Erythrasma

Erythrasma is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum . It usually presents as an orange-brown flexural rash, and is often seen in the axillae or toe web spaces. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a fungal infection. The rash shows a dramatic coral pink fluorescence under Wood's (ultraviolet) light.

A Corynebacterium infection, morphologically looking like a fungus disease, is found all over the world.

Features of Erythrasma

The clinical features are:

• well-demarcated areas of varying sizes,
• brownish-red color and
• furturaceous scaling.

Lesions occur mostly in the axillae and groins. The centre is not pigmented and the margin not inflamed. Itching is minimal.

Treatment of Erythrasma

Treatment is with topical fusiden acid (or topically clotrimazole lotion) three times daily for 7 days, or with oral erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 7-10 days.

More Skin Infections

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