Rash under skin folds. Intertrigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Skin Fold Rashes
What are the risk factors for developing intertrigo. How can you recognize the symptoms of this skin condition. What treatment options are available for managing intertrigo effectively.
Understanding Intertrigo: A Common Skin Fold Rash
Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas where skin folds rub together, creating a warm and moist environment conducive to irritation and microbial growth. This common rash can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and can cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
Common Locations for Intertrigo
- Armpits
- Under the breasts
- Genital area
- Abdominal folds
- Between toes and fingers
- Neck creases
- Between buttocks
Recognizing the Symptoms of Intertrigo
Identifying intertrigo early can help prevent complications and ensure prompt treatment. The rash typically presents with distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other skin conditions.
Key Symptoms of Intertrigo
- Red or reddish-brown rash in skin folds
- Raw, itchy, or oozing skin
- Unpleasant odor
- Cracked or crusty skin appearance
- Burning sensation in affected areas
Can intertrigo symptoms vary in severity? Indeed, the intensity of symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and skin breakdown. In some cases, the affected skin may become extremely raw and prone to bleeding, especially if scratched or irritated further.
Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors of Intertrigo
Understanding the root causes of intertrigo is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. While skin-to-skin friction is the primary trigger, several factors can exacerbate the condition.
Primary Causes of Intertrigo
- Moisture trapped in skin folds
- Heat accumulation
- Lack of air circulation
- Continuous friction between skin surfaces
- Presence of sweat, urine, or feces
Is intertrigo always caused by friction alone? Not necessarily. While friction is the primary instigator, the condition is often complicated by secondary infections. The warm, moist environment created by skin folds provides an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms.
Common Secondary Infections Associated with Intertrigo
- Yeast (Candida species)
- Other fungal infections
- Bacterial overgrowth
Risk Factors: Who is Most Susceptible to Intertrigo?
Certain individuals are more prone to developing intertrigo due to various physiological and environmental factors. Identifying these risk factors can help in implementing preventive measures.
Key Risk Factors for Intertrigo
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Use of splints, braces, or artificial limbs
- Exposure to high heat and humidity
- Incontinence
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Poor hygiene practices
- Malnutrition
- Compromised immune system (due to chemotherapy, HIV, etc.)
Are infants at higher risk for intertrigo? Yes, infants are particularly susceptible due to their chubbiness, shorter necks, and flexed posture, which create more skin folds. Additionally, diaper-wearing increases the risk of moisture accumulation and friction in the diaper area.
Diagnosing Intertrigo: When to Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect you have intertrigo, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnostic Process for Intertrigo
- Physical examination of affected areas
- Assessment of symptoms and medical history
- Possible skin scraping or swab for microbial culture
- Differential diagnosis to rule out other skin conditions
Why is professional diagnosis important for intertrigo? A proper diagnosis ensures that you receive the most effective treatment. It also helps identify any secondary infections that may require specific interventions.
Treatment Strategies for Managing Intertrigo
The treatment of intertrigo focuses on reducing inflammation, managing secondary infections, and preventing recurrence. A combination of topical and systemic approaches may be recommended based on the severity of the condition.
Common Treatment Options for Intertrigo
- Keeping the affected area dry and exposed to air
- Application of astringent solutions (e.g., Burow’s solution)
- Use of barrier creams to protect skin from irritants
- Short-term application of topical steroids for inflammation
- Antifungal or antibiotic creams for secondary infections
- Oral medications in severe cases
How long does it take for intertrigo to heal with proper treatment? The healing time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of secondary infections. With appropriate care, many cases show improvement within 1-2 weeks, but complete resolution may take longer in more severe cases.
Preventive Measures: Reducing the Risk of Intertrigo
Prevention plays a crucial role in managing intertrigo, especially for individuals with recurrent episodes or those at higher risk. Implementing simple lifestyle changes and hygiene practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this skin condition.
Effective Strategies for Preventing Intertrigo
- Maintain thorough daily hygiene, including proper drying after showers
- Keep skin folds cool and dry throughout the day
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing and shoes
- Wear supportive bras to reduce skin-to-skin contact under the breasts
- Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics in prone areas
- Use antiperspirants to control excessive sweating
- Change diapers frequently for infants
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce skin folds
Can dietary changes help prevent intertrigo? While diet doesn’t directly cause intertrigo, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight can reduce the number and depth of skin folds, thereby lowering the risk of developing the condition. Additionally, a nutrient-rich diet supports overall skin health and immune function.
Living with Intertrigo: Long-term Management and Considerations
For individuals prone to recurrent intertrigo, long-term management strategies are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing flare-ups. This often involves a combination of ongoing preventive measures and prompt treatment at the first sign of symptoms.
Tips for Long-term Intertrigo Management
- Regularly monitor skin folds for early signs of irritation
- Develop a consistent skincare routine tailored to prone areas
- Use breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for clothing and bedding
- Consider using absorbent powders in skin folds during hot weather
- Maintain open communication with healthcare providers about recurring symptoms
Is it possible to completely eliminate the risk of intertrigo? While it may not be possible to eliminate the risk entirely, especially for those with predisposing factors, consistent preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Regular skin checks and prompt attention to any early signs of irritation are key to long-term management.
Psychological Impact of Chronic Intertrigo
Dealing with recurrent intertrigo can have psychological effects, including self-consciousness and reduced quality of life. It’s important to address these aspects as part of a comprehensive management plan.
- Seek support from healthcare providers or support groups
- Practice stress-reduction techniques to minimize flare-ups
- Focus on overall well-being and self-care
How can individuals build confidence while managing chronic intertrigo? Building a support network, working closely with healthcare providers, and focusing on overall health and wellness can help boost confidence. Remember that effective management is possible, and many individuals successfully control their symptoms with proper care and attention.
Intertrigo in Special Populations: Considerations and Adaptations
Certain groups may require special considerations when it comes to preventing and treating intertrigo. These populations may face unique challenges or have specific needs that require adaptations to standard care approaches.
Intertrigo Management in Infants and Young Children
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products for cleansing and moisturizing
- Opt for breathable, loose-fitting clothing
- Change diapers frequently and use barrier creams
- Consult pediatricians for safe treatment options
Considerations for Elderly Individuals
- Pay extra attention to skin folds during daily care routines
- Use adaptive clothing to reduce friction in problem areas
- Address mobility issues that may contribute to prolonged skin contact
- Consider the impact of medications on skin health
Managing Intertrigo in Individuals with Diabetes
- Maintain strict blood sugar control to reduce infection risk
- Implement rigorous skin care routines, especially in prone areas
- Monitor for signs of secondary infections closely
- Work with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans as needed
Are there specific products recommended for these special populations? While many general skincare products can be used across populations, it’s essential to choose products that are gentle, non-irritating, and appropriate for the specific age group or condition. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, especially for infants, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions.
Emerging Treatments and Research in Intertrigo Management
The field of dermatology continues to evolve, bringing new insights and potential treatments for conditions like intertrigo. While traditional methods remain the mainstay of treatment, ongoing research offers hope for more effective management strategies in the future.
Promising Areas of Intertrigo Research
- Novel topical formulations with enhanced barrier protection
- Probiotics and microbiome modulation for skin health
- Advanced moisture-wicking fabrics for prone areas
- Targeted therapies for recurrent cases
- Improved diagnostic tools for early detection
What role might personalized medicine play in future intertrigo treatment? As our understanding of individual genetic and environmental factors grows, personalized medicine approaches may allow for more tailored prevention and treatment strategies. This could involve customized skincare regimens, targeted probiotic therapies, or genetically informed risk assessments.
The Importance of Ongoing Research
Continued research into intertrigo not only promises better treatments but also enhances our understanding of skin health in general. This knowledge can have far-reaching implications for managing a variety of skin conditions and improving overall dermatological care.
- Participation in clinical trials can advance treatment options
- Staying informed about new developments can improve personal management strategies
- Collaboration between researchers and clinicians drives innovation in patient care
How can individuals stay informed about new developments in intertrigo research and treatment? Keeping in touch with dermatology professionals, following reputable health news sources, and participating in patient advocacy groups can help you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in intertrigo management. Always discuss new information with your healthcare provider to understand how it may apply to your specific situation.
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
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
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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Contents
- 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.
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
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Tikhonova Olga Anatolyevna
dermatovenereologist
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Erythrasma – Symptoms, treatment – AMK medical reference book
Erythrasma is a disease that affects the human skin (except nails and scalp). Its development is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. The rashes are strictly defined and look like red spots under the microscope. The most common pathology occurs in men.
Erythrasma in most cases is a consequence of increased sweating, changes in the acid-base balance of the skin, or a violation of the integrity of the skin.
Pathogenic bacteria can live on human skin for a long time without causing a pathological process. However, if a nutrient medium is created for reproduction and entry of the pathogen into the skin, inflammation begins.
Erythrasma is transmitted from person to person. The most likely way of infection is the use of someone else’s clothes and towels. Transmission of the pathogen from a sick person is possible on the beach, in the pool or through close contact.
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Symptoms of erythrasma
The development of pathology causes increased sweating. Therefore, due to physiological characteristics, the disease is most common in representatives of the strong half of humanity.
Inflammations appear in the folds of the skin, where there is a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria. Usually the disease begins on the inner thighs, armpits or groin. Also, pathology can develop between the fingers or on the stomach. If the disease affects a woman, then rashes may appear under the breast.
Erythrasma is rare in young people. More often it affects the older generation.
The main symptom of erythrasma is the characteristic rash. They are spots with a well-defined border. The color of inflammation can be from dark brown to light pink.
The size of the affected area is from a point to 10 centimeters in diameter. The rashes are usually round in shape with brightly marked edges. With the progression of the disease, the spots merge into one large area affected by bacteria.
Pathology begins with a slight peeling. In this case, the person does not feel discomfort. Spots are found randomly.
If the pathology is not treated, it is possible to attach a secondary infection. Then there is itching and pain. The transition of the disease to a chronic form is also likely in case of violation of the therapeutic regimen.
Chronic erythrasma has periods of calm and exacerbation. Most often, new rashes appear in the warm season. During this period, a person begins to sweat more, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
How is erythrasma diagnosed
Making a diagnosis is not difficult. Usually, a full-time examination of the patient and transillumination of the rash with a Wood’s lamp is usually sufficient. If, under the light of a lamp, the affected areas of the skin turn red, then there is usually no doubt. This feature usually arises from the release of water-soluble porphyrins by pathogens.
However, before resorting to diagnosis with a Wood’s lamp, it is worth making sure that the patient has not treated the rash with anything. Otherwise, the coloring pigment may wash off and an incorrect diagnosis will be made.
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.
Treatment of erythrasma
Since inflammation is caused by pathogens, antibacterial ointments are used to treat pathology. Often, the affected areas are treated with erythromycin or sulfur-tar ointment.
Therapy usually takes at least a week. It is necessary to treat the rashes twice a day, each time removing the remnants of the old ointment.
If a secondary infection joins the underlying disease, areas of the affected skin are lubricated with salicylic alcohol or iodine. In advanced cases and with large rashes, systemic antibiotics are prescribed.
In order to maximize the effect of the treatment of the disease, patients are recommended to take sun ointments or undergo a course of UV radiation. The procedure will help dry the skin in the affected area and get rid of the pathology faster.
When a doctor makes a diagnosis of erythrasma, it is necessary to disinfect all personal belongings of the patient. Bed linen, all towels and clothes are subject to processing.
Until the course of therapy is completed, the clothes of a sick person should be changed daily, washed and ironed on both sides. At the end of treatment, all areas of the skin where there were rashes for a month are treated daily with salicylic alcohol and sprinkled with talc.
Prevention of erythrasma
The main measure to prevent this contagious disease is hygiene. In order not to create a favorable environment for the reproduction of microorganisms on the skin, you should regularly take a shower and wipe the skin folds dry. Especially the armpits, groin, neck and abdomen.
One of the important preventive measures is to reduce sweating. This is achieved by changing synthetic clothing to natural, using deodorants, and daily hygiene procedures.
It is also worth remembering that all new clothes must be washed and ironed before being worn.
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- A team of professionals. Candidates and doctors of medical sciences, professors and associate professors of departments of leading universities, doctors of the first and highest qualification category work in the clinic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work without holidays and weekends so that you are healthy and happy.
- Regular professional development.