Table 3. Topical treatments for erythrasma.

EF-G: elongation factor G; g - grams; mg - milligrams; MOA - mechanism of action; tRNA - transfer ribonucleic acid; Tx - treatment

^aHistorically, studies found some topical antifungal agents to be successful in treating erythrasma. The twice daily application of 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate for five days was used as therapy with no reported side effects. Isoconazole (antifungal) inhibits ergosterol synthesis of the fungal cell membrane, and diflucortolone valerate (corticosteroid) dampens the inflammatory response. However, antifungals are currently not used to treat erythrasma [18].

^bWhitfield’s ointment consists of 12% benzoic acid and 6% salicylic acid.

^cThese side effects are uncommon with topical treatment yet have been noted with systemic therapy.

Txa	2% clindamycin	2% fusidic acid	2% mupirocin	Whitfield’s ointmentb
Dosage	Three times daily application for seven days.	Twice daily application for 14 days.	Twice daily application for 14 to 28 days.	Twice daily application for seven days.
MOA	Antibiotic that disrupts protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit.	Antibiotic that interferes with protein synthesis by binding EF-G.	Antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by binding isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase.	Benzoic acid: inhibits bacterial growth. Salicylic acid: keratolytic agent.
Possible adverse effects	Colitis, neutropenia, polyarthritis.c	Allergic reaction, ulceration.	None reported.	Allergic reaction, ulceration.
References	[17]	[16, 17, 19]	[1, 20]	[17]