QUESTION: I have been trying to clear up a peculiar skin rash for some time. After one doctor diagnosed it as a fungal rash, I took a good deal of medicine that didn't work.
My new doctor claims it isn't a fungus at all but a different condition called "erythrasma" (I made him write it down so I am sure the spelling is right).
Can you explain condition to me and what special treatment may be necessary to cure it?
ANSWER: Good for you.
Getting the name of your condition properly spelled is a great first step towards understanding what it is and what must be done. Erythrasma is a superficial skin infection caused be a bacteria (Corynebacterium minutissimum) which is seen most commonly in adults.
It looks a lot like a fungal infection and forms irregular pink patches which often turn brown with a fine scale along the thighs, trunk, axilla or groin. It can also cause a scaly rash between the toes that looks like athlete's foot.
It will probably clear up quite quickly with 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy using either oral erythromycin or tetracycline.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
