Intertrigo - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Intertrigo may be define as an inflammation of the body folds. It is a common skin condition affecting opposing cutaneous or mucocutaneous surfaces. Intertrigo is common and especially in hot humid environments. The condition is a common complication of diabetes. It affects most infants as a component of diaper dermatitis. Intertrigo is inflammation of skinfolds caused by skin-on-skin friction. Heat and maceration are central to the process. Opposing skin surfaces rub against each other, causing erosions that become inflamed. Sweat, feces, urine, and vaginal discharge may aggravate intertrigo in both adults and infants Intertrigo is particularly common in those who are overweight. Intertrigo develops from mechanical factors and secondary infection. Heat and maceration are central to the process.

Intertrigo is the word used to describe a rash in body folds. Affected skin is reddened and uncomfortable. Intertrigo develops from mechanical factors and secondary infection. Sweat, feces, urine, and vaginal discharge may aggravate intertrigo in both adults and infants. Intertrigo is dependent on the skin area involved and the duration of inflammation. Erythema and weeping may progress to maceration and crusting. Intertrigo is an inflammation of your skin. Rash extends just beyond the limits of the opposing skin folds. Satellite lesions, small areas of the same rash that are close to the main rash, are characteristic of intertrigo and other Candida skin infections.

Causes of Intertrigo

Common causes of Intertrigo

• Initiating factors (friction, perspiration, maceration, or irritation from stool).,
• Autoeczematization.
• Infection.
• Candida albicans.
• Erythrasma.
• Tinea pedis (athletes foot).
• Bullous pemphigoid.

Symptoms of Intertrigo

Common Symptoms of Intertrigo

• Red and moist skin
• Blisters or scales
• Cheesy and yeasty.
• Sweating.
• Thrush (candidiasis).

Treatment of Intertrigo

Common Treatment of Intertrigo

• Sweating may be reduced with a gentle antiperspirant .
• Bacteria may be treated with topical antibiotics ( Petrolatum, zinc oxide, and aluminum acetate )such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin and erythromycin.
• Yeasts and fungi may be treated with topical antifungals such as clotrimazole and terbinafine cream or oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine
• Zinc oxide, cod liver oil, and talc and Dimethicone treated Intertrigo.
• Inflammatory skin diseases are often treated with low potency topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone.
• Avoided in the flexures because they may cause skin thinning resulting in stretch marks ( striae ) and even ulcers. Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream may also prove effective.

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