What should you know about erythrasma treatment?

A clinician may recognise erythrasma from its red-brown or darker, finely scaly patches in a fold, then use an examination aid or surface test if fungus or eczema is also possible. Treatment depends on the extent and location of the rash, your health, and whether it has returned before. A topical antibacterial medicine is commonly considered for a limited area; more extensive or persistent infection may need a different prescription plan. Improvement in the infection may occur before the colour fully normalises.

Use the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and apply it only to the areas and skin surfaces your clinician describes. Wash gently, dry by patting, and allow folds to cool before dressing. Breathable clothing and changing damp garments can reduce moisture and rubbing. Do not combine several medicated creams, share treatment, or stop early because the patch looks quieter. Read more about this treatment category at [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/).

Contact a clinician promptly if pain, heat, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly spreading redness appears. Seek review if there is no clear improvement with the prescribed plan, if the rash repeatedly returns, or if the diagnosis remains uncertain. A persistent fold smell can be discussed alongside [Body Odour](/symptoms/body-odour/), while groin itch may need separate consideration through [Itchy Groin](/symptoms/groin-itching/).

What confirms the diagnosis? Which medicine is suitable for this location? Should I treat both sides of the fold? How will we know whether remaining colour is infection or post-inflammatory change? What should I do if symptoms return?