$Unique_ID{BRK01394}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What is "Erythrasma"?}
$Subject{skin rash erythrasma}
$Volume{A-20, L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Erythrasma"?


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QUESTION:  I have been trying to clear up a peculiar skin rash for some time.
After one doctor diagnosed it as a fungal rash I took a good deal of medicine
that didn't work.  My new doctor claims it isn't a fungus at all but a
different condition called "erythrasma" (I made him write it down so I am sure
the spelling is right).  Can you explain condition to me and what special
treatment may be necessary to cure it?

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ANSWER:  Good for you.  Getting the name of your condition properly spelled is
a great first step towards understanding what it is and what must be done.
Erythrasma is a superficial skin infection caused be a bacteria
(Corynebacterium minutissimum) which is seen most commonly in adults.  It
looks a lot like a fungal infection and forms irregular pink patches which
often turn brown with a fine scale along the thighs, trunk, axilla or groin.
It can also cause a scaly rash between the toes that looks like athlete's
foot.  It will probably clear up quite quickly with 2 weeks of antibiotic
therapy using either oral erythromycin or tetracycline.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
