Intertrigo
Encyclopedia
An intertrigo is an inflammation
(rash
) of the body folds (adjacent areas of skin
).
An intertrigo sometimes refers to a bacteria
l, fungal
, or viral
infection
that has developed at the site of broken skin due to such inflammation. A frequent manifestation is Candidal intertrigo
.
An intertrigo usually develops from the chafing of warm, moist skin in the areas of the inner thigh
s and genitalia, the armpits, under the breast
s, the underside of the belly, behind the ear
s, and the web spaces between the toe
s and finger
s. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore. Intertrigos occur more often among overweight
individuals, those with diabetes, those restricted to bed rest
or diaper
use, and those who use medical devices, like artificial limbs, that trap moisture against the skin. Also, there are several skin diseases that can cause an intertrigo to develop, such as dermatitis
or inverse psoriasis
.
ointment such as a topical zinc oxide
cream. Some commonly available over the counter
brand names: Sudocrem
, Desitin, 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.
It is suggested to use a paper towel or disposable non-latex gloves to apply the zinc oxide cream and/or anti-fungal ointment(s) to avoid excessive hand washing, as it is very difficult to wash zinc oxide ointment from the hands because it resists water.
Hydrocortisone available at drug stores and over the counter in low dosages is beneficial in relieving the pain and symptoms of the infection but is not curative.
Keeping the area of the intertrigo dry and exposed to the air can help prevent recurrences. Conversely, sufferers have said that daily application of emulsifying ointment to often-affected areas acts as a preventive measure. If the individual is overweight, losing weight
can help. Using antibacterial soap (be careful with this because it can be counterproductive because it upsets the skin even more, so observe the effectiveness of this intervention closely), surrounding the skin with absorbent cotton
or a band of cotton fabric
, and treating the skin with absorbent body powders, including plain cornstarch, and even antiperspirants (with caution: do not apply it directly on the intertrigo because it will hurt) will all help prevent future occurrences. Relapses of intertrigos are common, however, and require periodic care
from a dermatologist
.
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
(rash
Rash
A rash is a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked or blistered, swell and may be painful. The causes, and...
) of the body folds (adjacent areas of skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
).
An intertrigo sometimes refers to a bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
l, fungal
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
, or viral
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
infection
Infection
An infection is the colonization of a host organism by parasite species. Infecting parasites seek to use the host's resources to reproduce, often resulting in disease...
that has developed at the site of broken skin due to such inflammation. A frequent manifestation is Candidal intertrigo
Candidal intertrigo
Candidal intertrigo is an infection of the skin by Candida albicans, more specifically located between intertriginous folds of adjacent skin....
.
An intertrigo usually develops from the chafing of warm, moist skin in the areas of the inner thigh
Thigh
In humans the thigh is the area between the pelvis and the knee. Anatomically, it is part of the lower limb.The single bone in the thigh is called the femur...
s and genitalia, the armpits, under the breast
Breast
The breast is the upper ventral region of the torso of a primate, in left and right sides, which in a female contains the mammary gland that secretes milk used to feed infants.Both men and women develop breasts from the same embryological tissues...
s, the underside of the belly, behind the ear
Ear
The ear is the organ that detects sound. It not only receives sound, but also aids in balance and body position. The ear is part of the auditory system....
s, and the web spaces between the toe
Toe
Toes are the digits of the foot of a tetrapod. Animal species such as cats that walk on their toes are described as being digitigrade. Humans, and other animals that walk on the soles of their feet, are described as being plantigrade; unguligrade animals are those that walk on hooves at the tips of...
s and finger
Finger
A finger is a limb of the human body and a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the hands of humans and other primates....
s. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore. Intertrigos occur more often among overweight
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...
individuals, those with diabetes, those restricted to bed rest
Bed rest
Bed rest is a medical treatment involving a period of consistent recumbence in bed. It is used as a treatment for an illness or medical condition, especially when prescribed or chosen rather than resulting from severe prostration or imminent death...
or diaper
Diaper
A nappy or a diaper is a kind of pant that allows one to defecate or urinate on oneself discreetly. When diapers become soiled, they require changing; this process is often performed by a second person such as a parent or caregiver...
use, and those who use medical devices, like artificial limbs, that trap moisture against the skin. Also, there are several skin diseases that can cause an intertrigo to develop, such as dermatitis
Dermatitis
-Etymology:Dermatitis derives from Greek derma "skin" + -itis "inflammation" and genetic disorder.-Terminology:There are several different types of dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may describe eczema, which is also called...
or inverse psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. However, psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of...
.
Treatments
In general, treatment for all skin rashes, less is more, and consult a dermatologist if it persists for more than a week. Infections can be treated with a topical and/or oral medication(s). The most common treatment being a baby diaper rashDiaper rash
Irritant diaper dermatitis is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants.Generic rash or irritant diaper dermatitis is characterized by joined patches of erythema and...
ointment such as a topical zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. It is a white powder that is insoluble in water. The powder is widely used as an additive into numerous materials and products including plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, rubber , lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants,...
cream. Some commonly available over the counter
Over-the-counter drug
Over-the-counter drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional, as compared to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription...
brand names: Sudocrem
Sudocrem
Sudocrem is an over-the-counter medicated cream aimed primarily at the treatment of nappy rash. It is manufactured by Forest Tosara Ltd, one of the companies making up Forest Laboratories Europe....
, Desitin, and Balmex. There are also many other generic diaper rash
Diaper rash
Irritant diaper dermatitis is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants.Generic rash or irritant diaper dermatitis is characterized by joined patches of erythema and...
creams that may work. Also for a persistent intertrigo infection it is common for an anti-fungal cream
Antifungal drug
An antifungal medication is a medication used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis , serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others...
, most commonly clotrimazole
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication commonly used in the treatment of fungal infections such as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and ringworm...
1%, to be used in conjunction with a diaper rash ointment.
It is suggested to use a paper towel or disposable non-latex gloves to apply the zinc oxide cream and/or anti-fungal ointment(s) to avoid excessive hand washing, as it is very difficult to wash zinc oxide ointment from the hands because it resists water.
Hydrocortisone available at drug stores and over the counter in low dosages is beneficial in relieving the pain and symptoms of the infection but is not curative.
Keeping the area of the intertrigo dry and exposed to the air can help prevent recurrences. Conversely, sufferers have said that daily application of emulsifying ointment to often-affected areas acts as a preventive measure. If the individual is overweight, losing weight
Weight loss
Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue...
can help. Using antibacterial soap (be careful with this because it can be counterproductive because it upsets the skin even more, so observe the effectiveness of this intervention closely), surrounding the skin with absorbent cotton
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
or a band of cotton fabric
Textile
A textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands...
, and treating the skin with absorbent body powders, including plain cornstarch, and even antiperspirants (with caution: do not apply it directly on the intertrigo because it will hurt) will all help prevent future occurrences. Relapses of intertrigos are common, however, and require periodic care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
from a dermatologist
Dermatology
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails....
.
Prescription medicines
These prescriptions are usually prescribed by a doctor for extreme cases only.- Grifulvin V
- GriseofulvinGriseofulvinGriseofulvin is an antifungal drug that is administered orally. It is used both in animals and in humans, to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails...
External links
- A.O.C.D.: Intertrigo
- eMedicine: Intertrigo (by Samuel Selden, M.D.)
- DERMAdoctor: Intertrigo (by Audrey Kunin, M.D.)