Erythrasma

en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Erythrasma

Erythrasma

Classification and external resources

Specialty dermatology

ICD-10 L08.1

ICD-9-CM 039.0

DiseasesDB 29630

MedlinePlus 001470

eMedicine derm/140

MeSH D004894

Erythrasma is a skin disease that causes brown, scaly skin patches. It is caused by the Gram-positive
bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. It is prevalent among diabetics and the obese, and in warm climates;
it is worsened by wearing occlusive clothing.

Signs and symptoms

The patches of erythrasma are initially pink, but progress quickly to become brown and scaly (as skin starts to
shed), which are classically sharply demarcated. Erythrasmic patches are typically found in intertriginous areas
(skin fold areas—e.g. armpit, groin, under breast). The slightly webbed spaces between toes (or other body
region skin folds) can be involved, making it difficult to distinguish from various Tinea. The patient is commonly
otherwise asymptomatic.

Cause
It is caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made on the clinical picture alone. However, a simple side-room investigation with a
Wood's lamp is additionally useful in diagnosing erythrasma. [1] The ultraviolet light of a Wood's lamp causes
the organism to fluoresce a characteristic coral red color, differentiating it from other skin conditions such as
tinea versicolor, which may fluoresce a copper-orange color. [2]

Treatment
Erythrasma is treated with topical fusidic acid, or systemic macrolides (erythromycin or azithromycin).

See also
List of cutaneous conditions

References

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Further reading
eMedicine
Hamann K, Thorn P (1991). "Systemic or local treatment of erythrasma? A comparison between
erythromycin tablets and Fucidin cream in general practice". Scand J Prim Health Care. 9 (1): 35–9.
PMID 2041927. doi:10.3109/02813439109026579.

Categories:

Bacterium-related cutaneous conditions

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