Erythrasma is a condition in which the skin between the toes becomes red and itchy. The skin may turn brown or become scaly. Creams, anti-fungal ointments, and powders will not resolve the skin infection. Those with erythrasma may notice the same patches of skin in skin fold regions: armpit, the groin, the belly button, and may be worsened by dermatitis or infection by other bacteria. The main culprit is Corynebacterium minutissimum, however other fungi or bacteria can co-infect the area. Very rarely, the infection can become deeper and an abscess may develop; thus, treatment is recommended.

Your podiatrist and/or dermatologist may recommend:

• Erythrasma requires certain tests to diagnose: under a Wood’s lamp, the skin may fluoresce coral red or a swab or skin scrapings may be collected and viewed under a microscope
• Controlling for moisture between the toes as moist environments can harbor bacteria
• Treatment with topical gentamicin, an antibiotic
• Maintaining proper hygiene
• If ointment does not resolved the infection, oral antibiotics may be used

Erythrasma resolves within a few weeks in most patients treated with antibiotics. Co-infections may have to be treated as well. The sooner you see your physician, the sooner the infection can be treated.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office