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Erythrasma is an acute skin infection caused by bacteria. It is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum a parasite normally found on human skin.The disease spreads under hot and humid conditions and affects parts of the body that remain moist like armpits, groin, the fold under the knees.The disease of erythrasma is found all over the world, but it is more prominent in subtropical and tropical areas as compared to the rest of the world.
Erythrasma occurs in patients with a weak immune system and rarely occurs in people having a good immune system. It is normally benign. It may spread in persons of weak immune system.
Erythrasma is found more commonly in black people. It affects both men and women. The incidence of crural form is more prominent in men. It occurs at any age and increases with the age. Both sexes are equally affected; however, the crural form is more common in men.
- It occurs as dark patches in areas of the body that are moist for example, under the knee, armpits and elbow folds.
- Infection is asymptomatic, but can also be pruritic in few cases.
- The infection may last from a few months to a few years. It may spread to trunk and limbs. It occurs as brown-red macular patches. Wrinkles with scales appear on the skin.
- Infection occurs in inner thighs, crural region, scrotum, and toe webs, as these areas generally remain moist due to sweat.
Factors causing Erythrasma are -
- Sweating profusely
- When Cutaneous is weak.
- In Obese people, there are folds on the body, which may not be washed properly.
- People with Diabetes sweat more and this can lead to Erythrasma
- In people staying in warm climate
- Proper hygiene is not maintained.
- With increase in age
Erythrasma can be cured easily. If erythrasma is diagnosed, the patient will be advised to use anti bacterial soap. Doctors may ask the patient to use antibacterial or anti fungal cream. He or she will be advised to wash the affected area properly on a regular basis. If erythrasma is severe, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.
It is easy to diagnose erythrasma by exposing it to ultra violet rays. The bacteria causing the infection will glow in ultra violet rays. Maintaining a proper hygiene can prevent Erythrasma. The body should be washed thoroughly everyday; especially those parts of the body that tend to remain moist. Dry your body properly after bathe. Do not scrub the body dry. Use a soft towel and pat dry. Antibacterial soap should be used periodically. Maintain personal hygiene. The clothes of the infected person should be washed separately using bleach. Do not share combs, hairbrushes, towels, sleeping bags, and bed sheets, clothes with the infected person. Eat a healthy diet full of green vegetables and fruits like oranges, papaya muskmelons etc. Improve your immune system by maintaining a healthy intake of vitamins in your food. Drink ample water. It helps in throwing away the bacteria out of the body.
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