Causes and risk factors
Erythrasma is caused due to bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum. This infection is more commonly seen in tropical regions, as heat and humidity favors the growth of the bacteria. Diabetic, obese, and immunocompromised people are more prone to this infection. Certain risk factors like poor hygiene, increased sweat production also add up to its causation.
Clinical presentation
An individual suffering from erythrasma often complains of development of a reddish eruption, scaling, and cracking of skin. Discoloration can occur. Irregular, dark pink or brown color patches are seen. Itching occurs in affected areas. The most common sites of affection are the foot, armpits, vagina, and anus. The fold of the skin under the breast and groin region is also affected.
Investigations
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the dermatologist. Head to toe examination is carried out. Wood lamp test and cultures of skin tissue is diagnostic.
Treatment:
Use of photodynamic therapy is the main line of treatment. Antibiotics are prescribed. Along with this other oral medications like antifungal drugs and creams are prescribed. Use of antibacterial soap is advised. Maintenance of personal hygiene, reducing weight in obese, and controlling the sugar levels are certain steps which need to be adopted.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
