Intertrigo (Skin Fold Rash)

What Would You Like to Know About?

Overview

Intertrigo is a red irritated rash that develops between skin folds, such as armpits, under breasts, under abdominal folds, in creases around the groin, between buttocks, inner thighs, or between toes.

Symptoms

The rash that occurs between skin folds is often uncomfortable. Chafing between skin folds leads to red, moist, sometimes cracked skin that is painful & inflamed, which can also have a foul odor. Sometimes large & painful fissures or cracks form. This condition can make you uncomfortable with activity.

Cause

Intertrigo is caused mostly by friction and increased moisture between skin folds. The increase in yeast & bacteria that follows can further contribute to the rash. Other skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis and other conditions can mimic intertrigo.

Treatment

Keeping the affected areas cool and dry helps. While this is difficult for people living in hot and humid climates, adequately cleaning and drying the affected areas can help this condition. Shower and dry off thoroughly everyday to wash off the organisms such as yeast that can accumulate. Simple maneuvers such as blow drying affected areas with a hair dryer on a cool setting can help dry areas. Avoid wearing tight clothes and shoes that compress the affected areas together. Women should wear a bra with good support to prevent skin to skin contact. If overweight, losing weight is extremely helpful in this condition.

OTC Treatment Options

OTC Topicals

Treat

Zeabsorb AF Powder

Other Options +

Triple Paste AF

Instructions

Clean & dry the affected areas thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of Zeasorb AF Powder.

OTC Tips

Keeping the affected areas cool and dry is important. While difficult for people living in hot and humid climates, adequately cleaning & drying the affected areas can help this condition. Shower and dry off thoroughly everyday to minimize yeast & bacteria that can accumulate. Simple maneuvers such as blow drying affected areas with a hair dryer on a cool setting can help dry areas. Avoid wearing tight clothes and shoes that compress the affected areas together. Women should wear a bra with good support. If overweight, losing weight is extremely helpful in this condition.

Zeasorb AF powder contains talc & 2% miconazole (anti-yeast & anti-fungal agent). It is typically marketed to treat jock itch or athlete’s foot. Triple Paste AF is an ointment mostly used to treat diaper rash, but can be helpful in adults as a barrier cream that makes skin less prone to rubbing & irritation. It contains zinc oxide & 2% miconazole (anti-yeast & anti-fungal).

If following the above recommendations does not improve your condition, see a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment, particularly if symptoms are severe or persist.