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==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Erythrasma''' is a [[skin]] disease that can result in pink patches, which can turn into brown scales.  
Erythrasma is a dermatological disease caused by ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]''. Erythrasma was first officially identified by Burchardt in 1859. ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissium]]'' was first isolated and discovered to be the cause of Erythrasma in 1961. Erythrasma usually presents with [[erythema|erythematous]] [[lesions]], [[maceration]], and reddish-brown scales indicative of [[hyperkeratosis]]. The lesions are usually found in [[skin folds]], and also commonly present in the interdigital regions in hands and feet. Symptoms include reddish-brown scaly patches, [[itching]], [[pain]] if irritated, [[skin]] shedding, [[blisters]], [[maceration|softening and whitening of the skin]], foul odor, and thickening and yellowing of the toenails. Erythrasma develops when ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissium]]'' infiltrates the [[stratum corneum]] and proliferate. [[Hyperkeratosis]] leads to the formation of reddish-brown [[lesions]] characteristic of erythrasma. Microscopic pathology of erythrasmas includes thickening of [[stratum corneum]], decreased [[electron]] density around intracellular [[bacteria]] and those in direct contact with the [[cell]] wall, and widening of intracelluar space, allowing [[bacterial]] invasion, and separation of the horny [[cells]]. Erythrasma is most commonly found in women over 40 years old, in individuals living in humid and tropical/subtropical climates, and in military personnel. Risk factors for erythrasma include individual and environmental conditions predisposing [[bacterial]] infection and proliferation. This includes [[overweight]] and [[obesity]], [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]], [[immunocompromise]], and [[hyperhidrosis]]. Erythrasma must be differentiated from other [[dermatological]] conditions that present with reddish-brown scales and [[itching]], as well as other diseases resulting from [[corynebacteria]] infection. Diagnostic laboratory tests performed for suspected Erythrasma include those that confirm a ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]'' infection. The most common laboratory test is a [[Wood's lamp]] examination; coral-red [[fluorescence]] is indicative of ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]''. The mainstay of erythrasma medical therapy is topical and systemic [[antibiotic]] therapy. The primary [[antibiotics]] used for local and widespread infection include [[fusidic acid]], [[clindamycin]], [[clarithromycin]], and [[erythromycin]], respectively. Additionally, there are studies that display efficacy of systemic administration of [[tetracycline]] and [[chloramphenicol]]. There is evidence that [[fusidic acid]] therapy is more effective than topical [[clarithromycin]] and systemic [[erythromycin]], but may be indicated less due to poorer efficiency and patient compliance. Administration of [[chloramphenicol]] is limited due to its suppression of [[bone marrow]] and heightening risk of developing [[neutropenia]], [[agranulocytosis]] and [[aplastic anaemia]]. Effective measures of preventing erythrasma are preventative of ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]'' infection and proliferation. Secondary prevention of erythrasma involves prophylactic use of [[antibacterial soap]] on the previously affected region.


==Historical Perspective==
Erythrasma was first officially identified by Burchardt in 1859. ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissium]]'' was first isolated and discovered to be the cause of Erythrasma in 1961.


==References==
==Classification==
{{Reflist|2}}
There is no classification system established for erythrasma.
 
==Pathophysiology==
Erythrasma develops when ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissium]]'' infiltrates the [[stratum corneum]] and proliferates. [[Hyperkeratosis]] leads to the formation of reddish-brown [[lesions]] characteristic of erythrasma. Microscopic pathology of erythrasma includes thickening of [[stratum corneum]], decreased [[electron]] density around intracellular [[bacteria]] and those in direct contact with the [[cell]] wall, and widening of intracelluar space, allowing [[bacterial]] invasion, and separation of the horny [[cells]]. Erythrasma is associated with [[dermatological]] conditions, including additional [[corynebacterium]] pathologies.
 
==Causes==
Erythrasma is caused by ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]''.
 
==Differentiating Erythrasma from Other Diseases==
Erythrasma must be differentiated from other [[dermatological]] conditions that present with reddish-brown scales and [[itching]], as well as other diseases resulting from [[corynebacteria]] infection.
 
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
Global epidemiological and demographical information for erythrasma is not well documented. Among diagnosis of dermatomycoses, the incidence of erythrasma was approximated as 4,500 per 100,000 individuals in 1951. Studies on erythrasma prevalence have found high rates in military populations. Erythrasma is most common in individuals over 40 years old. Women are more commonly affected by erythrasma than men. There is no known racial predisposition to erythrasma. Erythrasma of the groin is more commonly found in humid, tropical or subtropical regions; interdigital erythrasma does not have a geographic predisposition.
 
==Risk Factors==
Risk factors for erythrasma include individual and environmental conditions predisposing [[bacterial]] infection and proliferation.<ref name="pmid12010076">{{cite journal |vauthors=Holdiness MR |title=Management of cutaneous erythrasma |journal=Drugs |volume=62 |issue=8 |pages=1131–41 |year=2002 |pmid=12010076 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
 
==Screening==
There is no diagnostic screening procedure for erythrasma.
 
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
Upon ''[[corynebacteria|Corynebacterium minitissium]]'' infection, the affected region of the [[epidermis]] becomes [[erythema|erythematous]] and present with [[pruritus]]. As [[hyperkeratosis]] and keratolysis occurs, the red-pink [[lesions]] becomes reddish-brown and begins to scale and shed. Without treatment, the [[lesions]] usually remain and spreading occurs concurrent with the spread of [[bacterial]] infection. Complications of erythrasma result from persistence of symptoms or spread of infection. Without treatment, the prognosis for erythrasma varies based on the emergence and presence of complications. With treatment, the prognosis for erythrasma is good; complete resolution of symptoms and recovery is expected.
 
==Diagnosis==
===History and Symptoms===
Erythrasma usually presents with reddish-brown scaly patches, [[itching]] [[pain]] if irritated, [[skin]] shedding, [[blisters]], [[maceration|softening and whitening of the skin]], foul odor, and thickening and yellowing of the toenails. Erythrasma patients should be examined for history of [[overweight]] or [[obesity]], [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]], and [[hyperhidrosis]].
 
===Physical Examination===
Erythrasma presents with [[erythema|erythematous]] [[lesions]], [[maceration]], and reddish-brown scales indicative of [[hyperkeratosis]]. The lesions are usually found in [[skin folds]], and also commonly present in the interdigital regions in hands and feet. Erythrasma patients are usually well-appearing, barring complications.
 
===Laboratory Findings===
Laboratory tests performed for suspected erythrasma include those that confirm a ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]'' infection. The most common laboratory test is a [[Wood's lamp]] examination; coral-red [[fluorescence]] is indicative of ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]''. A culture may be performed to specify the pathogen; ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minutissimum]]'' will present as non-[[hemolytic]] smooth colonies that are 1-1.5mm in size. [[Gram staining|Gram stain]] analysis of ''[[Corynebacterium minitissimum]]'' may reveal slightly curved [[bacterial]] rods that display violet or blue coloration, indicative of [[gram positive]].
 
===Imaging Findings===
====Electrocardiogram====
There are no diagnostic electrocardiogram findings for erythrasma.
 
====X Ray====
There are no diagnostic x ray findings for erythrasma.
 
====CT====
There are no diagnostic CT findings for erythrasma.
 
====MRI====
There are no diagnostic MRI findings for erythrasma.
 
====Echocardiography or Ultrasound====
There are no diagnostic echocardiography or ultrasound findings for erythrasma.
 
====Other Imaging Findings====
A [[Wood Lamp]] examination is commonly performed on patients with suspected Erythrasma to determine a ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]'' infection. Coral-red [[fluorescence]] is indicative of ''[[Corynebacterium|Corynebacterium minitissimum]]'', as a result of produced coproporphyrin III.<ref name="pmid24525168">{{cite journal |vauthors=Blasco Morente G, Martínez Peinado C, Martínez García E, Tercedor Sánchez J |title=[Wood's lamp in congenital erythropoietic porphyria] |language=Spanish; Castilian |journal=An Pediatr (Barc) |volume=81 |issue=6 |pages=403–4 |year=2014 |pmid=24525168 |doi=10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.01.005 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid23062922">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wilson BB, Wagenseller A, Noland MM |title=An atypical presentation of erythrasma |journal=J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. |volume=67 |issue=5 |pages=e217–8 |year=2012 |pmid=23062922 |doi=10.1016/j.jaad.2012.04.004 |url=}}</ref>
 
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
The mainstay of erythrasma medical therapy is topical and systemic [[antibiotic]] therapy. The primary [[antibiotics]] used for local and widespread infection include [[fusidic acid]], [[clindamycin]], [[clarithromycin]], and [[erythromycin]], respectively. Additionally, there are studies that display efficacy of systemic administration of [[tetracycline]] and [[chloramphenicol]]. There is evidence that [[fusidic acid]] therapy is more effective than topical [[clarithromycin]] and systemic [[erythromycin]], but may be indicated less due to poorer efficiency and patient compliance. Administration of [[chloramphenicol]] is limited due to its suppression of [[bone marrow]] and heightening risk of developing [[neutropenia]], [[agranulocytosis]] and [[aplastic anaemia]].


===Surgery===
Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of erythrasma.


===Primary Prevention===
Effective measures of preventing erythrasma are prevention of ''[[Corynebacterium minutissimum]]'' infection and proliferation.


===Secondary Prevention===
Secondary prevention of erythrasma involves prophylactic use of [[antibacterial soap]] on the previously affected region.<ref name="pmid5847311">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kooistra JA |title=Prophylaxis and control of erythrasma of the toe webs |journal=J. Invest. Dermatol. |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=399–400 |year=1965 |pmid=5847311 |doi= |url=}}</ref>


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==References==
{{WikiDoc Sources}}
{{Reflist|2}}


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Latest revision as of 21:39, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.

Overview

Erythrasma is a dermatological disease caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. Erythrasma was first officially identified by Burchardt in 1859. Corynebacterium minitissium was first isolated and discovered to be the cause of Erythrasma in 1961. Erythrasma usually presents with erythematous lesions, maceration, and reddish-brown scales indicative of hyperkeratosis. The lesions are usually found in skin folds, and also commonly present in the interdigital regions in hands and feet. Symptoms include reddish-brown scaly patches, itching, pain if irritated, skin shedding, blisters, softening and whitening of the skin, foul odor, and thickening and yellowing of the toenails. Erythrasma develops when Corynebacterium minitissium infiltrates the stratum corneum and proliferate. Hyperkeratosis leads to the formation of reddish-brown lesions characteristic of erythrasma. Microscopic pathology of erythrasmas includes thickening of stratum corneum, decreased electron density around intracellular bacteria and those in direct contact with the cell wall, and widening of intracelluar space, allowing bacterial invasion, and separation of the horny cells. Erythrasma is most commonly found in women over 40 years old, in individuals living in humid and tropical/subtropical climates, and in military personnel. Risk factors for erythrasma include individual and environmental conditions predisposing bacterial infection and proliferation. This includes overweight and obesity, diabetes, immunocompromise, and hyperhidrosis. Erythrasma must be differentiated from other dermatological conditions that present with reddish-brown scales and itching, as well as other diseases resulting from corynebacteria infection. Diagnostic laboratory tests performed for suspected Erythrasma include those that confirm a Corynebacterium minitissimum infection. The most common laboratory test is a Wood's lamp examination; coral-red fluorescence is indicative of Corynebacterium minitissimum. The mainstay of erythrasma medical therapy is topical and systemic antibiotic therapy. The primary antibiotics used for local and widespread infection include fusidic acid, clindamycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, respectively. Additionally, there are studies that display efficacy of systemic administration of tetracycline and chloramphenicol. There is evidence that fusidic acid therapy is more effective than topical clarithromycin and systemic erythromycin, but may be indicated less due to poorer efficiency and patient compliance. Administration of chloramphenicol is limited due to its suppression of bone marrow and heightening risk of developing neutropenia, agranulocytosis and aplastic anaemia. Effective measures of preventing erythrasma are preventative of Corynebacterium minutissimum infection and proliferation. Secondary prevention of erythrasma involves prophylactic use of antibacterial soap on the previously affected region.

Historical Perspective

Erythrasma was first officially identified by Burchardt in 1859. Corynebacterium minitissium was first isolated and discovered to be the cause of Erythrasma in 1961.

Classification

There is no classification system established for erythrasma.

Pathophysiology

Erythrasma develops when Corynebacterium minitissium infiltrates the stratum corneum and proliferates. Hyperkeratosis leads to the formation of reddish-brown lesions characteristic of erythrasma. Microscopic pathology of erythrasma includes thickening of stratum corneum, decreased electron density around intracellular bacteria and those in direct contact with the cell wall, and widening of intracelluar space, allowing bacterial invasion, and separation of the horny cells. Erythrasma is associated with dermatological conditions, including additional corynebacterium pathologies.

Causes

Erythrasma is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Differentiating Erythrasma from Other Diseases

Erythrasma must be differentiated from other dermatological conditions that present with reddish-brown scales and itching, as well as other diseases resulting from corynebacteria infection.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Global epidemiological and demographical information for erythrasma is not well documented. Among diagnosis of dermatomycoses, the incidence of erythrasma was approximated as 4,500 per 100,000 individuals in 1951. Studies on erythrasma prevalence have found high rates in military populations. Erythrasma is most common in individuals over 40 years old. Women are more commonly affected by erythrasma than men. There is no known racial predisposition to erythrasma. Erythrasma of the groin is more commonly found in humid, tropical or subtropical regions; interdigital erythrasma does not have a geographic predisposition.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for erythrasma include individual and environmental conditions predisposing bacterial infection and proliferation.[1]

Screening

There is no diagnostic screening procedure for erythrasma.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Upon Corynebacterium minitissium infection, the affected region of the epidermis becomes erythematous and present with pruritus. As hyperkeratosis and keratolysis occurs, the red-pink lesions becomes reddish-brown and begins to scale and shed. Without treatment, the lesions usually remain and spreading occurs concurrent with the spread of bacterial infection. Complications of erythrasma result from persistence of symptoms or spread of infection. Without treatment, the prognosis for erythrasma varies based on the emergence and presence of complications. With treatment, the prognosis for erythrasma is good; complete resolution of symptoms and recovery is expected.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Erythrasma usually presents with reddish-brown scaly patches, itching pain if irritated, skin shedding, blisters, softening and whitening of the skin, foul odor, and thickening and yellowing of the toenails. Erythrasma patients should be examined for history of overweight or obesity, diabetes, and hyperhidrosis.

Physical Examination

Erythrasma presents with erythematous lesions, maceration, and reddish-brown scales indicative of hyperkeratosis. The lesions are usually found in skin folds, and also commonly present in the interdigital regions in hands and feet. Erythrasma patients are usually well-appearing, barring complications.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory tests performed for suspected erythrasma include those that confirm a Corynebacterium minitissimum infection. The most common laboratory test is a Wood's lamp examination; coral-red fluorescence is indicative of Corynebacterium minitissimum. A culture may be performed to specify the pathogen; Corynebacterium minutissimum will present as non-hemolytic smooth colonies that are 1-1.5mm in size. Gram stain analysis of Corynebacterium minitissimum may reveal slightly curved bacterial rods that display violet or blue coloration, indicative of gram positive.

Imaging Findings

Electrocardiogram

There are no diagnostic electrocardiogram findings for erythrasma.

X Ray

There are no diagnostic x ray findings for erythrasma.

CT

There are no diagnostic CT findings for erythrasma.

MRI

There are no diagnostic MRI findings for erythrasma.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

There are no diagnostic echocardiography or ultrasound findings for erythrasma.

Other Imaging Findings

A Wood Lamp examination is commonly performed on patients with suspected Erythrasma to determine a Corynebacterium minitissimum infection. Coral-red fluorescence is indicative of Corynebacterium minitissimum, as a result of produced coproporphyrin III.[2][3]

Treatment

Medical Therapy

The mainstay of erythrasma medical therapy is topical and systemic antibiotic therapy. The primary antibiotics used for local and widespread infection include fusidic acid, clindamycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, respectively. Additionally, there are studies that display efficacy of systemic administration of tetracycline and chloramphenicol. There is evidence that fusidic acid therapy is more effective than topical clarithromycin and systemic erythromycin, but may be indicated less due to poorer efficiency and patient compliance. Administration of chloramphenicol is limited due to its suppression of bone marrow and heightening risk of developing neutropenia, agranulocytosis and aplastic anaemia.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of erythrasma.

Primary Prevention

Effective measures of preventing erythrasma are prevention of Corynebacterium minutissimum infection and proliferation.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention of erythrasma involves prophylactic use of antibacterial soap on the previously affected region.[4]

References

  1. Holdiness MR (2002). "Management of cutaneous erythrasma". Drugs. 62 (8): 1131–41. PMID 12010076.
  2. Blasco Morente G, Martínez Peinado C, Martínez García E, Tercedor Sánchez J (2014). "[Wood's lamp in congenital erythropoietic porphyria]". An Pediatr (Barc) (in Spanish; Castilian). 81 (6): 403–4. doi:10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.01.005. PMID 24525168.
  3. Wilson BB, Wagenseller A, Noland MM (2012). "An atypical presentation of erythrasma". J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 67 (5): e217–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.04.004. PMID 23062922.
  4. Kooistra JA (1965). "Prophylaxis and control of erythrasma of the toe webs". J. Invest. Dermatol. 45 (5): 399–400. PMID 5847311.