Corynebacteria

Learning objectives
Introduction
Pitted keratolysis
Erythrasma
Trichomycosis axillaris
Activity

Learning objectives

• Identify and manage cutaneous corynebacteria infections

Introduction

Corynebacteria are small gram positive cocci generally considered to be commensal organisms. However, under certain circumstances they can cause skin problems.

Pitted keratolysis

Pitted keratolysis causes smelly feet. It is associated with hyperhidrosis and occlusive footwear. It is caused by corynebacteria, and/or possibly Dermatophilus congolensis.

Either the forefoot or the heel or both become white with clusters of punched-out pits, more obvious when the skin is wet.

Pitted keratolysis

		©R Suhonen

Treatment

Pitted keratolysis can be successfully treated with topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream, or with oral erythromycin.

It will quickly recur unless the feet are kept dry. Advice to the patient should include:

• Wear boots for as short a period as possible
• Wear socks which effectively absorb sweat i.e. cotton and/or wool
• Wear open-toed sandals whenever possible
• Wash feet with soap or antibacterial cleanser twice daily
• Apply antiperspirant to the feet at least twice weekly
• Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row - dry them out
• Do not share footwear or towels with others.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is an asymptomatic infection due to Corynebacterium minutissimum in skin flexures, most often axillae and groins. It is more prevalent in diabetics.

It presents as a slowly enlarging area of pink or brown dry skin. Wood's light examination reveals coral-pink fluorescence due to porphyrins released by the bacteria. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a swab or scraping for microscopy and culture.

Erythrasma

©R Suhonen

Treatment

Erythrasma can be treated with antiseptic such as Whitfield's ointment or topical antibiotic such (fusidic acid cream, clindamycin solution.

Extensive infection can be treated with oral erythromycin or tetracycline and usually responds promptly. Antibacterial soap can be used to prevent recurrence.

Trichomycosis axillaris

Trichomycosis axillaris is caused by proliferation of Corynebacterium (mostly Corynebacterium tenuis) on underarm hair. Pubic hair infection is known as trichomycosis pubis. Yellow, or less often, black or red, granular nodules or concretions envelop the hair shaft. Sweat may be discoloured and clothing stained.

Trichomycosis axillaris

©R Suhonen

Treatment

Trichomycosis axillaris is most easily treated by shaving the affected area. Benzoyl peroxide gel, antibacterial washes and antiperspirants may also be helpful.

Activity

Describe the microbiology of corynebacteria.

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