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What's Causing Those Weird Patches Between Your Toes?
Published: Oct 22, 2023
Erythrasma is a common but often overlooked skin infection. It's caused by bacteria and can affect various parts of your body, especially moist areas.
Spotting the Signs
Erythrasma typically appears as scaly, reddish-brown patches in skin folds or between toes. It's often mistaken for athlete's foot or other fungal infections. The key difference? Erythrasma glows coral-red under a special UV light called a Wood's lamp.
Who's at Risk?
While anyone can get erythrasma, certain factors increase your risk. These include diabetes, obesity, excessive sweating, and living in warm, humid climates. The bacteria thrive in moist, occluded areas of skin.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors usually diagnose erythrasma by its appearance and the telltale glow under a Wood's lamp. Treatment options include topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin, or oral antibiotics for more extensive cases. With proper treatment, erythrasma usually clears up within a few weeks.
Prevention Tips
To prevent erythrasma, keep skin folds dry and clean. Use antiperspirants to control sweating, and wear breathable fabrics. If you're prone to recurrences, your doctor might recommend preventive measures like using antibacterial soaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not typically spread from person to person.
Yes, recurrences are common without proper prevention.
No, it can occur in any warm, moist skin folds.
Some may help, but antibiotics are more effective.
Typically 2-3 weeks for topical treatments.
The Bottom Line
While erythrasma isn't serious, it can be persistent and uncomfortable if left untreated.
References
- Holdiness MR. Management of cutaneous erythrasma. Drugs 2002; 62:1131.
- Avci O, et al. J Dermatolog Treat 2013; 24:70.
- Inci M, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2012; 26:1372.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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