Comparing the efficacy of erythromycin, single dose clarithromycin and topical fucidic acid in erythrasma

Erythrasma is a superficial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum and usually localised at the intertriginous areas such as toe webs, inguinal area, axillary, inframammary and intergluteal folds. However, there is no concensus on optimal treatment of erythrasma and oral, topical or adjunctive therapies are frequently used. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of erythromycin, single dose clarithromycin and topical fucidic acid in the treatment of erythrasma in a doubleblind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. A hundred and fifty-one adult patients over 18 years of age were included in this study. Patients were randomized and divided into five groups. They received clarithromycin, erythromycin, fucidic acid cream, placebo cream or placebo tablets. Patients were evaluated by Wood?s light reflection scores and the initial score values and the values on the days of 2, 7 and 14 were compared statistically. According to the mean of Wood?s light scores, the efficacy of fucidic acid cream therapy was significantly higher than other therapies. When the efficacy of clarithromycin and erythromycin therapy was compared, clarithromycin therapy was significantly more effective than erythromycin therapy at 48 hours. However, there was no statistically difference on the days of 7 and 14. The results of the current study show that 1 g/day, single dose clarithromycin therapy may be an alternative regimen in the treatment of erythrasma because of its efficiency and better patient?s compliance.