection caused by the bacterium ''Corynebacterium minutissimum''. This condition is characterized by irregularly shaped pink patches that darken and scale over time. Erythrasma is more common in warm climates and in individuals with diabetes. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Erythrasma is caused by the bacterium ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]''. This bacterium is part of the normal skin flora, especially in intertriginous areas. The condition is triggered when the bacterium proliferates in warm, moist environments. | Erythrasma is caused by the bacterium ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]''. This bacterium is part of the normal skin flora, especially in intertriginous areas. The condition is triggered when the bacterium proliferates in warm, moist environments. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of erythrasma is the presence of irregularly shaped patches on the skin. These patches are initially pink, but darken to a brown color over time. The patches may also scale and have well-defined borders. The most common areas affected are the armpits, groin, and skin folds. | The primary symptom of erythrasma is the presence of irregularly shaped patches on the skin. These patches are initially pink, but darken to a brown color over time. The patches may also scale and have well-defined borders. The most common areas affected are the armpits, groin, and skin folds. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Erythrasma is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also use a Wood's lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, to examine the skin. The patches of erythrasma will fluoresce a coral-red color under the lamp. | Erythrasma is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also use a Wood's lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, to examine the skin. The patches of erythrasma will fluoresce a coral-red color under the lamp. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for erythrasma typically involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics. Topical [[erythromycin]] or [[clindamycin]] are commonly used. In severe cases, oral antibiotics such as [[erythromycin]] or [[tetracycline]] may be prescribed. | The treatment for erythrasma typically involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics. Topical [[erythromycin]] or [[clindamycin]] are commonly used. In severe cases, oral antibiotics such as [[erythromycin]] or [[tetracycline]] may be prescribed. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of erythrasma primarily involves maintaining good hygiene and keeping the skin dry. It is also important to manage underlying conditions such as diabetes that can increase the risk of developing erythrasma. | Prevention of erythrasma primarily involves maintaining good hygiene and keeping the skin dry. It is also important to manage underlying conditions such as diabetes that can increase the risk of developing erythrasma. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
* [[Skin infection]] | * [[Skin infection]] | ||
* [[Corynebacterium]] | * [[Corynebacterium]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin infections]] | [[Category:Skin infections]] | ||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | [[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:54, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Erythrasma | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Rash, reddish-brown patches |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Corynebacterium minutissimum |
| Risks | Diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperhidrosis |
| Diagnosis | Wood's lamp examination, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Tinea corporis, intertrigo, inverse psoriasis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics |
| Medication | Erythromycin, clindamycin |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | N/A |
Erythrasma is a type of skin infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. This condition is characterized by irregularly shaped pink patches that darken and scale over time. Erythrasma is more common in warm climates and in individuals with diabetes.
Causes[edit]
Erythrasma is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. This bacterium is part of the normal skin flora, especially in intertriginous areas. The condition is triggered when the bacterium proliferates in warm, moist environments.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of erythrasma is the presence of irregularly shaped patches on the skin. These patches are initially pink, but darken to a brown color over time. The patches may also scale and have well-defined borders. The most common areas affected are the armpits, groin, and skin folds.
Diagnosis[edit]
Erythrasma is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also use a Wood's lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, to examine the skin. The patches of erythrasma will fluoresce a coral-red color under the lamp.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for erythrasma typically involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics. Topical erythromycin or clindamycin are commonly used. In severe cases, oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline may be prescribed.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of erythrasma primarily involves maintaining good hygiene and keeping the skin dry. It is also important to manage underlying conditions such as diabetes that can increase the risk of developing erythrasma.



