Erythrasma is a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. It attacks on the moist folds of the skin like that of armpit, knees and groin. In medical terms for the skin folds is called intertriginous skin. The infection begins in the form small reddish brown spots on these areas which would be itchy. These patches will have a tendency to spread to other parts of the body.
Though erythrasma is ugly looking it can be treated easily and is nothing harmful.
Symptoms :
Some of the prominent signs of erythrasma skin infection are itchy feeling under the arms and on the inner thighs or in the groin. The skin changes its normal color and becomes dark brown or red. Further it is marked by the development of scaly red patches or dark spots with defined borders. It may develop between the toes also and is more particular in the area between fourth and fifth toe.
If left untreated, the itchy feeling will change into burning sensation in the affected area. For severe case of infection, some people may have fever, Headache and fatigue. For some cases, the infection develops on the crevice of the buttocks folds and even under the breasts. This infection will spread widely on diabetic patients moving into the legs, arms and some parts of trunk also.
In many cases, the symptoms are very mild and there are few people without any symptoms excepting itchy feeling in the groin.
Causes :
The bacterium by name Coryne-bacterium minutissimum causes erythrasma. The bacterium infects mostly on the adults but in few cases children may also get infected. Men have more chance to get erythrasma infection than women. Again the site of infection is restricted to the skin folds region where part of the skin comes in direct contact with skin like that of armpits and groin. The infection is largely seen in dark complexioned people.
Who are at risk?
Obese people, individuals with diabetes and those who are poor in maintaining sanitary hygiene are under the risk of getting erythrasma. People who sweat a lot and those affected with autoimmune disorders have increased chance of bacterial infection.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor can easily identify the bacterial infection by merely looking at the symptoms of dark spots on the folds. In rare cases, he may take out some sample of reddish scales or patches and confirm the bacterial infection on the lab test.
Treatment :
Anti bacterial soap is to be used for getting temporary relief from itchy and burning sensation. Very often rashes will start withering once you start using this medicated soap. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe oral medications of antibiotics like erythromycin and some topical lotions that contain clindamycin.
For getting relief from Excessive Sweating, your doctor may give you ammonium chloride solution for topical application. Sometimes ointment that contains salicylic acid or benzoic acid is given for killing bacteria. The main purpose of giving this medicine is to control the bacterial growth and prevent any complications.
In severe form of erythrasma, photodynamic therapy is done using powerful red light for removing the rashes completely.
Pictures of Erythrasma :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Erythrasma
Prevention :
You need to maintain proper hygiene. Do not share towels and restrict the use of public toilets. Avoid going out in hot sun and use antibacterial soap in case you have rashes on the skin. Even after the disappearance of rash, you can continue to use antifungal soap so that infection may not recur.
Pat your skin dry using a soft towel that absorbs excess of moisture. Eat healthy foods and maintain your weight by doing regular exercises. You can apply skin creams that contain miconazole for treating mild rashes.
