Erythrasma is effectively treated with topical or oral medications, with topical treatments often being the first line of defense.
Topical Treatments for Erythrasma
Several topical agents are effective at killing or inhibiting the growth of the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum, which causes erythrasma. These include:
- Erythromycin: A common antibiotic applied directly to the affected skin.
- Clindamycin: Another antibiotic that can be used topically to treat erythrasma.
- Fusidic acid: An antibiotic cream that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.
- Miconazole cream: An antifungal cream that also exhibits antibacterial properties.
These creams are typically applied 2-3 times daily for a period specified by your healthcare provider (often around 2 weeks).
Oral Treatments for Erythrasma
In more severe or widespread cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary. Common oral antibiotics used to treat erythrasma include:
- Erythromycin: An oral form of the antibiotic.
- Tetracycline: Another antibiotic that can be effective against Corynebacterium minutissimum.
The choice of medication and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and your doctor's recommendation.
Hygiene and Prevention
While medication is important, good hygiene practices also play a vital role in treating and preventing erythrasma. These include:
- Keeping the affected areas clean and dry.
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing.
- Using antifungal or antibacterial soaps.
