Coral-Red Fluorescence of Erythrasma Plaque

A potassium hydroxide preparation of tissue scrapings was negative for fungal elements or cultures. Comment Erythrasma is a localised and chronic skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum.1–3 It appears as patches that are either asymptomatic and well-defined or irregular in shape and si...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sultan Qaboos University medical journal 2016-08, Vol.16 (3), p.381-382
Main Authors: Blasco Morente, Gonzalo, Arias Santiago, Salvador, Perez Lopez, Israel, Martinez Lopez, Antonio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
DERMATITIS
DIAGNOSIS
Infections
Interesting Medical Image
Potash
Potassium
SKIN DISEASES
VESICULAR ERUPTION
أمراض الجلد
إلتهاب الجلد
الأمراض الجلدية
التشخيص
التهاب الجلد
الطفح الحويصلي
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Summary:A potassium hydroxide preparation of tissue scrapings was negative for fungal elements or cultures. Comment Erythrasma is a localised and chronic skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum.1–3 It appears as patches that are either asymptomatic and well-defined or irregular in shape and size and red/ brown in colour.3–5 The diagnosis is usually clinical, but a WL examination can show characteristic fluorescence due to coproporphyrin III produced by the bacteria.2,3 The WL emits ultraviolet A radiation with wavelengths between 320–400 nm and is useful in the diagnosis of disorders of pigmentation, skin infections (such as erythrasma) and porphyrias. 2 However, microscopic examinations (e.g. Gram staining of an epidermis scraping to reveal Gram-positive filaments and rods) and cultures on different types of media (e.g. 20% fetal bovine serum, 2% agar and 78% tissue culture medium #199) may be required in certain cases.4,5 A potassium hydroxide preparation of tissue scrapings can rule out concomitant infections, especially in patients with interdigital involvement.4 The differential diagnosis of erythrasma includes candidiasis, psoriasis and dermatophytosis.1–5 The most effective treatment is 500 mg of erythromycin twice daily for 14 days, with cure rates as high as 100%; however, other treatments with topical antibiotics and antifungals have also demonstrated good responses.1–5 1.
ISSN:2075-051X
2075-0528
DOI:10.18295/squmj.2016.16.03.023