Which of the following patients is at highest risk for the development of the skin disorder known as erythrasma?

Erythrasma is a superficial skin infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum, which thrives in warm, moist environments. The condition typically presents as reddish-brown patches in intertriginous areas such as the groin, axillae, and between toes.

Patients living in tropical climates are at the highest risk for developing erythrasma due to several factors. The warm and humid conditions of tropical environments create an ideal habitat for the bacteria to flourish. Increased sweating and friction in these climates further contribute to the breakdown of the skin barrier, making it easier for opportunistic pathogens like Corynebacterium to invade and cause infection.

In contrast, individuals living in cold northern climates are less likely to experience the warm, moist conditions conducive to the development of erythrasma. Similarly, lactating and postmenopausal women may have localized changes in their skin due to hormonal fluctuations or moisture but are not as specifically at risk for erythrasma in the same way that individuals in tropical climates are. These environmental and physiological factors collectively position those living in tropical regions as the population at highest risk for this skin disorder.