viewed under ultraviolet light, the areas of infec-
tion appear a deep coral color. Corynebacteria, BAC-
TERIAnormally present on the skin, are responsible
for the infection. People who have DIABETES or
OBESITY are especially susceptible to erythrasma.
Treatment is topical and sometimes oral erythro-
mycin, an antibiotic medication, which completely
eliminates the infection within 10 to 14 days. As
with all antibiotics, it is important to take the
erythromycin (or other prescribed antibiotic) as
the doctor directs and until the medication is
gone. Erythrasma may recur (come back) if the
environment of the skin continues to support the
growth of Corynebacteria.
See also ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS; CELLULITIS;
ERYSIPELAS.erythrasma 157