Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition of skin folds, induced or aggravated by heat, moisture, maceration, friction, and lack of air circulation. The condition frequently is worsened or colonized by infection, which most commonly is candidal but also may be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Intertrigo commonly affects the axilla, perineum, inframammary creases, and abdominal folds. Diaper dermatitis shows significant overlap with intertrigo. Intertrigo is a common complication of obesity and diabetes.Intertrigo is common, especially in hot humid environments. The condition is a common complication of diabetes, and it affects most infants as a component of diaper dermatitis. Intertrigo commonly is seasonal, associated with heat and humidity or strenuous activity in which chafing occurs. Intertrigo usually is chronic with insidious onset of itching, burning, and stinging in skin folds.
Intertrigo develops from mechanical factors and secondary infection. Satellite lesions, small areas of the same rash that are close to the main rash, are characteristic of intertrigo and other Candida skin infections. Heat and maceration are central to the process. Opposing skin surfaces rub against each other, causing erosions that become inflamed. Sweat, feces, urine, and discharge may aggravate intertrigo in both adults and infants. Intertrigo affects people who are very old and very young because of reduced immunity, immobilization, and incontinence. Erythema and weeping may progress to maceration and crusting. Intertrigo is an inflammation of your skin. It is caused by two surfaces of skin rubbing together.
Causes of Intertrigo
1.Initiating factors include friction, perspiration, maceration, or irritation from stool, urine, drainage, or topical agents.
2.Autoeczematization.
3.Infection also may be factors.
4.Candida albicans.
5.Staphylococcus aureus.
6.Erythrasma.
Symptoms ofIntertrigo
1.Red and moist skin
2.Blisters or scales
3.Smell cheesy or yeasty.
4.Inner thighs, in your armpits, underneath your breasts, in the folds of the skin on your abdomen, between your fingers and toes
5.Sweating.
6.Seborrhoeic dermatitis or thrush (candidiasis).
Treatment of Intertrigo
The most common treatment being a baby diaper rash ointment such as a topical zinc oxide cream. Some commonly available over the counter brand names: Sudocrem, Desitin, Butt Paste, and Balmex. There are also many other generic diaper rash creams that may work. Also for a persistent intertrigo infection it is common for an anti-fungal cream, most commonly clotrimazole 1%, to be used in conjunction with a diaper rash ointment. Bacteria may be treated with topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin and erythromycin. Inflammatory skin diseases are often treated with low potency topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. More potent steroids are usually tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream may also prove effective. Yeasts and fungi may be treated with topical antifungals such as clotrimazole and terbinafine cream or oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine.
Author: Jerry White
