Erythrasma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Erythrasma|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Erythrasma|here]]''' | ||
{{CMG}} | {{CMG}} {{AE}} {{LRO}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Erythrasma is a long-term bacterial infection that usually appears in the area between overlapping skin (skin folds). | Erythrasma is a long-term bacterial infection that usually appears in the area between overlapping skin ([[skin folds]]), such as the groin and armpit. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Erythrasma?== | ==What are the symptoms of Erythrasma?== | ||
The main symptoms | The main symptoms of Erythrasma include the following: | ||
*Reddish-brown slightly scaly patches with sharp borders | |||
*[[Itching]] | |||
*[[Pain]] if irritated | |||
*[[Skin]] shedding | |||
*[[Blisters]] | |||
*Foul odor | |||
*Thickening and yellowing of toenails | |||
==What causes Erythrasma?== | ==What causes Erythrasma?== | ||
Erythrasma is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum. | Erythrasma is caused by the bacteria ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]''. | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
Individuals with the following characteristics are at highest risk to develop Erythrasma: | |||
*Being [[overweight]] or [[obesity|obese]] | |||
*Having [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]] | |||
*Sweat profusely and excessively | |||
*Living in humid, tropical climates | |||
*Those who are suffering from other illnesses | |||
*Military personnel | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
* | Erythrasma is usually diagnosed by the following tests, used to locate and identify the [[bacterial]] cause ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]'' | ||
* Wood's lamp examination | * Cultural swab | ||
* [[Wood's lamp]] examination | |||
*[[Gram stain|Gram staining]] | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of erythrasma develop. | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of erythrasma develop; erythrasma will not usually resolve without proper treatment. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Your doctor may prescribe [[antibacterial]] lotions or pills, depending on the extent of the infection. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Erythrasma?== | ==Where to find medical care for Erythrasma?== | ||
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==Prevention of Erythrasma== | ==Prevention of Erythrasma== | ||
These measures may reduce the risk of erythrasma: | These measures may reduce the risk of erythrasma: | ||
*Practicing good hygiene | |||
* | *Keeping the skin dry and avoid excessive sweating | ||
* Keeping the skin dry | *Wearing clean clothing that wicks moisture | ||
* Wearing clean | *Avoiding excessive heat or moisture | ||
* Avoiding excessive heat or moisture | *Maintaining healthy body weight | ||
* Maintaining healthy body weight | *Avoiding illnesss | ||
*Bathing or showering frequently | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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{{WikiDoc Sources}} | {{WikiDoc Sources}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
Revision as of 19:03, 10 October 2016
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Erythrasma |
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Erythrasma On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.
Overview
Erythrasma is a long-term bacterial infection that usually appears in the area between overlapping skin (skin folds), such as the groin and armpit.
What are the symptoms of Erythrasma?
The main symptoms of Erythrasma include the following:
- Reddish-brown slightly scaly patches with sharp borders
- Itching
- Pain if irritated
- Skin shedding
- Blisters
- Foul odor
- Thickening and yellowing of toenails
What causes Erythrasma?
Erythrasma is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum.
Who is at highest risk?
Individuals with the following characteristics are at highest risk to develop Erythrasma:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having diabetes
- Sweat profusely and excessively
- Living in humid, tropical climates
- Those who are suffering from other illnesses
- Military personnel
Diagnosis
Erythrasma is usually diagnosed by the following tests, used to locate and identify the bacterial cause Corynebacterium minutissimum
- Cultural swab
- Wood's lamp examination
- Gram staining
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of erythrasma develop; erythrasma will not usually resolve without proper treatment.
Treatment options
Your doctor may prescribe antibacterial lotions or pills, depending on the extent of the infection.
Where to find medical care for Erythrasma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Erythrasma
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Complete recovery is expected following treatment.
Prevention of Erythrasma
These measures may reduce the risk of erythrasma:
- Practicing good hygiene
- Keeping the skin dry and avoid excessive sweating
- Wearing clean clothing that wicks moisture
- Avoiding excessive heat or moisture
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Avoiding illnesss
- Bathing or showering frequently