Erythrasma

Overview:

Erythrasma is a superficial infection of the skin of bacterial origin which usually involves the skin folds such as groin and axilla.

Etiology:

Corynebacterium minutissimum

Location:

Skin Folds (groin, axilla, webspace, rarely on trunk)

Contributing Factors:

Erythrasma is more common in humid climates, patients with excessive sweating, or patients with comorbidities including diabetes.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis based on the classic “coral red” fluorescence with Woods Lamp (type of blue light).

Treatment:

Topical Clindamycin Solution, Topical benzoyl peroxide wash, rarely oral antibiotics

Erythrasma demonstrating “coral red” fluorescence with woods lamp. Photo via dermnetnz.org.

Erythrasma demonstrating “coral red” fluorescence with woods lamp. Photo via dermnetnz.org.

Coral red, photo via pixabay

Coral red, photo via pixabay

Photo via dermnetnz.org.

Photo via dermnetnz.org.