Erythrasma in Khuzestan Province: An Eleven-year Study (2003–2014)

Background and Objectives This study aimed to determine the frequency of erythrasma, a superficial mycosis in outpatients referring to Iran-Zamin Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Ahvaz, the provincial capital of Khuzestan, over eleven years (2003-2014). Subjects and Methods The investigation was carried out by direct testing on patients. Shaved skin from the infected areas, including the inguinal, axillary, interdigital space, and inframammary, was tested directly using 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH). Samples were stained with 2.5% methylene blue. Results A total of 25,643 patients were referred to Iran-Zemin Medical Diagnostic Laboratory from various parts of Khuzestan province. Among this population, 942 (3.67%) subjects were suffering from erythrasma, with 625 (66.4%) males and 317 (33.6%) females, ranging in age from 1 to 67 years. Erythrasma was found in 942 of the suspected patients. Therefore, 715 inguinal areas (75.9%), 133 axillary areas (14.1%), 58 interdigital regions (6.2%), and 36 inframammary regions (3.8%) were all positive for erythrasma disease. As a result, the results of the present study can be useful in providing accurate information on the prevalence of erythrasma in Khuzestan province. Regarding this, management, control, and monitoring of the spread of this disease are essential. Conclusion The findings of the present study confirmed the frequency of erythrasma in the region and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The most commonly affected part was the groin and its frequency was higher in males.