Among the major skin related diseases people suffer from Erythrasma is a prominent one. This can be interpreted as a dermatological ailment which occurs in overlapping areas of the skin such as skin folds.
This long-standing bacterial contamination is seen more frequently in the groin areas, armpits, between the toes and also under the breasts. However, it may also appear on other parts of a person’s body. It makes pink patches on the affected skin areas and later they become brown scales.
As a matter of fact, the adult population suffers more from this skin disease than the young ones. Obese people are more susceptible to the disorder. Recent studies show that it can impact people belonging to any age groups and ethnicity. It affects both men and women but the number of male victims far outstrips the women. The dark complexioned people are more at the risk of contracting the disease.
Causes of Erythrasma
The disease is caused by a bacterium named Corynebacterium minutissimum. There are some people who are more vulnerable to the infection due to their physical formations and physiological specifications. People suffering from weight problems and Diabetes can fall prey to this disease.
Those who perspire more are included in the risk group as well. Poor hygienic habits and unkemptness can also lead a person to this disease. Above all, people suffering from immunity related problems have a higher chance of getting affected by this infection. People living in humid and warm climate conditions are also more likely to develop the ailment.
Signs and Symptoms of Erythrasma
The symptoms of Erythrasma are mainly visual. The patches created by the disease are of pinkish to red color. They later become tanned in appearance. The affected skin is visibly discolored from the normal skin. People who have diabetes can develop the patches caused by Erythrasma in less likely areas like arms, trunk and legs.
The areas affected by the patches assume a wrinkled texture. Generally these discolored skin patches do not cause pain, but some patients complain about itchiness. Particularly the patches in one’s groin areas can cause some uneasiness.
Sometimes, this disease can be confused with similar other dermatological disorders like the fungal contaminations and ringworm. Therefore, Wood's lamp is employed in detecting cases of Erythrasma. This UV light makes the lesions emit a deep red aura.
Treatment of Erythrasma
In most cases of Erythrasma, oral and topical antibiotics are prescribed by the doctors to combat the infections. Antibacterial soaps can also be used to treat these cases. It prevents the infection from reappearing in the patient’s body. If a person suspects that he has contracted the ailment he should wash the area with antiseptic solutions and try to keep it dry. There are some skin creams available in the market like miconazole and tolnaftate. These can be applied to fight the infection.
If self medication does not bring any positive result to a patient, he must take medical guidance. The doctors usually recommend topical antibiotic solutions like clindamycin and erythromycin. Another widely used medicine that the physicians favor is Whitfield's ointment. This is basically an amalgam of salicylic acid and benzoic acid. Since the infection occurs in the moist body parts, aluminum chloride solution is often prescribed to prevent perspiration and moisture formation.
Advice
While there are available medications for the ailment, it is better to take preventive steps. There are certain steps that a person needs to follow in order to keep the disease at bay. A person should try to keep his skin dry. He should also avoid staying in an area that is excessively hot and humid.
If due to some reasons or because of professional reasons he has to spend time in such areas he should ensure that his skin folding regions are kept dry. He should try to keep his weight under check. A person suffering from the disease needs to wear garments that facilitate air circulation and soak sweat.
