Laboratory Studies

Wood light examination of erythrasma lesions reveals coral-red fluorescence of lesions. Results may be negative if the patient bathed prior to presentation.^[31]Note the image below. The cause of this color fluorescence has been attributed to excess coproporphyrin III synthesis by these organisms, which accumulates in cutaneous tissue and emits a coral-red fluorescence when exposed to a Wood light.^[32]

Under Wood lamp examination, the porphyrins produced by the bacteria fluoresce with a coral pink color. A small focus is visible on this photo. If the patient recently has bathed, the pigment may be washed away. In suspicious cases, a repeat examination the following day may be necessary. Courtesy of Michael Bryan, MD.

View Media Gallery

In culture media composed of 20% fetal bovine serum, 2% agar, 78% tissue culture medium #199, and 0.05% tris, the organisms grow as nonhemolytic, 1- to 1.5-mm smooth colonies. Methylene blue stain may be used to highlight both the fungal spores of pityriasis versicolor and the curved or club-shaped bacterial rods of C minutissimum, the causative agent of erythrasma, in case both organisms coexist.^[25]

Comparing the diagnostic yield between Wood lamp examination and Gram stain, it was found that 9% of patients were positive on the former and 15.6% were positive on the latter. Using both Wood lamp examination and Gram staining concurrently resulted in a higher yield of 22.1% for positive patients.^[30]

Histologic Findings

The diphtheroid bacteria that cause erythrasma are present in the horny layer as rods and filaments.^[33]

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Lichenification and hyperpigmentation are common. The skin occasionally has a wrinkled appearance with scales. KOH test results are negative. Courtesy of Michael Bryan, MD.
Under Wood lamp examination, the porphyrins produced by the bacteria fluoresce with a coral pink color. A small focus is visible on this photo. If the patient recently has bathed, the pigment may be washed away. In suspicious cases, a repeat examination the following day may be necessary. Courtesy of Michael Bryan, MD.

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Author

Abdul-Ghani Kibbi, MD, FACP Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Robin Travers, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Dartmouth University School of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, New England Baptist Hospital; Private Practice, SkinCare Physicians

Robin Travers, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Informatics Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Women's Dermatologic Society, Medical Dermatology Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Fady G Haddad, MD Specialist Dermatologist, Dubai Healthcare City, UAE

Fady G Haddad, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Ruba Faik Bahhady, MD Senior Specialist, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Maria S Bou Sleiman, MD Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Zenus Saleh, MD Staff Physician, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center

Zenus Saleh, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.