Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a common, bacterial (germ-related) skin infection that’s long-lasting or can recur (return). A type of bacteria called Corynebacterium minutissimum causes it.

It usually shows up as discolored patches on your skin. These patches may look slightly scaly (dry or flaky) and have clear edges. They often appear in skin folds, like in your groin, armpits or between your toes.

You may not notice any symptoms, but the patches could be a little itchy. A healthcare provider can help you manage it.

Types of erythrasma

Providers often describe this infection in a few common patterns based on where it appears on your body:

• Interdigital erythrasma: This affects the skin between your toes, most often between your fourth and fifth toes. Your skin may look soft, wet or scaly, and it may itch.
• Intertriginous erythrasma: This shows up in skin folds, like your groin, armpits or under your breasts. It appears as flat patches with fine scaling. Your skin may look thin and wrinkled, like tissue paper.
• Disciform erythrasma: This is a rare form. It can appear on areas like your chest, back or upper legs. It causes well-defined scaly patches.

What does erythrasma look like?

Erythrasma shows up as flat patches on your skin with clear edges. The color may look reddish-brown, pink-brown or darker than your usual skin tone.

The surface may be scaly. IT looks and feels dry or flaky. In some areas, like between your toes, your skin may look moist or soft.

It most often appears in warm, moist areas of the body, like:

• Between your toes
• In your groin
• In your armpits
• Under your breasts
• In other skin folds

Erythrasma symptoms

Many people don’t notice symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they may include:

• Mild itching
• Slight skin discomfort

Erythrasma causes

Erythrasma happens when the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum grow too much on your skin. It normally lives on your skin and usually doesn’t cause problems.

This condition develops when the bacteria grow out of control. This often happens in warm, moist areas of your body where skin rubs together.

Risk factors

Common things that can increase your risk include:

• Having diabetes or obesity, or being immunocompromised
• Sweating a lot
• Living in a hot or humid climate
• Wearing tight clothing that traps moisture

Erythrasma can also happen along with fungal (yeast) infections. These are usually between your toes. 

Erythrasma isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Moisture, friction and other factors increase your risk. Sexual activity doesn’t.

Complications

Erythrasma usually doesn’t cause serious problems (but it may happen in very rare cases). The most common issue is that it can come back (recur), especially if you have continued moisture and friction in the area.

How doctors diagnose erythrasma

Your provider usually diagnoses this condition by looking at your skin. They may also use a Wood’s lamp (a special UV light). Your affected skin may glow in a specific color under this light. This is a key sign.

Sometimes, your provider may gently scrape your skin and look at it under a microscope. This test helps rule out a fungal infection.

Erythrasma treatment

Your healthcare provider may recommend different treatment options depending on the location and severity of the infection. Options include:

• Topical antibiotics: These are creams or lotions that you put on your skin. Providers often use these first when the infection is in a small area.
• Oral antibiotics: These are pills you take by mouth. Providers may use them if the infection is more widespread or keeps coming back.
• Skin care and hygiene: Keeping your skin clean (using antibacterial soap) and dry is an important part of treatment. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can also help prevent the infection from coming back.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should see a provider if:

• You notice discolored patches on your skin that aren’t going away.
• You’re not sure what the skin condition is, especially as it can look like a fungal infection.
• The rash is spreading, severe or keeps coming back.

Your provider can confirm the diagnosis and help you choose the right treatment.

What can I expect if I have erythrasma?

This is usually a mild skin condition, but it can last a long time if it isn’t treated. It often shows up again in the same area, especially in warm, moist parts of your body.

Treatment usually works well. Antibiotics can clear the infection, and most cases don’t cause lasting skin damage.

Your provider can help you manage it and prevent it from coming back.

Can erythrasma be prevented?

Not all cases can be fully prevented. But you can lower your risk by:

• Keeping your skin clean and dry
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing
• Reducing sweating or changing out of sweaty clothing when it becomes wet
• Managing conditions like diabetes
• Limiting moisture and friction in skin folds