Infections and Allergies

Intertrigo Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is Intertrigo?

Who hasn’t had a rash at some time in their life? Any skin breakdown can lead to complications that are…well, bad!! Moisture and shearing are a bad combination for the skin. One common skin rash that can lead to medical issues is Intertrigo. It is basically a fancy word for a rash that shows up between the folds of your skin. As with any rash or skin issue, infection can be the ugly issue down the road. Understanding intertrigo can help you avoid this issue, and hopefully, this article can give you some guidance on Intertrigo Treatment.

What makes intertrigo different from other skin rashes? This common skin rash can show up at any time during your life and commonly affects areas such as:

• Armpits
• Genital area
• Abdomen
• Under breasts
• Any large skinfold

What causes intertrigo?

This skin condition can be a nuisance, but it can also lead to serious infection. Factors such as diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, incontinence, and excessive sweating can all lead to the development of intertrigo. An intertrigo rash can be caused and exacerbated by:

• Moisture
• Lack of air circulation
• Friction or shearing of skin folds
• Heat
• Insufficient hygiene

Intertrigo Symptoms

Yes, intertrigo is a rash brought about by friction, irritation, and even moisture, but what does it look like? Intertrigo can appear in any skinfold that rubs together and traps moisture. In infants, you may recognize it as diaper rash. Intertrigo symptoms look like:

• Red/brownish rash
• Cracked/crusty skin
• Foul odor
• Raw/oozing skin

How To Treat Intertrigo

If you suffer from intertrigo, the rash you may develop can be uncomfortable, to say the least. Unfortunately, bacteria and yeast thrive in this environment and can lead to dangerous infections. This skin issue typically affects infants, the elderly, overweight folks, and those with limited mobility. It is at its worst during the hot, humid time of the year. Some Intertrigo Treatments your doctor may opt for include:

• Antiperspirants

  This can help reduce moisture levels in and around skin folds.

• Thorough Drying Skin

  After bathing, thoroughly and carefully dry your skin with a soft towel.

• Applying a Paste

  Applying a paste made of aluminum acetate, zinc oxide, and petrolatum to the affected area can help reduce friction and irritation.

• Wear Loose Clothing

  Loose clothing won't scratch or irritate the affected area as much as tighter clothing. It also minimizes the risk of shearing and irritating an intertrigo rash.

• A/C

  Working or staying in an air-conditioned, low-humidity environment can help reduce sweating and minimize moisture in the affected areas.

• Skin Barriers

  These can provide a level of protection against moisture, keeping skin folds dryer and less susceptible to irritation.

• Antimicrobial Silver

  This type of topical cream can help inhibit infection, therefore hopefully minimizing the risk of skin ulcers or other breakdowns.

• Weight Loss

  Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to developing intertrigo. Your doctor may prescribe a weight loss diet or routine to help you reduce excess weight.

If your doctor should determine that an infection accompanies your intertrigo rash, he/she may prescribe topical creams or oral medications such as bacitracin, ketoconazole, mupirocin, or erythromycin. Any oozing of the skin can be treated with a moist compress with a Burrows solution in a 1:20 ratio followed by air drying. One of the best treatments is actually prevention. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggests several methods for preventing intertrigo, such as:

• Placing absorbent material in the affected fold to absorb sweat
• Washing daily with antibacterial soap
• Dusting the affected area with antifungal powder once dry

When to Seek Medical Attention

Yes, intertrigo is common, but it can also be difficult to diagnose properly since it is similar to other skin disorders that occur during or around skin folds. If you suspect your skin irritation is a rash due to intertrigo, you should see a skin specialist or dermatologist so they can inspect your skin. Your dermatologist may swab your rash to determine if a yeast or bacterial infection is the cause of your skin rash.

References:

• What Is Intertrigo
• Intertrigo: Risk Factors, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Intertrigo: Everything you need to know

 

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