Rash under skin folds. Intertrigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options for Skin Fold Rashes

27.05.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main causes of intertrigo. How can you identify symptoms of this skin condition. What are the most effective treatments for managing intertrigo rashes. How can you prevent intertrigo from developing in skin folds.

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Understanding Intertrigo: A Common Skin Fold Condition

Intertrigo is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas where skin rubs against skin, typically in folds or creases. This friction, combined with moisture and heat, creates an ideal environment for irritation and potential microbial growth. While often overlooked, intertrigo can cause significant discomfort and requires proper attention and care.

Key Characteristics of Intertrigo

Typically occurs in skin folds
Caused by friction, moisture, and heat
Can affect people of all ages
May be accompanied by secondary infections

Is intertrigo contagious. No, intertrigo itself is not contagious. However, any secondary bacterial or fungal infections that develop in the affected area may be transmissible through direct contact.

Common Locations for Intertrigo Development

Intertrigo can appear in various areas of the body where skin-to-skin contact occurs. Understanding these common locations can help in early identification and prompt treatment.

Typical Affected Areas

Armpits
Under the breasts
Groin area
Abdominal folds
Between toes and fingers
Neck creases
Buttock cleft

Are certain body areas more prone to intertrigo. Yes, regions with deeper skin folds and those that experience frequent moisture and friction are more susceptible. This includes areas like the armpits, under the breasts, and in the groin.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Intertrigo

Identifying intertrigo early is crucial for effective management. The symptoms can vary in severity but typically share common characteristics.

Clinical Presentation of Intertrigo

Red or reddish-brown rash
Itching or burning sensation
Raw or oozing skin
Unpleasant odor
Cracked or crusty skin texture

Can intertrigo symptoms vary between individuals. Indeed, the presentation of intertrigo can differ based on factors such as the affected area, duration of the condition, and presence of secondary infections.

Underlying Causes and Risk Factors for Intertrigo

Understanding the root causes and risk factors associated with intertrigo is essential for both prevention and treatment. While skin-to-skin friction is the primary culprit, several other factors contribute to its development.

Primary Causes of Intertrigo

Skin friction in folds
Excessive moisture
Lack of air circulation
Heat accumulation

Contributing Factors

Sweat
Urine
Fecal matter

Do certain medical conditions increase the risk of intertrigo. Yes, conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and a weakened immune system can significantly increase the likelihood of developing intertrigo.

High-Risk Groups for Intertrigo

Obese individuals
People with diabetes
Those using splints, braces, or prosthetic limbs
Individuals exposed to high heat and humidity
People with incontinence issues
Those with poor hygiene practices
Individuals with compromised immune systems
Infants, due to their body structure and diaper use

Are there specific skin conditions that predispose to intertrigo. Yes, certain skin diseases like psoriasis can increase the likelihood of developing intertrigo, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dermatological care.

Complications and Secondary Infections Associated with Intertrigo

While intertrigo itself is an inflammatory condition, it can create an environment conducive to secondary infections. These infections can exacerbate symptoms and require additional treatment.

Common Secondary Infections

Yeast infections (e.g., Candida)
Fungal infections
Bacterial infections

Why are skin folds particularly prone to secondary infections. Skin folds provide a warm, moist environment ideal for microbial growth. When the skin barrier is compromised due to intertrigo, it becomes even more susceptible to colonization by opportunistic pathogens.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment of Intertrigo

Proper diagnosis of intertrigo is crucial for effective treatment. While the condition can often be identified through visual examination, additional steps may be necessary to rule out other skin conditions or identify secondary infections.

Diagnostic Process

Visual examination of affected areas
Review of medical history and symptoms
Potential skin scraping or swab for laboratory analysis
Differential diagnosis to rule out other skin conditions

Is a biopsy necessary for diagnosing intertrigo. In most cases, a biopsy is not required for diagnosing intertrigo. However, if the condition is persistent or atypical, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin disorders.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Intertrigo

Managing intertrigo effectively often requires a multi-faceted approach. Treatment strategies aim to reduce inflammation, prevent secondary infections, and alleviate symptoms.

Conservative Management

Keeping the affected area dry and exposed to air
Using moist compresses with astringent solutions
Applying barrier creams to protect skin from irritants

Topical Treatments

Short-term use of topical corticosteroids for inflammation
Antifungal creams or ointments for yeast infections
Antibiotic ointments for bacterial infections

Systemic Treatments

In severe cases or when topical treatments are insufficient, oral medications may be prescribed. These can include systemic antifungals or antibiotics.

How long does it typically take for intertrigo to respond to treatment. The response time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of secondary infections. Many cases show improvement within 1-2 weeks of proper treatment, but some may require longer management.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications for Intertrigo Management

Prevention plays a crucial role in managing intertrigo, especially for those at higher risk. Implementing certain lifestyle changes and preventive strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing or recurring intertrigo.

Daily Hygiene Practices

Thorough daily showering and drying
Keeping skin folds dry and cool
Using absorbent powders in prone areas
Changing out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly

Clothing and Accessory Choices

Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
Choosing moisture-wicking fabrics for exercise
Opting for well-fitting, supportive bras
Considering open-toed shoes if intertrigo affects the feet

Lifestyle Modifications

Weight management for overweight individuals
Regular exercise to improve circulation
Stress reduction techniques to support overall skin health

Can dietary changes help prevent intertrigo. While diet doesn’t directly cause intertrigo, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support skin health can be beneficial. Additionally, for those with diabetes, proper blood sugar control is crucial in preventing skin complications like intertrigo.

Special Considerations for Infants

Infants, particularly those in diapers, require special attention to prevent intertrigo:

Frequent diaper changes to keep the area dry
Use of barrier creams or ointments with each diaper change
Allowing diaper-free time to air out the skin
Choosing breathable, absorbent diapers

Intertrigo, while common, can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, and implementing appropriate treatment and prevention strategies, individuals can effectively manage this skin condition. For those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider or dermatologist is crucial for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

As research in dermatology continues to advance, new treatments and preventive measures for intertrigo may emerge. Staying informed about these developments and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can ensure the most effective management of intertrigo and overall skin health.

Risk Factors, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Annie Stuart

Symptoms of Intertrigo
Causes of Intertrigo
Risk Factors for Intertrigo
Prevention and Treatment of Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a fancy name for a rash that shows up between the folds of skin. It is a very common skin rash that can crop up throughout life.

The most common areas affected include larger skin-fold areas such as:

Armpits
Beneath the breasts
Genital area
Abdomen

What does intertrigo look like? It may cause:

Red or reddish-brown rash
Raw, itchy, or oozing skin
Foul odor
Cracked or crusty skin

Intertrigo may appear in any skin folds that rub together and trap moisture. In infants, intertrigo often shows up as diaper rash.

Intertrigo can occur:

Between toes and fingers
In armpits
In the inner thighs
In the groin and at the scrotum
On the underside of your breasts or belly
In the crease of your neck
Between the buttocks

If you have any symptoms of intertrigo, be sure to see your doctor. Your doctor can check for the presence of infection as well.

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that can be caused and worsened by many factors. These include:

Moisture
Heat
Lack of air circulation
Friction between skin folds

Sweat, urine, and feces can contribute to the skin problem.

Intertrigo is often accompanied by an infection caused by:

Yeast
Other types of fungus
Bacteria

You are more likely to get these infections in skin folds because these are areas that are warm and tend to stay moist. This creates a welcome environment for the growth of germs.

You are more likely to develop intertrigo if you:

Are obese
Have diabetes
Have a splint, brace, or artificial limb
Are exposed to high heat and humidity

Other possible risk factors include:

Incontinence
Excessive sweating
Poor hygiene
Malnutrition
A suppressed immune system due to chemotherapy or HIV

Infants — with their chubbiness, shorter necks, and flexed posture — are also at greater risk for intertrigo.

Certain skin diseases such as psoriasis may also prompt the development of intertrigo. So it’s a good idea to have a dermatologist check it out.

If you or your child has intertrigo, your doctor may suggest simply keeping the affected area dry and exposed to the air. You may control oozing with moist compresses of an astringent called Burow’s solution. Then air-dry with a hair dryer set on “cool.”

A barrier cream may be recommended to help protect skin from irritants.

To treat intertrigo, your doctor may recommend short-term use of a topical steroid to reduce inflammation in the area. If the area is also infected, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream or ointment. Sometimes you need an oral medication.

Some simple steps may help lower your risk in the future, such as:

Shower and dry off thoroughly each day. Keep your skin as dry and cool as you can.
Avoid wearing tight shoes or clothing.
Wear a bra with good support.
If the areas between the toes are affected, consider wearing open-toed shoes.
For infants with diaper rash, change diapers more frequently.
If you are overweight, do what you can to lose weight.

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Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What is intertrigo?

Intertrigo is a rash that usually affects the folds of the skin, where the skin rubs together or where it is often moist. This rubbing can cause a breakdown in the top layers of the skin, causing inflammation and a rash. The breakdown of skin makes it easier for bacteria or fungus to develop in this area. It can make the rash worse.

Intertrigo is most common in people who are overweight or who have diabetes. People who have splints, braces, or artificial limbs are also more likely to develop this rash.

Symptoms of intertrigo

Symptoms include a red or reddish-brown rash that can appear anywhere skin rubs together or traps wetness. This rash may burn or itch. The most common areas include:

Between toes
In the armpits
In the groin area
On the underside of the belly or breasts
In the crease of the neck

Intertrigo can also affect the skin between the buttocks. The affected skin will often be very raw and may itch or ooze. In severe cases, intertrigo may cause a foul odor, and the skin may crack and bleed.

What causes intertrigo?

Skin folds sitting together and rubbing together causes intertrigo. This skin-on-skin friction creates a warm, moist environment. This environment invites an overgrowth of yeast, fungus, and bacteria. Intertrigo is not contagious. You cannot catch it from or pass it to another person.

How is intertrigo diagnosed?

The best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have the rash by looking at your skin. No special tests are needed but your doctor may take a sample to determine what type of bacteria or fungus may be present.

Can intertrigo be prevented or avoided?

You can help prevent intertrigo by doing these things:

Keep skin cool and dry.
Do not wear tight shoes or clothing. Wear a bra that has good support.
Wear clothes made with absorbent fabrics, such as cotton. Avoid nylon or other synthetic (manmade) fibers.
If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
After exercising, shower and dry off completely. Use a hair dryer with a cool setting to dry areas that can trap wetness, such as under your arms or breasts.

Intertrigo treatment

For mild cases, your doctor will tell you to keep the affected area of your skin dry and exposed to air. Your doctor may also want to prescribe a topical steroid cream. For certain cases, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream. There are also antifungal powders that may help dry the skin. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is right for you.

Living with intertrigo

Intertrigo may come and go. If you know that you are predisposed to getting this type of rash, take precautions. Before physical activity, treat the area with deodorant or with petroleum jelly. Do what you can to keep skin folds dry.

Questions to ask your doctor

What is the best way to keep from getting intertrigo again?
Do I need to make any changes to my lifestyle?
Do I need to use a cream or ointment?
What side effects could I have from my medicine?
Do I need to take an antibiotic?
Is there anything I can do on my own to help myself get better?

Resources

U. S. National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Intertrigo

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Rash on the body | causes, symptoms, types of skin rashes, treatment

Human skin is an indicator of the state of his body. Various rashes on the skin of the abdomen, chest, face, arms and legs appear depending on diseases of the internal organs, being symptoms of allergies, viral or infectious infections. A rash is a change in the condition of the skin on different parts of the human body, which differ in location, rate of appearance, stage of development, filling, color and texture.

Rashes can cause various discomforts. It happens that the rash has an unclear origin and appears for non-specific reasons, so you should consult a doctor in a timely manner to prevent complications and infection of other people if the disease is contagious.

Prices

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist	1500 ₽
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist	1350 ₽
Appointment with a dermatovenereologist (primary)	1500 ₽

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Types of skin rashes
Allergic rash
Rash in infectious diseases
Skin rash
Treatment

Types of skin rashes

The rash can be either primary or secondary. The primary is observed on a healthy body. If the primary satiety has not been treated, then a secondary rash appears on the same places in the dermis.

Primary skin rashes

Due to various diseases, the following types of primary rash are formed:

Papule (nodule) – a bulge of a different consistency, without content, which passes without a trace. It is often in the shape of a cone or circle. Papules merging with each other, are quite large. They are divided into 3 groups by size: the smallest from 1 to 3 mm, medium, large – from 1 to 4 cm. Papules differ in the presence of an inflammatory process.
Knot – a protruding part of the skin that does not have a cavity with dimensions up to 10 cm. It can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory rash, after resolution, a scar remains.
Tubercle is a raised skin lesion about 1 cm in size, without internal filling. The bumps may change color. They leave scars behind.
Pustule – Vesicle with pus covered with a thin film on top. The skin around the pustule is inflamed. Types of pustules:

Conflicts are non-follicular ulcers on the surface of the skin that look like blisters with pus. The skin around is reddish due to inflammation. When the conflicts pass, the resulting crust disappears, and the pigmentation still lasts for some time.
Ecthymas are non-follicular deep pustules with a purulent bottom, after which scars form on the skin.
Superficial follicular pustules sizes from 1 to 5 mm are partially located in the follicle, affecting only the papillary layer. By resolution, there are no scars, no pigmentation, no scars.
Deep follicular pustules occupy not only the entire follicle, but also all layers of the dermis, so after treatment they leave scars. They have varieties such as boils and carbuncles.

Blister – a reddish, sometimes whitish in the center, convex and cavityless rash element that occurs against the background of a limited and acute edema of the papillary dermis.

At the base, it can be both rounded and irregular in shape. After a few days, the blister disappears without leaving a trace. The causes of its occurrence are allergies, urticaria, toxicoderma, bites.

Vesicle is a rash element up to 0.5 cm in size, which has a lid, bottom and space with serous or serous-hemorrhagic contents. Vesicles are found on all parts of the body. When they are opened, erosion can form instead of them. The reasons for their appearance are the presence of eczema, chickenpox, herpes, shingles, allergies.

Bladder is a blister-like change that is larger than 0.5 cm. The spot may be reddish or bluish in color. The skin may be pale or inflamed. From pressure, the reddened spot, which has an excessive rush of blood, disappears. These include dermatitis, roseola of secondary syphilis, typhus, vitiligo, etc.

Roseola – spots with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm, characteristic of infectious diseases (for example, for patients with typhoid fever).

With roseola, uneven spots can blur the borders. A distinctive feature is blanching of the skin when pressed and the absence of a bulge.

Erythema is a bright skin manifestation with an indefinite contour and bulge, which often manifests itself in the background of intolerance to UV rays, certain fruits or medicines. Nodular or exudative erythema is a symptom of the development of rheumatism and the presence of infections.

Purpura – hemorrhages that may be small. They appear as a result of diseases: leukemia, hemophilia, Werlhof’s disease, etc.

Secondary rashes

They are caused by the lack of treatment of primary lesions, as a rule, due to not timely access to a doctor, or the lack of results of self-treatment. Morphological elements of secondary rashes include:

Hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, when the skin becomes either darker or discolored.
Superficial or deep scars and abrasions that remain after scratching or are part of the resolution of dermatological diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.

Common types of secondary skin manifestations:

eschar – formation on the skin after bursting of vesicles, pustules and sores in the form of a crust, the color of which depends on the content.
plaques – skin lesions more than 5 mm, rising above the level of the skin, which are formed as a result of the connection of several papules. Their boundaries depend on the disease, for example, in psoriasis they are clear.
erosion – changes resulting from the opening of the vesicle and abscess and affecting only the upper layers of the skin of the face, genitals, hands. They indicate an inflammatory process, do not leave scars.
ulcers – recurrent defects with violation of the integrity of the skin, which capture all layers – to the subcutaneous fat. Characterized by a long course, difficult healing. Treatment leaves scars. Typically, in people with diabetes, they affect the legs.
scales – flaking of the dying upper layer of the skin in the form of particles. Separating horny plates, depending on the disease, are of different colors: white, gray, brown, yellow. For example, as a result of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, lichen, psoriasis, white scales form.
lichenification – indurated and dry areas of the skin of a pinkish tint, with increased pattern and pigmentation. Against the background of ulcers, eczema and neurodermatitis, as a result of scratching, the skin becomes covered with abrasions and crusts, which are formed due to the drying of the weeping surface departments in place of bursting vesicles, pustules.

Allergic rash

Rash appears on the skin due to an allergy that releases histamine. Thanks to the work of immune cells, trying to remove a foreign object from the body, blood vessels dilate, inflamed skin swells.

Urticaria – allergic rash with severe itching, red swollen spots on the abdomen, chest, limbs, less often on the face, which quickly appear and change shape and location.
Contact dermatitis manifests itself at the site of close contact with the allergen and is accompanied by additional symptoms such as lacrimation, runny nose, headache, palpitations, convulsions, nausea.
Dermatitis is observed against the background of the direct effect of the allergen on the skin, digestive system, respiratory tract.

List of main allergens:

pet hair;
pollen from flowering plants;
medicines (antibiotics, sulfa drugs, hormonal pills, vitamins, etc.)
food products and additives;
cosmetics, whether decorative or caring;
dust and smoke smell;
various metals and artificial fabrics.

Rashes in infectious diseases

When infected with a virus, infectious rashes can occur in both adults and children. In some cases, they are placed only in some places, and sometimes they cover the body completely:

Chicken pox begins with round pink rashes that are found on the whole body, even on the scalp, on mucous membranes, and sometimes on the palms and feet. Subsequently, itchy blisters with liquid inside form in this place. After 2-3 days they dry up and crusts appear. At the same time, manifestations of different stages coexist on the body. Smallpox can last from 5 to 10 days.
In case of rubella , at first a red small rash with a diameter of up to 10 mm in a round shape appears on the neck and on the skin of the face, then the rash spreads to the body. As a rule, pimples pass in 2 – 4 days. It happens that the disease drags on for a week, and then the rashes disappear, leaving no traces of pigmentation.
measles is characterized by a purple rash that becomes visible on the second day. They may appear in sequence. They first affect the neck, face, area behind the ears, and after a day they already spread to the body. The rash then covers the entire body, including the palms and soles, including the fingers. The elements of the rash tend to connect. In the future, they gradually subside. Within a week and a half, the skin affected by the rash remains in color, like age spots.
With scarlet fever small red rashes stand out on the skin. Numerous spots cover the entire body, but are especially intense in the folds of the skin, on the lower abdomen, in the groin, on the back and on the sides of the body. Sometimes the skin turns blue. A characteristic feature is the absence of rashes in the region of the nasolabial triangle formed by the corners of the mouth and the bridge of the nose. Within 3 to 7 days, the rash disappears without leaving pigmentation. However, then the skin peels off, and leaves the arms and legs in layers.
Herpes – blisters with fluid rounded on the lips or body. During the healing process, yellow or dark crusts first remain on the skin, which disappear with time.
Herpes zoster – vesicles up to 5 mm in size on one side of the body. As a rule, it is in patients with chickenpox. Accompanied by pain, severe itching. After them, depressions, scars or age spots remain.
With syphilis the rash is located on the chest, in the groin and appears with secondary syphilis. For the first time, red rashes are plentiful and symmetrical, subsequent ones are unsaturated.
Candidiasis is accompanied by blisters that burst, leaving cracks with whitish content and erosion in the folds of the body due to friction.
For scabies , the characteristic appearance is scabies, papules, vesicles, blisters that are visible to the naked eye.
With ostiofolliculitis skin changes in the form of purulent pustules with a pink border appear on the folds, on the face, on the head in the hair. Then crusts form on the skin, and then they fall off – age spots.

Intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, occurs with enterovirus infection, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. However, it is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own, because the symptoms are mild, and rashes are often absent. Seriousness is indicated by skin manifestations along with other pathological symptoms.
For example, the initial symptoms of blood poisoning are similar to the flu – high fever, vomiting. A distinctive feature is hemorrhagic petechial hemorrhages due to rupture of superficial capillaries. This is a sign of deadly meningococcal sepsis, which develops rapidly, so an ambulance is called immediately.

Rash in skin diseases

Eruptions can cause the following skin diseases:

acne (acne) – manifests itself in the form of ulcers on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin;
psoriasis ;
fungal diseases ;
scabies caused by microscopic parasites.

In young children, reddening of the skin may be caused by insect bites or prickly heat, a typical reaction to overheating.

These are not all diseases that are accompanied by a skin rash.

Treatment

Do not try to determine the cause of the rash yourself, as you can be mistaken. In the case of skin rashes, it is necessary to seek advice from a dermatologist, pediatrician or general practitioner. If you have allergies, you need to see an allergist, an immunologist. With self-administration of antihistamines, there is no complex treatment, therefore, acute allergic reactions may occur in the future. Often the rash has a non-specific appearance, so it should be treated by a qualified specialist based on diagnostic tests and clinical test results.

Make an appointment

If you have any rash, you can make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist for a detailed diagnosis. Treatment in our medical center is carried out by experienced specialists, doctors of the highest category, who use modern methods to prevent allergic and chronic diseases. Registration is available online or by phone.

Physicians

Who treat rashes and various skin eruptions

Vitalieva Ekaterina Eduardovna
allergist-immunologist

The inguinal form of the disease has characteristic features. The rashes are distinguished by protrusions along the edges, maceration and vesicles. However, erythrasma is very easily confused with rubromycosis of the groin. These two pathologies have similar symptoms. When diagnosing, special attention should be paid to the edges of the inflamed areas. With rubromycosis, they will be intermittent, and erythrasma will have a continuous, pronounced edge.