Related articles: Erythrasma
Definition
Erythrasma is a dermatological disease that mainly affects the intertriginous regions of the body (skin folds).
The responsible agent is Corynebacterium minutissimum, a Gram positive bacterium belonging to the resident skin flora. Under favorable conditions, this bacterium proliferates excessively and invades a portion of the stratum corneum, causing erythrasma.
The infection prefers naturally moist, warm and rich areas of sweat and sebaceous secretions, such as interdigital spaces of the feet, inguinal region and armpits. Predisposing factors include alterations of the skin barrier, obesity and immunocompromised states. Erythrasma has the highest incidence among diabetic patients and among the inhabitants of subtropical and tropical areas.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Bromhidrosis
- Skin discoloration
- Articolar pains
- Erythema
- macules
- plaques
- itch
- Scales on the skin
Further indications
Erythrasma manifests itself with dark and exfoliative skin spots, similar to those of tinea dermatophytosis or intertrigo. The most affected site is the foot, especially at the level of the 3rd and 4th interphalangeal space, where the disease presents with superficial desquamation, fissuring and maceration. At the level of the large folds, however, erythrasma manifests itself with reddish-brown plates with a desquamated surface, an irregular shape and well-defined edges. These cutaneous manifestations can be asymptomatic or slightly itchy. Less commonly, the infection affects the inframammary fold, axillae, abdomen (periombelical region) and intergluteal groove.
Other symptoms associated with erythrasma include joint pain and a different smell of sweating.
The examination with Wood's light is essential for the diagnosis, which shows a typical red-coral fluorescence. Histological examination of the lesions contributes to providing diagnostic evidence.
Treatment consists of topical or systemic administration of erythromycin, tetracycline or clindamycin. Gently cleaning the skin surface with bactericidal or antifungal soaps can help limit bacterial proliferation.
Recurrences are frequent.
