From the FDA Drug Label
Erythrasma: In the treatment of infections due to Corynebacterium minutissimum Erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of Erythrasma, which is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum 1.
- The treatment should be used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
- The dosage and administration for erythromycin topical solution is applied over the affected areas twice a day (morning and evening) after the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry 2.
From the Research
Erythrasma is best treated with topical 2% mupirocin ointment applied twice daily, as it has been shown to lead to the resolution of the infection, as demonstrated in a case report published in 2020 3. The treatment of erythrasma, a bacterial infection of the skin caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, typically involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics.
- The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2020, recommends the use of topical 2% mupirocin ointment applied twice daily 3.
- Another study published in 2017 also supports the use of mupirocin 2% ointment monotherapy, with complete resolution of erythrasma occurring in all nine men treated with this regimen 4.
- Other treatment options, such as oral erythromycin and topical clindamycin, have also been shown to be effective in treating erythrasma, but the most recent evidence suggests that topical 2% mupirocin ointment is a viable and effective treatment option 5, 6.
- It is essential to note that antifungal treatments, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, are not effective in treating erythrasma, as the infection is caused by bacteria, not fungi.
- The diagnosis of erythrasma can be confirmed by the characteristic coral-red fluorescence under Wood's lamp examination, which is due to the porphyrins produced by the bacteria 3.