What is erythrasma in women and men, signs and treatment

What is erythrasma in women and men, signs and treatment

Symptoms of erythrasma, treatment in men and women

Erythrasma in men and women was considered a fungal skin lesion until recently, but modern medicine refers this disease to the group of pseudomycoses. This means that the clinical manifestations of the disease are identical to classical fungal pathology, but have a completely different etiology. Most often, erythrasma is diagnosed in men and is characterized by the formation of reddish-white spots in the area of ​​large skin folds. The disease has been going on for a long time without deterioration of well-being and any particularly disturbing symptoms.

Symptoms of erythrasma

The process begins with the formation of small brown spots with clearly defined edges on the surface of the skin. After some time, the spots begin to merge together and change their color - the final area of ​​​​the lesion has a reddish tint and clear borders with healthy skin. As the disease progresses, the middle of the pathological focus becomes whitish and slightly convex - this is how swelling is manifested.

The main symptoms of erythrasma end there, but patients may be bothered by mild itching. The disease is chronic in nature and occurs with periods of exacerbations and long remissions. Most often, exacerbations occur in the hot season, when sweating increases. The problem is that in some people pseudomycosis can be complicated by eczema and infection of overly sensitive skin directly in the cell. Precipitating factors:

  • diabetes;
  • obesity;
  • hyperhidrosis;
  • wearing tight clothes.

In a complicated form of the disease, the patient may complain of severe burning, obsessive itching and pain in the affected area.

Erythrasma in women most often affects the area under the mammary glands, in the groin and axilla, in men - on the folds of the inner thighs, around the anus. If a person is obese, characteristic spots may be present under the folds of the abdomen.

How to treat erythrasma

Erythrasma is treated at home, but with a preliminary visit to a dermatologist. Doctors recommend:

  • twice a day, rub erythromycin ointment into the affected areas - the course of treatment is 2 weeks;
  • if there are signs of inflammation (pronounced redness of the entire spot, swelling of the skin), wipe the focus with resorcinol alcohol 3 times a day;
  • go through a course of "spot" irradiation procedures with ultraviolet rays.

It is important to observe body hygiene and pay special attention to the affected areas of the skin. If there is erythrasma in the groin, you need to take a shower several times a day or use wet wipes and not wear tight underwear. When the focus is located on the skin around the anus, it is necessary to wash this area with warm water after each visit to the toilet, preventing additional irritation.

A doctor should tell you how to treat erythrasma in diabetes or hyperhidrosis. In the first case, it will be necessary to reduce the level of sugar in the blood, in the second - to undergo a full course of therapy.

After getting rid of the pathological focus, it is necessary to treat the affected area with talcum powder within a month after the water procedures - this will help to avoid the recurrence of the disease.

On our website https://dobrobut.com/ there is a preliminary appointment with dermatologists who will provide detailed advice on erythrasma - how it arises whether the problem can be prevented.

Updated: 04.04.2025
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Doctors who advise on this issue:
49experience (y.)
Vitiuk Alina Vsevolodivna
Vitiuk Alina Vsevolodivna
Pediatrician; A general practitioner is a family doctor; Physician
13experience (y.)
Trofymov Yurii Viktorovych
Trofymov Yurii Viktorovych
A general practitioner is a family doctor; Physician
26experience (y.)
Biriukova Nataliia Volodymyrivna
Biriukova Nataliia Volodymyrivna
Pediatrician; A general practitioner is a family doctor
6experience (y.)
Sarzhyna Olesia Viktorivna
Sarzhyna Olesia Viktorivna
A general practitioner is a family doctor; Gastroenterologist; Pediatrician; Physician

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