This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma.
This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma.
This image displays a scaly rash typical of erythrasma, a bacterial skin infection common in body folds.
This image displays a scaly rash typical of erythrasma, a bacterial skin infection common in body folds.
Erythrasma is displayed as slowly enlarging brown or pink, rough areas in body folds.
Erythrasma is displayed as slowly enlarging brown or pink, rough areas in body folds.
This image shows the pink-red fluorescence of corynebacteria, an infection of the body folds known as erythrasma, shown under a
This image shows the pink-red fluorescence of corynebacteria, an infection of the body folds known as erythrasma, shown under a "woods lamp" in a dark room.
As displayed in this image, erythrasma often has a very sharp border.
As displayed in this image, erythrasma often has a very sharp border.

Graphic content

Please click to view.

 This image displays the pink-brown, circular, slightly scaling patches of erythrasma found in moist skin-fold regions.
This image displays the pink-brown, circular, slightly scaling patches of erythrasma found in moist skin-fold regions.

Images of Erythrasma (6)

This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma.
This image displays a scaly rash typical of erythrasma, a bacterial skin infection common in body folds.
Erythrasma is displayed as slowly enlarging brown or pink, rough areas in body folds.
This image shows the pink-red fluorescence of corynebacteria, an infection of the body folds known as erythrasma, shown under a
As displayed in this image, erythrasma often has a very sharp border.

Graphic content

 This image displays the pink-brown, circular, slightly scaling patches of erythrasma found in moist skin-fold regions.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a common chronic skin condition affecting the skin folds. The slowly enlarging patches of pink to brown dry skin are caused by an infection by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum.



Who's At Risk?

Erythrasma can affect people of any age or ethnicity, but it is more common among individuals who live in warm, humid climates. It is also more common in dark-skinned people. Although both sexes are equally affected, men tend to have the groin infection more often than women.

The following conditions may predispose people to erythrasma:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Excessive sweating
  • Poor hygiene
  • Immune deficiency

Signs & Symptoms

Erythrasma looks like a patch of pink to red, scaly skin. The border of erythrasma is well-defined, meaning there is a sharp border between the affected patch and the surrounding normal skin. Over time, the pink or red color fades to tan or brown.

Erythrasma is typically located in moist body folds such as:

  • Under the arms (axillae)
  • In the groin and inner thighs
  • Between the toes, especially between the 4th and 5th toes

Less commonly, erythrasma can be found in the buttock crevice or in the folds underneath the breasts. In certain individuals, especially in those with diabetes, the infection can become widespread and can involve the trunk, arms, and legs.

Erythrasma usually causes no symptoms, but some people report mild itching or burning, especially in the groin area.

Self-Care Guidelines

If you suspect that you have erythrasma, try:

  • Gently scrubbing the involved area with antibacterial soap
  • Keeping the involved area dry
  • Applying over-the-counter creams containing tolnaftate or miconazole

Treatments

Once the diagnosis of erythrasma is established, the doctor may try one of the following treatments:

  • Topical antibiotic lotions such as erythromycin or clindamycin
  • Whitfield’s ointment (a mixture of benzoic acid and salicylic acid)
  • Aluminum chloride solution to inhibit sweating and moisture
  • Oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin

Visit Urgency

If the involved skin does not improve with self-care measures, then you should make an appointment to see a health care provider.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1110, 1128. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.1102, 1848, 1876-1877. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Disease Groups: Skin Problems Related to Obesity

Last modified on October 10th, 2022 at 7:28 pm

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