Erythrasma Flashcards
What is erythrasma?
A superficial bacterial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, presenting as well-defined pink or brown patches with mild scaling.
Who is more commonly affected by erythrasma?
Erythrasma affects both males and females but is more common in the groin of males and between the toes of females.
What bacteria cause erythrasma?
Corynebacterium minutissimum, a gram-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic or facultative bacillus.
How does erythrasma typically present?
Erythrasma presents as well-defined pink or brown patches with fine scaling and superficial fissures, often accompanied by mild itching.
What are the common sites affected by erythrasma?
Armpits, groin, and between the toes. It can also affect the intergluteal fold, submammary, and periumbilical skin.
How is erythrasma classified based on location?
Interdigital: Between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes.
Intertriginous: In armpits, groin, under breasts, and umbilicus.
Generalized/Disciform: On the trunk.
What condition is often associated with widespread erythrasma?
Widespread infections are most often associated with diabetes mellitus.
What is the primary method used to diagnose erythrasma?
Wood lamp skin examination, where long wavelength ultraviolet radiation causes erythrasma to fluoresce a coral-pink color due to coproporphyrin III released by the bacteria.
What additional tests can support the diagnosis of erythrasma?
Swab or skin scrapings examined with periodic acid–Schiff, methenamine silver, or a Gram stain to reveal gram-positive filamentous rods. Methylene blue also stains C. minutissimum.
What are the topical treatments for erythrasma?
Erythrasma can be treated with topical antibiotics or antiseptics such as fusidic acid cream, clindamycin solution, benzoyl peroxide, and Whitfield ointment (3% salicylic acid, 6% benzoic acid in petrolatum).
What is the initial topical treatment for erythrasma? in Malawi
An imidazole cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks.
What is the next step if the initial treatment for erythrasma is not effective or if there is a recurrent infection? in Malawi
Erythromycin 250 mg taken orally four times daily for 2 weeks, or erythromycin 2% lotion applied twice daily for 4 weeks.
