Erythrasma In Adults - How Can It Be Treated?

Are you noticing brown, scaly patches developing on your skin? Do you feel an itching sensation in the affected areas? These symptoms may indicate Erythrasma, a skin disease caused by the Gram-positive bacterium called Corynebacterium minutissimum. This type of skin disease is more common among diabetic patients and people suffering from obesity. This condition is likely to affect people living in warm climates. The border of an erythrasma infected area is very well defined. A sharp, contrasting border is present between the erythrasma affected area and the normal skin. The infection is most likely to develop in the folds of skin such as in the groin and inner thigh region, under the arms, in the crevice of buttocks, in the folds under breasts and also in between toes.

Symptoms
The common symptoms of erythrasma are as follows:

1. The skin becomes dry and pink.
2. Reddish brown scaly patches develop.
3. Headaches, weight gain and fatigue are likely.
4. Abdominal, chest and joint pain may accompany a urinary tract pain.

Treatment
By closely observing the affected area, erythrasma can be detected or diagnosed by any physician. In some cases, a Wood’s lamp may be utilized. This device emits UV light on the skin, helping the doctor to examine the skin condition. Some areas are scraped with a tiny blade by the doctor to collect samples. These samples are then tested in the laboratory for a detailed diagnosis.

In adults, erythrasma can be cured by applying several methods and techniques. Some of them are listed below:

1. Scrub the patches on your skin using an anti-bacterial soap. This willreduce the infection and help in curing the rash.
2. Use gels and oral medication,as prescribed by yourdoctor.
3. Apply topical antibiotic lotions to the affected area for quick and efficient healing.
4. Use a solution of aluminum chloride, which will helpin the inhibition of moisture and sweat.
5. A special ointment made of benzoic acidand salicylic acid is effective.
6. Use of certain oral antibiotics are also considered efficacious.

The medicines aim at eliminating the infection and preventing the recurrence or development of more complications. Antibacterial products help in eliminating the bacteria.
Photodynamic therapyusing red light can also be used to cure erythrasma. This therapy also treats rashes.

Prevention
For the prevention of erythrasma, you should:

1. Maintain proper weight and proper hygiene
2. Avoid excessive heat and moisture
3. Use antibacterial soaps
4. Use erythromycin gel
5. Use antibiotics when the infection is severe

With proper treatment, erythrasma can be totally cured. It is recommended that you visit a doctor for the best diagnosis and for knowing about the most effective treatment methods.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!