Erythrasma: A Clinical study

The normal human skin is colonized by huge numbers of bacteria that live harmlessly as commensals on its surface and within its follicles. At times, overgrowth of some of these resident organisms may cause minor disease of skin or its appendages. If the skin is damaged or the immune status of the subject is impaired, bacteria usually regarded nonpathogenic on body surface may assume the role of opportunist pathogens. Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the skin widely prevalent all over the world. The causative agent is an aerobic diphtheroid called Corynebacterium minutissimum. Extensive work has been carried out by scientists regarding its microbiology, biochemical characters and pathogenicity which has expanded our knowledge about the condition. These organisms contribute to cutaneous ecosystem normally and their behaviour as pathogens requires local or systemic devitalising factors. AIMS OF THE STUDY : The aims of the study are 1. To study the age and sex distribution of the patient. 2. To study the clinical profile of erythrasma. 3. To study the predisposing conditions. 4. To study the association of other corynebacterial skin infections and fungal infections. 5. To study the association of other skin disorders. CONCLUSION : The following conclusions were drawn from this study 1. More common in females. 2. Mean age of occurrence was 40 - 50 years. 3. Itching and cosmetic disability were the predominant complaints. 4. Maculopapular form in groins was the most common presentation. 5. The disease was chronic with remissions and relapses related to the tropical climate. 6. Obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism were the common predisposing conditions. 7. Trichomycosis axillaris and keratolysis punctata were the other corynebacterial infections associated with it. 8. Dermatophytosis and candidiasis were the most common fungal infections associated. 9. Melasma, acanthosis nigricans and vitiligo were the most common skin disorders seen in association. 10.Woods lamp examination and Gram stain were useful procedures to confirm the diagnosis of erythrasma