Erythrasma is a long-term skin infection caused by bacteria. It commonly occurs in skin folds.
Causes
Erythrasma is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum.
Erythrasma is more common in warm climates. You are more likely to develop this condition if you are overweight, older, or have diabetes.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are reddish-brown slightly scaly patches with sharp borders. They may itch slightly. The patches occur in moist areas such as the groin, armpit, and skin folds.
The patches often look similar to fungal infections, such as ringworm.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will check your skin and ask about the symptoms.
These tests can help diagnose erythrasma:
Lab tests of scrapings from the skin patch
Examination under a special lamp called a Wood lamp
Review Date:
11/30/2022
Reviewed By:
Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.