What are the main causes of intertrigo. How can you recognize the symptoms of this skin condition. What are the most effective treatment options for managing intertrigo. How can you prevent intertrigo from developing or recurring.

Understanding Intertrigo: A Common Skin Fold Rash

Intertrigo is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas where skin folds rub against each other. This friction, combined with moisture and heat, creates an ideal environment for irritation and potential microbial overgrowth. While often overlooked, intertrigo can cause significant discomfort and may lead to secondary infections if left untreated.

Key Characteristics of Intertrigo

• Occurs in skin folds and areas of skin-to-skin contact
• Associated with redness, itching, and sometimes a foul odor
• Can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults
• May be exacerbated by heat, humidity, and poor hygiene

Common Sites for Intertrigo Development

Intertrigo can appear in various locations where skin folds are present. Understanding these common sites can help in early identification and prompt treatment.

Where does intertrigo typically occur?

Intertrigo frequently develops in the following areas:

• Armpits
• Under the breasts
• In the groin area
• Between the buttocks
• In abdominal folds
• Between toes and fingers
• In the neck creases

In infants, intertrigo often manifests as diaper rash due to the warm, moist environment created by diapers.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Intertrigo

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

What are the telltale signs of intertrigo?

Typical symptoms of intertrigo include:

• Red or reddish-brown rash in skin fold areas
• Itching or burning sensation
• Raw or oozing skin
• Unpleasant odor
• Cracked or crusty skin in advanced cases

If you notice these symptoms, especially in areas where skin rubs together, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Underlying Causes and Risk Factors of Intertrigo

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with intertrigo can help in prevention and management of this skin condition.

What causes intertrigo to develop?

Several factors contribute to the development of intertrigo:

• Friction between skin folds
• Excessive moisture trapped in skin folds
• Heat accumulation in affected areas
• Poor air circulation
• Presence of sweat, urine, or feces

These conditions create an environment conducive to skin irritation and microbial growth, potentially leading to secondary infections.

Who is at higher risk for developing intertrigo?

Certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to 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 conditions like HIV or chemotherapy)

Infants are also at higher risk due to their body composition and limited mobility. Additionally, certain skin conditions like psoriasis may predispose individuals to intertrigo.

Diagnosing Intertrigo: When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild cases of intertrigo may resolve with home care, it’s important to know when professional medical evaluation is necessary.

How is intertrigo diagnosed?

Diagnosis of intertrigo typically involves:

1. Physical examination of the affected area
2. Review of medical history and risk factors
3. Possible skin scraping or swab for laboratory analysis

A healthcare provider can differentiate intertrigo from other skin conditions and identify any secondary infections that may require specific treatment.

When should you consult a doctor for intertrigo?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home care
• Signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus)
• Fever or general illness accompanying the rash
• Rash spreading to new areas
• Severe pain or discomfort

Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Intertrigo

Managing intertrigo involves a combination of topical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes oral medications. The goal is to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and reduce recurrence.

What are the primary treatment options for intertrigo?

Treatment approaches for intertrigo may include:

• Keeping the affected area dry and exposed to air
• Application of astringent solutions like Burow’s solution
• Use of barrier creams to protect skin from irritants
• Short-term application of topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antifungal or antibiotic creams for secondary infections
• Oral medications in severe cases or widespread infections

Your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific case and any underlying conditions.

Are there effective home remedies for intertrigo?

While medical treatment may be necessary, some home care strategies can help manage intertrigo:

• Gently cleansing the affected area with mild soap and water
• Thoroughly drying skin folds after bathing or swimming
• Using a hair dryer on a cool setting to ensure complete drying
• Applying talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture
• Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Using moisture-wicking fabrics for undergarments

These measures can complement medical treatments and help prevent recurrence.

Preventing Intertrigo: Proactive Measures for Skin Health

While not always preventable, several strategies can reduce the risk of developing intertrigo or experiencing recurrences.

How can you lower your risk of intertrigo?

Preventive measures for intertrigo include:

• Maintaining good personal hygiene
• Showering daily and thoroughly drying skin, especially in fold areas
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and shoes
• Wearing supportive bras to reduce skin-to-skin contact under breasts
• Using moisture-absorbing powders in susceptible areas
• Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and obesity
• Changing wet or soiled clothing promptly
• Using breathable fabrics and avoiding synthetic materials

For infants, frequent diaper changes and allowing diaper-free time can help prevent diaper-related intertrigo.

Living with Intertrigo: Long-term Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals prone to intertrigo, ongoing management and lifestyle modifications are key to minimizing flare-ups and maintaining skin health.

What lifestyle changes can help manage chronic intertrigo?

Long-term strategies for managing intertrigo include:

• Weight management to reduce skin folds
• Regular exercise to improve circulation and reduce sweating
• Stress reduction techniques to support overall skin health
• Dietary modifications to support immune function and skin integrity
• Use of moisture-wicking clothing during physical activities
• Regular skin checks to catch early signs of irritation

Consistency in these practices can significantly improve quality of life for those susceptible to intertrigo.

Can intertrigo be completely cured?

While individual episodes of intertrigo can be effectively treated, some individuals may be prone to recurrent episodes due to persistent risk factors. However, with proper management and preventive measures, the frequency and severity of outbreaks can be significantly reduced. Working closely with a healthcare provider to address underlying causes and optimize treatment strategies is crucial for long-term success.

Intertrigo in Special Populations: Considerations and Approaches

Certain groups may require specialized approaches to managing intertrigo due to unique risk factors or health considerations.

How does intertrigo management differ for infants and elderly individuals?

For infants:

• Frequent diaper changes
• Use of barrier creams with each diaper change
• Allowing diaper-free time to air out the skin
• Gentle cleansing with water or mild wipes
• Avoiding harsh soaps or fragranced products

For elderly individuals:

• Regular skin inspections, especially in less mobile individuals
• Use of absorbent pads for incontinence management
• Gentle skincare routines with pH-balanced products
• Nutritional support to maintain skin health
• Mobilization and position changes to reduce prolonged skin contact

What considerations are important for managing intertrigo in individuals with diabetes?

People with diabetes require special attention due to increased risk of infections and slower wound healing:

• Strict blood sugar control to reduce risk of infections
• Regular skin examinations, including hard-to-see areas
• Prompt treatment of any skin irritations or injuries
• Use of antimicrobial soaps and lotions as recommended by healthcare providers
• Extra caution in foot care, including between toes
• Regular consultations with a dermatologist or wound care specialist

These tailored approaches can help manage intertrigo more effectively in populations with specific risk factors or health needs.

The Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Intertrigo Prevention

While often overlooked, diet and hydration play significant roles in skin health and can influence the development and management of intertrigo.

How does nutrition impact skin health and intertrigo risk?

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support skin integrity and immune function, potentially reducing the risk of intertrigo:

• Vitamin A: Supports skin cell turnover and repair
• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production and skin elasticity
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells
• Zinc: Supports wound healing and immune function
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help maintain skin moisture and reduce inflammation

Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can contribute to overall skin health.

What role does hydration play in preventing intertrigo?

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing intertrigo:

• Supports skin elasticity and resilience
• Helps regulate body temperature and reduce excessive sweating
• Aids in flushing toxins from the body
• Supports overall immune function

Aim for adequate daily water intake, adjusting for factors like climate, activity level, and overall health status.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Intertrigo Management

The field of dermatology continues to evolve, bringing new insights and potential treatments for conditions like intertrigo.

What new treatments are being developed for intertrigo?

Emerging approaches in intertrigo management include:

• Novel topical formulations with improved barrier protection
• Probiotics and microbiome-based therapies to balance skin flora
• Advanced moisture-wicking fabrics for clothing and undergarments
• Photodynamic therapy for resistant cases
• Nanoparticle-based treatments for enhanced drug delivery

While many of these treatments are still in research phases, they offer promising avenues for future intertrigo management.

How is our understanding of intertrigo evolving?

Recent research has expanded our knowledge of intertrigo:

• Better understanding of the skin microbiome’s role in intertrigo development
• Identification of genetic factors that may increase susceptibility
• Exploration of the link between intertrigo and systemic health conditions
• Development of more accurate diagnostic tools for identifying causative organisms
• Investigation into the psychosocial impacts of chronic intertrigo

These advancements are paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

As research continues, individuals affected by intertrigo can look forward to potentially more targeted and efficient management options in the future. Staying informed about these developments and discussing them with healthcare providers can help ensure access to the most current and effective treatments available.

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.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Tubercle is a raised skin lesion about 1 cm in size, without internal filling. The bumps may change color. They leave scars behind.
4. 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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Candidiasis is accompanied by blisters that burst, leaving cracks with whitish content and erosion in the folds of the body due to friction.
9. For scabies , the characteristic appearance is scabies, papules, vesicles, blisters that are visible to the naked eye.
10. 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.

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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.

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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.

Make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist

Do not delay treatment

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Why choose Adamant Medical Clinic?

• 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.