Erythrasma

Description:

In Greek the term "erythrasma"  designate coloring in red color. Such name got a disease because at its diagnosis by means of Wood's lamp integuments get a reddish brick shade.

Erythrasma symptoms:

There are noninflammatory character centers of light brown or brick-red color which, merging, form larger centers with accurate, sometimes scalloped or arc-shaped outlines. The surface of spots smooth or is covered with gentle scaly scales. Sometimes on edge of the centers slightly towering roller is visible, and in the center there is blanching of the center or brownish pigmentation is formed. As a rule, subjective frustration are absent, but sometimes the disease is followed by a slight itch. It can appear also in summertime of year when at the increased perspiration and lack of a due care on a surface of the centers the inflammation phenomena develop.

The erythrasma is localized in large folds of skin. For men localization in inguinal and femoral and scrotal area, is most characteristic of women - in axillary hollows, pleated under mammary glands, around a navel. The erythrasma occurs at children extremely seldom. The course of a disease chronic with a frequent recurrence, especially at potlivy, corpulent, slovenly persons. Lack of subjective disturbances often leads to the fact that the disease remains unnoticed, and it is found only at medical examination.

At patients with existence of diabetes, obesity, the increased perspiration the erythrasma can be complicated by eczematization, an intertrigo. In these cases there are subjective feelings of an itch, burning which at an uncomplicated erythrasma are absent.

Erythrasma reasons:

Traditionally the erythrasma is considered in group of keratomycoses though now it is established that the infestant of Corynebacterium minutissimum has no relation to mushrooms, and a disease - pseudo-mycosis. Korinebakteriya are only in a corneous layer of epidermis, hair and nails do not strike. At microscopic examination of scales from affected areas of skin it is possible to find the thin twisting threads of various length reminding a mycelium and kokkovidny cells (in the form of small groups or chains round a dispute).

Treatment of the Erythrasma:

Treatment of an erythrasma provides use of outside means for peeling and disinfection of skin - erythromycin and sulfur-tar ointment.

Ointment is rubbed in problem zones twice a day for a week. Besides, for processing of the infectious centers use 5% salicyl alcohol, 3% salicylic and resorcinol alcohol, 2% spirit solution of iodine. In case of extensive defeat of integuments the dermatologist appoints antibiotics for intake. For the purpose of elimination of reddening and puffiness apply aqueous solutions of aniline dyes. Physiotherapeutic procedures with ultraviolet, and also daily suntan within 30 - 40 minutes under the morning and evening sun are very useful.

Soft ultraviolet rays possess the antiseptic and drying action therefore they interfere with an exacerbation of a disease. For successful treatment of an erythrasma it is necessary to carry out disinfection of bed linen, clothes, footwear and other objects of use. The clothes and underwear need to be washed and ironed daily the iron. For the purpose of the prevention of palindromias it is regularly recommended to wipe for one month skin folds with 2% solution of salicyl alcohol or 1 - 2% solution of camphoric alcohol, and then to apply on them talc or boric acid.