Patient education: Intertrigo (The Basics)

What is intertrigo? — 

This is a skin condition that affects the skin folds. It can happen anywhere the skin rubs together. Examples include the groin, under the breasts, the armpits, the belly, or between the fingers or toes.

Intertrigo can happen when there is moisture in the skin folds. It is more common in people who cannot easily move their body. For example, older people who cannot get out of bed and babies are more likely to have this problem. Other things that increase the risk include:

●Obesity

●Incontinence (trouble controlling the bladder or bowels)

●Excess sweating

●Certain health problems that affect the immune system, like diabetes

When the skin rubs together, it can get irritated and broken down. Sometimes, this leads to infection.

What are the symptoms of intertrigo? — 

The main symptom is an area in a skin fold that looks raw, moist, and red, red-brown, or darker than your normal skin tone. The area might be tender or itchy. It can also have a bad smell. If the skin is cracked or broken, this can be painful.

Is there a test for intertrigo? — 

No. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have intertrigo by looking at your skin and asking you questions.

Your doctor or nurse might do tests if they think you have an infection. Tests can also sometimes help them tell if you have intertrigo or a different skin problem. For example, they might take a small sample from your skin to look at under a microscope or test in a lab.

How is intertrigo treated? — 

Treatment mainly involves reducing symptoms and preventing infection. Your doctor might suggest you:

●Clean the area each day with a mild soap. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry your skin.

●Let the area get air when possible.

●Use special powder to help keep the area dry.

●Wear cotton or wool clothing. This can help absorb moisture in your skin folds.

●Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight. Your doctor or nurse can help you do this in a healthy way.

●Get treatment for other health problems that might be affecting your skin.

●Use creams or ointments if you have incontinence or use diapers. This can help protect your skin.

●Use a prescription cream to treat skin infection and help with inflammation.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might also suggest other creams or ointments to put on your skin.

After doing these things for a few weeks, most people notice an improvement in their symptoms.

Can intertrigo be prevented? — 

The best way to prevent intertrigo is to try to keep your skin dry in places where the skin rubs together. This includes cleaning your skin every day with a mild soap. After cleaning, dry your skin with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Putting a drying powder on your skin can also help.

If you get intertrigo often, your doctor might give you a cream to put on your skin. This might help lower the risk of the problem coming back.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if:

●Your rash is spreading or has blisters.

●Your rash is not getting better.

●You have signs of an infection, like fever or chills.

More on this topic

Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)