This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma. This image displays a scaly rash typical of erythrasma, a bacterial skin infection common in body folds. Erythrasma is displayed as slowly enlarging brown or pink, rough areas in body folds. This image shows the pink-red fluorescence of corynebacteria, an infection of the body folds known as erythrasma, shown under a "woods lamp" in a dark room. As displayed in this image, erythrasma often has a very sharp border.
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Erythrasma  Information for adults

Picture of Erythrasma: This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma. Divider line
This image displays a bacterial skin infection between the toes typical of erythrasma.
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Signs and Symptoms
Erythrasma looks like a patch of pink to red, scaly skin. The border of erythrasma is well-defined, meaning there is a sharp border between the affected patch and the surrounding normal skin. Over time, the pink or red color fades to tan or brown.

Erythrasma is typically located in moist body folds such as:
  • Under the arms (axillae)
  • In the groin and inner thighs
  • Between the toes, especially between the 4th and 5th toes
Less commonly, erythrasma can be found in the buttock crevice or in the folds underneath the breasts. In certain individuals, especially in those with diabetes, the infection can become widespread and can involve the trunk, arms, and legs.

Erythrasma usually causes no symptoms, but some people report mild itching or burning, especially in the groin area.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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