INTERTRIGO

Intertrigo is inflamed skin of the body folds caused by chronic heat and sweat. Sweat/moisture and heat inflame the skin, friction may aggravate and infection with fungus (e.g. Candida) and bacteria may occur. The skin under the breasts in women, the skin between the thigh and scrotum of men and under the belly folds are typical sites--any place where skin folds exist.

What does Intertrigo look like?

The skin of a body fold becomes red and inflamed. A bad odor may be noted. Itching is typical. White, cheesy material may represent infection with Candida. A bright red color and pain may signify bacteria. Pustules (whiteheads) are another sign of infection, either by fungus or bacteria.

What can I do to treat the Intertrigo?

If the skin is weeping:

• Apply a cold water compress (use a clean washcloth soaked in cold tap water) or Domeboro compresses (available OTC; use the 1 to 40 dilution) or diluted bleach (see below).
• Leave the compress on for 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat the compress twice a day until the rash has dried and is no longer oozing.
• After the compress, dry the area completely and apply the topical creams twice daily (see below).
• If you are not doing compresses, just apply the creams to the rash area twice daily (see below).

Topical creams

• Miconazole cream AND Hydrocortisone 1% cream (both available OTC) can be mixed together and applied twice a day.
• Your doctor might prescribe a mild prescription-strength topical steorid, e.g., desonide.
• Or, if your doctor thinks Candida is present, he/she may prescribe a topical antifungal agent like ketaconazole cream.

Keeping it cool and dry.

Once the intertrigo is under control, it is critical to keep the skin "cool and dry" to prevent recurrence. Ask yourself the following questions.

• Does that area stay hot and sweaty?
• How hot do I get during the day?
• Do I need/have air conditioning at work? At home?
• Do I wear tight or too much clothing that is increasing heat and sweat?
• Should I wear more cotton and/or fabric that breathes.
• For men with intertrigo of the groin, would boxers be better than briefs?

Blow dryer and antiperspirant

Many patients find benefit doing in the following. Shower every day and then blow dry the area after the shower. Get it totally dry and then apply either a powder or a roll-on antiperspirant (treat the area like an armpit!). If you work out, shower again and use a blow dryer to dry the area daily before dressing.

Powders

There are various powders available that can be helpful. For example, Zeasorb-AF contains an antifungal agent, typically miconazole nitrate, to treat fungal infections, while Zeasorb Prevention focuses on absorbing excess moisture to prevent discomfort and irritation.

Diluted Bleach

Diluted bleach can be excellent when a body fold becomes moist, itchy and presumably full of bacteria. You can mix a solution of 40:1 water to bleach. Soak a washcloth and apply to the affected area. Let dry. Do just once and it can soothe and heal the area for days to weeks.

Other Ideas

If overweight, weight loss will help. Speak with your doctor about Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonist.

Some athletes can get an irritation in the groin from the friction that occurs with exercise. Olive or other oil applied before workouts to decrease friction may be tried.

Let your doctor know if the above approach is not successful or if you have any questions.