4 Things You Need To Know About Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a bacterial skin infection that affects the folds of the skin or areas where your skin rubs together. Here are four things you need to know about this infection.

What are the symptoms of erythrasma?

The main symptom of this infection is discoloration of the skin. The infected skin will take on a reddish-brown color and may look swollen or slightly raised above the level of the surrounding skin. The infected area tends to have a well-defined border. Sometimes, the discolored skin will be sore or itchy, but often, color changes are the only sign that something is wrong.

What causes it?

This infection is caused by corynebacteria, a widespread type of bacteria. These bacteria enter your skin through cracks or small cuts in your skin's surface. They grow quickly in warm, moist areas such as your armpits, the skin between your toes, or other areas where skin comes together. Environmental conditions like heat or humidity also encourage the growth of the bacteria.

Is this infection common?

Erythrasma is a fairly common type of skin infection. Studies have found that the prevalence of this condition among the general worldwide population is about 4%. Among some populations, it's even more common. For example, a Turkish study found that almost half of people with lesions between their toes had the infection. Studies have also indicated that it is more common among older people than younger people.

How do doctors treat it?

Your doctor will treat your infection with oral antibiotics. The preferred type of antibiotic is erythromycin, though other antibiotics, like tetracycline, may also be given. Make sure to follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully. It's tempting to stop taking your medication as soon as you start to feel better, but it's important to finish the entire course of antibiotic treatment to keep the bacteria from coming back.

In addition to the antibiotic, you will be told to clean the infected area thoroughly with soap and water. This cleaning needs to be done every day. Your doctor may tell you to use antibacterial soap instead of your regular soap.

If oral antibiotics and soap don't work, your doctor may prescribe medicated creams for you to rub on your infected skin. These creams are quite effective.

If you have reddish-purple discoloration on your skin, you may have erythrasma, a treatable skin condition. Go to a local health care clinic right away for diagnosis and treatment. Consider contacting the professionals at Burnsville Family Physicians to meet your health care needs.


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