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Intertrigo - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What is Intertrigo ?

Intertrigo is the word used to describe a rash in body folds. Affected skin is reddened and uncomfortable. Intertrigo is particularly common in those who are overweight. Intertrigo is an inflammation of the top layers of skin caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungi in the folds of the skin. The affected areas are usually pink to brown. Intertrigo commonly affects the axilla, perineum, inframammary creases, and abdominal folds.

Intertrigo is a red, moist irritation or infection of the crease areas of the body, especially the genitocrural (groin) area of more obese individuals. It is due to excessive moisture and friction, and can be infected with Candida albicans (yeast).

Causes of Intertrigo

Intertrigo is common in warm, moist climates. Intertrigo tends to occur in warm, moist areas of the body where two skin surfaces rub or press against each other. It is most common in overweight individuals. This condition may also be seen in people who are restricted to bed rest or in those who wear medical devices that may trap moisture against the skin, such as artificial limbs, splints, and braces.

Symptoms of Intertrigo

Symptoms of intertrigo can appear wherever the skin falls in folds: usually around the armpits, the belly, the inner thighs, or under the breasts. Chafing causes the skin to become red. Continued chafing creates raw spots, where the skin is broken open. These areas may itch, burn, or sting. Bacteria or yeast can enter through cracks in the skin, causing infection.

Treatment of Intertrigo

The most important treatment for intertrigo is to keep the area clean and dry. Your doctor may prescribe a cream to treat soreness and itching. Some of the home treatment for intertrigo includes :-

• Weight loss is helpful in the treatemnt of intertrigo, which are over weight.
• Wear cool, loose clothing. Next to the skin, cotton is the best.
• Aloe vera gel, ginkgo and green tea extract have antioxidant properties that can aid in healing of intertrigo. One of the best treatment to treat intertrigo.
• Bacteria may be treated with topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin and erythromycin.
• Soak a wash cloth in malva tea and apply it as warm compress to the infected area to reduce inflammation.
• Yeasts and fungi may be treated with topical antifungals such as clotrimazole and terbinafine cream or oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine.

Prevention for Intertrigo

• Keeping the area dry and exposed to the air can prevent recurrences.
• Good general hygiene helps prevent Intertrigo.
• It also helps to wash daily with an antibacterial soap and dust with Zeasorb AF Powder.

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