Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu

Contents
  • The Diabetes Connection
  • The Weight Factor
  • Sweat It Out
  • Age and Immunity

Are You at Risk for Erythrasma? 5 Factors That Increase Your Chances

Are You at Risk for Erythrasma? 5 Factors That Increase Your Chances

The Perfect Storm

Erythrasma doesn't discriminate, but certain factors can make you more susceptible to this sneaky skin infection. Understanding these risk factors can help you stay one step ahead.
Contents
  • The Diabetes Connection
  • The Weight Factor
  • Sweat It Out
  • Age and Immunity

The Diabetes Connection

People with diabetes are more prone to erythrasma. High blood sugar levels can affect your skin's ability to fight off bacteria, creating an ideal environment for the Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria to thrive. If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control is key to reducing your risk.

The Weight Factor

Obesity increases your risk of erythrasma. Extra skin folds provide more warm, moist areas where bacteria can grow. These areas are often harder to keep dry and clean, making them perfect breeding grounds for the erythrasma-causing bacteria.
Factors that increase the risk of developing erythrasma, a skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. These include diabetes, obesity, and skin folds.

Age and Immunity

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to erythrasma. As we age or when our immune system is compromised, our body's natural defenses against bacteria may not be as strong, making it easier for infections like erythrasma to take hold.

FAQs

Can children get erythrasma?

It's rare in children but possible.

Does climate affect erythrasma risk?

Yes, warm and humid climates increase risk.

Can certain medications increase risk?

Some medications that suppress the immune system may increase risk.

Is erythrasma contagious?

It's not typically spread from person to person.

Can tight clothing increase risk?

Yes, it can create warm, moist areas where bacteria thrive.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding your risk factors is the first step in preventing erythrasma and maintaining healthy skin.
Concerned about your erythrasma risk? Talk to Doctronic about personalized prevention strategies.
Additional References
  1. Holdiness MR. Drugs 2002; 62:1131.
  2. Somerville DA. J Med Microbiol 1970; 3:57.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.