What are the common causes of intertrigo. How can you identify symptoms of this skin condition. What are the most effective treatments for intertrigo and associated infections. How can you prevent recurrence of rashes in skin folds.

Understanding Intertrigo: A Common Skin Condition

Intertrigo is a inflammatory skin condition that occurs in body folds where skin rubs against skin. It develops when friction and trapped moisture irritate the skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and breakdown of the skin barrier. This creates an ideal environment for secondary bacterial and fungal infections to take hold.

The warm, moist areas most commonly affected by intertrigo include:

• Under the breasts
• Between folds of abdominal skin
• In the groin and inner thigh region
• Between the toes
• In the armpits
• Beneath the buttocks

Intertrigo frequently affects individuals who are obese or experience excessive sweating. It can also develop in people whose clothing causes chafing or traps moisture against the skin for prolonged periods.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Intertrigo

The hallmark signs of intertrigo include:

• Redness and inflammation in skin folds
• Itching, burning, or stinging sensations
• Oozing, cracked, or macerated skin
• Unpleasant odor due to bacterial overgrowth
• Satellite lesions indicating fungal infection

Is intertrigo contagious? Intertrigo itself is not contagious, but secondary bacterial or fungal infections that develop in affected areas can potentially spread to other parts of the body or to other people through direct contact.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Intertrigo

Several factors can increase your risk of developing intertrigo:

• Obesity or overweight
• Diabetes
• Hot, humid weather
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Poor hygiene
• Tight clothing that traps moisture
• Certain medications that cause sweating
• Weakened immune system

How does obesity contribute to intertrigo? Excess body weight creates more skin folds and increases friction between skin surfaces. This, combined with trapped sweat and moisture, creates an ideal environment for intertrigo to develop.

Diagnosing Intertrigo: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

Doctors typically diagnose intertrigo based on the characteristic appearance and location of the rash. However, additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or identify secondary infections:

• Skin scraping and microscopic examination
• Fungal or bacterial culture
• Wood’s lamp examination
• Skin biopsy (in rare cases)

What does a skin scraping test involve? The doctor gently scrapes the affected skin with a small tool and examines the sample under a microscope. This can help identify fungal elements or bacterial overgrowth associated with intertrigo.

Effective Treatment Options for Intertrigo

Treatment for intertrigo focuses on keeping the affected areas dry, reducing inflammation, and addressing any secondary infections. Common approaches include:

1. Topical astringents and drying agents:
   • Aluminum chloride solutions
   • Burow’s solution
2. Barrier creams and ointments:
   • Zinc oxide
   • Petrolatum
3. Topical antifungal medications:
   • Clotrimazole
   • Miconazole
   • Ketoconazole
4. Topical antibiotics for bacterial infections:
   • Mupirocin
   • Erythromycin
5. Topical corticosteroids for inflammation:
   • Hydrocortisone
   • Betamethasone

How long does it take for intertrigo to heal with treatment? With proper care and treatment, mild cases of intertrigo may improve within a few days to a week. More severe or chronic cases may take several weeks to fully resolve.

Preventing Recurrence: Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Strategies

To reduce the risk of intertrigo and prevent recurrence, consider implementing these strategies:

• Keep skin folds clean and dry
• Use moisture-wicking fabrics and loose-fitting clothing
• Apply antiperspirants to prone areas
• Use barrier creams or powders in skin folds
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage underlying conditions like diabetes
• Practice good hygiene, especially after sweating

Can diet affect intertrigo? While there’s no specific “intertrigo diet,” maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help reduce skin folds and minimize the risk of intertrigo.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Intertrigo

While mild cases of intertrigo can often be managed at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if:

• The rash persists or worsens despite home treatment
• You develop signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• The rash spreads to new areas
• You experience fever or chills
• The rash is causing significant discomfort or interfering with daily activities

What are the potential complications of untreated intertrigo? If left untreated, intertrigo can lead to more severe skin breakdown, chronic inflammation, and persistent secondary infections that may be difficult to eradicate.

Intertrigo in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Immunocompromised Individuals

While intertrigo can affect anyone, certain groups may be more susceptible or require special considerations:

Children

Infants and young children are prone to intertrigo in the diaper area, neck folds, and armpit regions. Frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing, and the use of barrier creams are essential for prevention and management.

Elderly

Older adults may have decreased skin elasticity and mobility issues that increase the risk of intertrigo. Caregivers should pay special attention to skin folds and ensure proper hygiene and skin care.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or certain medications are at higher risk for developing severe or recurrent intertrigo. They may require more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring.

How does diabetes impact the risk and management of intertrigo? Diabetes can increase susceptibility to intertrigo due to impaired immune function, poor circulation, and increased risk of fungal infections. Proper blood sugar control and meticulous skin care are crucial for diabetic patients prone to intertrigo.

Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Intertrigo

While medical treatments are often necessary for managing intertrigo, some people find relief with natural remedies. It’s important to note that these should be used with caution and in consultation with a healthcare provider:

• Apple cider vinegar diluted with water (as an astringent)
• Tea tree oil (for its antifungal properties)
• Coconut oil (for its moisturizing and antimicrobial effects)
• Aloe vera gel (for soothing inflamed skin)
• Calendula cream (for its anti-inflammatory properties)

Are there any risks associated with using natural remedies for intertrigo? Some natural remedies may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test before applying any new product to affected areas, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Intertrigo

Living with recurrent or chronic intertrigo can have significant psychological effects on individuals, including:

• Decreased self-esteem and body image issues
• Social anxiety and avoidance of activities
• Frustration and depression due to persistent symptoms
• Sleep disturbances from itching and discomfort

How can patients cope with the emotional aspects of chronic intertrigo? Support groups, counseling, and stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage the psychological impact of chronic skin conditions. Open communication with healthcare providers about both physical and emotional concerns is crucial for comprehensive care.

Advances in Intertrigo Research and Future Treatment Possibilities

Ongoing research into intertrigo and related skin conditions is exploring new avenues for prevention and treatment:

• Development of innovative moisture-wicking fabrics and textiles
• Investigation of probiotic treatments to restore healthy skin microbiome
• Exploration of novel antifungal and antibacterial compounds
• Research into the genetic factors influencing susceptibility to intertrigo

What potential breakthroughs are on the horizon for intertrigo treatment? Emerging technologies like nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and personalized microbiome therapies show promise for more targeted and effective intertrigo treatments in the future.

Understanding intertrigo and its management is crucial for anyone dealing with this common but often uncomfortable skin condition. By recognizing the symptoms early, implementing preventive measures, and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary, individuals can effectively manage intertrigo and maintain healthy skin in body fold areas. Remember, while intertrigo can be frustrating to deal with, there are numerous treatment options available, and with proper care, most cases can be successfully managed.

Intertrigo – Skin Disorders – Merck Manuals Consumer Version

By

Denise M. Aaron

, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Topic Resources

Intertrigo is irritation and breakdown of skin (maceration) in areas where two skin surfaces rub together.

• Sometimes bacterial or yeast infections develop.

• The diagnosis is based on the location and appearance of the rash and sometimes on an analysis of skin scrapings and culture to look for infection.

• Treatment is aimed at drying the skin and eliminating infections.

(See also Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by… read more .)

Intertrigo develops when the combination of friction and trapped moisture softens and irritates the skin and causes it to break down. This breakdown often leads to infection by yeast or bacteria. The affected area is red, irritated, itchy, or a combination. The areas most commonly affected are warm, moist areas such as under the breasts, between folds of belly fat, between the fingers or toes, the underarms, below the buttocks, and the groin.

Intertrigo commonly occurs in people who are obese or sweat excessively and in people in whom clothing chafes the skin or traps moisture.

Doctors base the diagnosis of intertrigo on the location and appearance of the affected skin.

Doctors may remove scrapings Scrapings Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held. .. read more from the skin and look at them under a microscope. This test helps doctors figure out whether the cause of the intertrigo is a yeast infection. Occasionally, scrapings are cultured Culture Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held… read more (the process of growing an organism in a laboratory for identification) to help doctors identify any bacterial or yeast infection.

If no bacteria or yeast are found, doctors may recommend agents like Burow solution or over-the-counter antiperspirants that contain 20% aluminum chloride to keep the area dry and prevent irritation.

If bacteria or yeast are found, doctors also give antibacterial lotions or antifungal creams. (See also table Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) . )

NOTE:


This is the Consumer Version.


DOCTORS:



VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!

Rash on Stomach: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Skin rashes can be uncomfortable, causing patches of itchy, irritated, red, and swollen skin.

Rashes can form on any part of the skin, including the stomach.

In some cases, it’s easy to identify the cause of your stomach rash, like when you accidentally come into contact with poison oak or poison ivy.

Other times, it can be harder to know where the rash originated.

There are many possible causes of a stomach rash and many are not cause for concern.

But they all have something in common: If you’ve got a rash on your stomach, you probably want it to be gone! 

In this article, I’ll tell you about some of the most common potential causes of a stomach rash.

I’ll talk about their symptoms, including serious symptoms to watch out for, and how these rashes can be treated.

I’ll also tell you when to see a doctor.

Talk to a doctor online.

Start my visit

What Causes a Rash on Your Stomach?

Not all stomach rashes are the same.

They may develop quickly, or spread over time. A rash may indicate anything from an allergic reaction to an underlying infection.

There are many possible causes of a stomach rash, which is why it’s important to speak to a provider when you’re unsure about what’s causing your symptoms.

Possible causes of a mild stomach rash include:

• Pregnancy: During the third trimester of pregnancy, an itchy rash can appear in the stretch marks on the stomach. This is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP. This rash looks like little pink pimples or hives inside the stretch marks. The rash usually goes away within 1-2 weeks of delivering your baby. A PUPPP rash can be very itchy, but it shouldn’t cause complications for you or your baby.

• Scabies: This pimple-like rash is caused by an infestation of skin mites. The human itch mite, or scabies mite, burrows into your skin and lays eggs. The resulting rash is very itchy, especially at night; the rash may also have scales. Scabies can be spread from one person to another via prolonged, skin-to-skin contact—institutions such as nursing homes and child care facilities are often the sites of scabies outbreaks. Scabies can be cured by a prescription scabicide—a product that kills the mites and their eggs.

• Ringworm: This rash is not caused by a worm, as its name suggests. Ringworm is caused by a fungus, and it usually becomes a red, scaly rash in a circular—or ring-like—pattern. You can get ringworm from contact with another person who has a ringworm infection, or from an animal or object that has the fungus. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are types of ringworm. If you have it on your stomach, it’s possible that jock itch has spread up from your groin area to infect your stomach. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can help; if they don’t, contact a doctor.

• Scarlet fever: Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. If your child has a sore throat and a rash, they may have contracted scarlet fever. The rash usually starts on the neck, armpits, or groin, but can spread to other parts of the body, including the stomach. The rash will feel like sandpaper. Scarlet fever is more common in children, but adults can get it, too. If you or your child has scarlet fever, you’ll need antibiotics to clear the infection.

• Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of rash that can happen when your skin comes into contact with irritants, or if you have an allergic reaction to something you’ve touched. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include redness, itching, swelling and stinging of the skin. Other times, you may experience blistering or an oozy rash, like those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and allergic reactions. Contact dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread through the fluid caused by blisters.

• Eczema: Eczema refers to several types of allergic skin conditions. Eczema rashes are often red, dry, and very itchy. They can appear on the face, hands, feet, inside of elbows, behind the knees, or on the stomach. Though experts don’t fully understand the connection, people with eczema are more likely to develop asthma or experience regular allergies. The severity of eczema may change over time, but it’s typically a chronic condition. 

• Psoriasis: The stomach is a common area for a psoriasis flare up. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes thick pink or red patches on the skin, often covered with white or silvery scales called plaques. Psoriasis is caused by an immune disorder, and is often an inherited condition. 

• Impetigo: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that is more commonly found on infants and young children. The main symptoms of impetigo are reddish sores that ooze. These sores usually form around the nose and mouth, though they can form elsewhere on the body, including the stomach. Antibiotic ointment or cream prescribed by a provider is required to treat the infection.

Possible causes of a more serious stomach rash include:

• Allergies to food or medication: Allergic reactions to medications can happen when a substance that you’re allergic to comes in contact with your skin or enters the body through the mouth. Some allergic skin reactions can be mild, while others may be more life-threatening. If you or a loved one is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, reach out to a provider or seek emergency care immediately.

• Lyme disease: Lyme disease is extremely common in the United States and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans (EM). The appearance of an EM rash can vary widely. It is generally described as target-like. It usually begins as a small bump or redness at the site of the bite and then gradually expands, sometimes reaching up to 12 inches in diameter.

• Kawasaki disease: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an extremely rare but serious disease that primarily affects children five years and younger. As few as 20 children in 100,000 in the United States have this condition. Though the exact cause of KD is unknown, it can cause fever for longer than five days, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat. Post-COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), is a rare condition that occurs about one month after an infection with COVID-19 and can cause similar or identical symptoms. This may be seen in children up to 17 years old. 

• Viral infection: Multiple viruses can also produce a rash. Viral rashes often come with additional viral symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, runny nose, cough, or sore throat. Your healthcare provider can often recognize a viral rash based on its appearance and your other symptoms. 

Symptoms of a Stomach Rash

A stomach rash can cause a wide array of symptoms, depending on the type of rash present.

Generally, a rash involves a change in the color, feeling, or texture of your skin.

Some symptoms you may experience with a stomach rash include:

• Dry, red, itchy skin
• Small blisters or bumps
• Thick, pink or red patches on the skin
• White or silvery scales on the skin
• Painful patches of skin
• General itchiness

Serious symptoms

Sometimes, a stomach rash can be a sign of a more serious condition.

In those cases, there may be additional symptoms present, like:

• Fever
• Chills
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Change in consciousness (including unresponsiveness or fainting)
• Purple-colored rash
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sudden swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Tightness in the throat
• Symptoms that do not improve despite treatment

If you or a loved one experiences any of the above symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible.

What are the Treatments for a Stomach Rash?

The appropriate treatment for a skin rash depends on the cause of your symptoms.

Speak to a provider to determine which treatment option, if any, is right for you.

Prescription medications

Some skin rashes, including psoriasis and eczema, may be treated with prescription lotions, ointments, and/or oral or injectable medications. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

In many cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help to soothe your rash, no matter the cause.

Other OTC medications, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may help to alleviate pain associated with your rash. Antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be helpful in treating rashes and itching.

Home remedies

Before resorting to home remedies, consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether certain home remedies will make your symptoms better or worse.

If your provider says they are safe, home remedies can help soothe the discomfort and pain caused by some skin rashes.

A cool bath with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal, or colloidal oatmeal can help soothe the itching caused with chickenpox, poison ivy, and poison oak. 

Stomach Rash Prevention

Not all stomach rashes are preventable.

However, there are some things you can do to prevent certain stomach rashes, including:

• Practice good personal hygiene to help prevent against viral infection, including washing hands thoroughly 
• Avoid perfumed soaps and laundry detergents
• Moisturize your skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer, especially in dry and colder temperatures
• Get vaccinated whenever eligible, including the rubella and chickenpox vaccines

Talk to a doctor online.

Start my visit

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve developed a mild rash and are not experiencing any other symptoms, it’s OK to try some over-the-counter treatments and to wait a few days to see if your rash will go away on its own.

If the rash persists for a few days, spreads, becomes painful or infected, or you develop a fever, your rash may indicate a medical condition that requires treatment. 

If you experience severe symptoms, or if signs of a new rash don’t go away on their own within one week, reach out to your provider.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a rash on the stomach mean?

There are several possible causes of a stomach rash, many of which are not cause for concern. However, if you’re unsure about what’s causing your stomach rash, seek help from a medical professional in case you need prescription treatment.

What does a stress rash look like on the stomach?

Rashes are a possible side effect of psychological stress. Rashes can include dry or sore skin, itchy patches on the skin, scaly skin, and other types of rashes.

How do you treat a rash on your stomach?

Most rashes will start to get better within a week. Depending on the type of rash you have, your provider may also recommend an over-the-counter or prescription treatment. If your rash does not improve within a week, or if you experience any severe symptoms, reach out to your provider for more information.

What does a virus rash look like?

Some viral rashes look like pink dots on the skin, while others may look lacy or like tiny blisters. Certain viral rashes are also more common in the summertime. Viral rashes often come with additional viral symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, runny nose, cough, or sore throat.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Pruritic Urticarial Papules And Plaques Of Pregnancy. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539700/

• Scabies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (2020).
  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/gen_info/faqs.html

• Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html

• Association of psychological stress with skin symptoms among medical students. (2018).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5885122/

• Cutaneous signs in COVID‐19 patients: A review. (2020).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7273098/

• Kawasaki Disease. (2020).
  https://www.cdc.gov/kawasaki/about.html

• Lyme Disease. (2021).
  https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html

• Rashes. (2016).
  https://medlineplus.gov/rashes.html

• Rosacea. (2016).
  https://medlineplus.gov/rosacea.html

• Rubella. (2019).
  https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella

Rashes in infants | Rassvet Clinic

Babies are generous with various rashes. According to the “good” tradition, most of them are considered allergic with all the consequences – a strict diet for a nursing mother, transfer to artificial feeding, prescription of therapeutic mixtures, etc. In fact, true allergic rashes in infants are not so common. Allergic diseases affecting the skin in infants include: atopic dermatitis, acute urticaria and angioedema. Acute urticaria is extremely rare in infants – this is an acute allergic reaction in the form of peculiar rashes like blisters (as with a nettle burn, hence the name), which suddenly appear on the skin and just as suddenly disappear without leaving any trace, usually do not exist on the skin for longer than a day and are accompanied by severe itching, which manifests itself in the general anxiety of the child. The most common causes are dietary proteins (such as cow’s milk), viral infections, insect bites, and drugs (such as antibiotics). In severe cases, it may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the soft tissues of the face, neck, larynx, arms, legs, genitals or abdominal cavity – Quincke’s edema, which requires immediate medical attention.

Let’s look at what is most often undeservedly called an allergy:

Toxic erythema newborns – a transient benign rash, the exact cause of the appearance is unknown (possibly due to skin irritation by environmental factors).

Appears at birth or in the first 24-48 hours of life. Localization – face, trunk, limbs, except for the palms and soles. Disappears on its own within 5-7 days, sometimes 3 weeks. Does not require treatment.

Neonatal acne (acne infancy, neonatal pustulosis) is caused by androgen stimulation of the baby’s sebaceous glands.

Peak rash falls on the 3rd week of life. It is localized more often on the face, sometimes spreads to the scalp, less often to the collar zone. They resolve spontaneously. The skin needs cleansing and moisturizing, in some cases, the application of
treatment creams may be required.

Sweating rash , which occurs in poorly “ventilated” areas as a result of blockage of the sweat glands. May occur at any age.

Localization – skin folds, buttocks and back surface of the body, sometimes the face (after sleep). Depending on the depth of the lesion, it happens – crystal prickly heat, prickly heat, deep prickly heat (superficial).

The duration of the rash is from several hours to several days.

Treatment – cool water baths, air baths, prevention of overheating. Lotions containing calamine and creams with corticosteroids and antibiotics may be used to treat some cases of red and deep prickly heat.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that develops in areas rich in sebum. The exact cause is unknown (a certain role is assigned to the skin saprophyte – the Malassezia fungus, which grows well and multiplies in the sebaceous secretion).

It can be foci or widespread, dermatitis with bran-like scales, which can form a crust (“bonnet”, gneiss) on the scalp.

Favorite localization – scalp, face, folds (!).

May begin at 1-2 weeks of age or later, resolve spontaneously within weeks or months.

Treatment consists of softening the crusts with oil or cream and then removing them, moisturizing the skin and, in some cases, applying antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams.

Simple contact dermatitis is a non-specific skin injury due to prolonged or repeated exposure to a variety of substances – saliva, fruit juices, foaming bath products, detergents (their residues on the walls of the bath), etc. In infants, saliva is often causes dermatitis in the area of ​​contact with the nipple and in the folds of the neck.

Usually, removal of the damaging agent and short-term use of anti-inflammatory creams will quickly lead to recovery, but some children are so sensitive that it is almost impossible to identify the causative factor.

Diaper dermatitis (contact dermatitis prototype) is a skin lesion that occurs under the influence of physical (overheating), chemical, enzymatic (contact with sweat, urine and feces) and microbial factors. Localization – the area of ​​​​the diaper or diaper fit.

Treatment is carried out using the abbreviation ABCDE (air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education) – air, barrier, cleansing, diaper and parent education. Frequent diaper changes, washing the skin and drying it thoroughly help. Dermatitis is effectively prevented by the application to clean skin of products that completely cover it (Vaseline, zinc paste). In stubborn cases, medicated creams containing corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungals may be recommended.

And now a few words about blood pressure:

Atopic dermatitis – this is a chronic allergic inflammation of the skin, genetically determined, associated with the loss of the skin barrier and, due to this, accompanied by dryness, itching and various rashes. In a third (!) of cases, it is combined with food allergies (the most common “culprits” are cow’s milk, chicken eggs, wheat, fish, soy, nuts).

Starts more often not earlier than 3 months of life.

The most common localization up to 2-3 years is the face (cheeks, forehead, chin), convex parts of the limbs (extensor surfaces) and trunk, never in babies in folds (!).

Exacerbations are provoked by various factors – stress, dry air, sweat, food (histamine liberators), infections, contact with tobacco smoke, animal hair, rough fabrics, detergent residues on clothes, etc.

Treated with careful skin care and using anti-inflammatory creams.

There are also:

Pseudo-allergic reactions are reactions that look similar to allergic reactions (for example, various rashes), but are not such, due to the non-immune mechanism of their development.

The reason is an increased content of histamine (tyramine, serotonin) in foods, or the ability of foods to increase the release of these substances in the body, or their increased absorption, due to the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (fermentopathy, inflammation in the intestinal wall, etc.). ). Such products include chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, citrus fruits, honey, sauerkraut, marinades and spices, seafood, fish, caviar, pork, mushrooms, cheeses, nuts, smoked meats, preservatives, dyes and flavor enhancers.

Treatment includes dietary advice, skin care, and in some cases, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory creams.

Clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis, simple contact dermatitis in highly sensitive children and the manifestation of pseudo-allergic reactions are very similar to each other, so the main task remains to create a “skin barrier” by constantly moisturizing the skin with the help of emollients, stopping exacerbation with anti-inflammatory creams and eliminating exacerbation-provoking factors .

And the last:

Skin infections – herpesvirus, staphylococcal pemphigus, candidiasis also occurs in infants, do not forget about them. It is worth contacting a doctor immediately if the child is lethargic, has a fever, refuses to breast or bottle, skin rashes are accompanied by pus or are covered with purulent crusts, there are blisters or a group of bubbles, erosion (violation of the integrity of the skin), severe swelling and redness of the skin.

Author:

Eroshkina Maria Sergeevna
pediatrician

Skin rashes in babies – contraindications to vaccination

Dear Parents! Your baby needs to see a pediatrician on the day of vaccination . Of course, the child must be healthy , he needs to measure his body temperature the night before and in the morning before leaving the house and examine the skin. In the presence of skin rashes, vaccination is most often delayed, as this is a contraindication for the administration of most vaccines . Therefore, we recommend that parents be careful about skin rashes in their baby and always discuss the cause of their appearance with health workers.

Due to the frequent occurrence at appointments before vaccination of situations when parents of babies do not pay attention to skin manifestations in a child and come to an appointment on the day of vaccination, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the causes of skin rashes in children.

Since the most intensive vaccination schedule is available for children in the first year of life, we will consider the causes of rash in young children (up to 3 years). But even at an older age, parents should not neglect the rule – we vaccinate children against the background of complete health, the absence of acute manifestations of the disease, if there are indications – against the background of the necessary medical preparation, in most cases – against the background of following a hypoallergenic diet.

So, the causes of skin rashes in young children:

• Allergic rash
• Intertrigo (diaper rash)
• Prickly heat
• Eruptions on the skin due to parasitic infestations
• Rash in infectious diseases
• Hemorrhagic eruptions in diseases of the blood and vessels
• Insect bites

Allergic rash

The most common cause of rashes in children of the first year of life is food allergy, the manifestations of which are diverse:

• rash of different shape and brightness on the body, more often on the cheeks,
• redness, peeling of the skin, accompanied by itching,
• persistent diaper rash,
• Gneiss on the scalp and eyebrows, persisting after the 3-4th month of a baby’s life,
• copious prickly heat with slight overheating,
• appearance on the skin of blisters similar to nettle burn (urticaria),
• the appearance of swelling of the skin, subcutaneous fat and mucous membranes (angioedema).

In recent years, the number of children with skin manifestations of allergies has been growing. An increased risk of food allergies exists in children in whose families cases of allergies have already been recorded. In the presence of allergic diseases on the part of both parents, the risk of allergies in a child is approximately 70-80%, in the presence of an allergic pathology on the mother’s side – 60%, on the father’s side – 30%, in the absence of allergic problems on the part of the parents – from 10 to 18 %. In addition to hereditary factors, allergic reactions in an infant can be caused by fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) during pregnancy and childbirth, a quick transition to artificial feeding, acute respiratory viral and intestinal infections suffered by the baby, followed by a violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora.

The occurrence of food allergies in children of the first year of life is associated with the functional features of their digestive tract: low enzyme activity, low production of IgA – protective antibodies located on the surface of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. They provide local protection of the intestinal mucosa from foreign agents. With the introduction of complementary foods (individually for each child – from 4-6 months of life), further maturation of enzyme systems occurs. In case of violation of the terms and rules for the introduction of complementary foods, fermentopathy, imbalance of the microflora in the intestine, the appearance of rashes on the skin associated with an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall, requiring correction and treatment, may occur.

And of course, allergic reactions in breastfed children are associated with eating disorders of the nursing mother, with her excessive consumption of highly allergenic foods.

The so-called food diary helps to identify the causative allergen, in which the mother regularly (at least 14 days) notes all types of food and drink received by her or the baby during the day, indicates the composition of the dishes, the features of their culinary processing, feeding time and the appearance of unwanted reactions ( loose stools, regurgitation, skin rashes, etc. ). In children after a year, rashes are noted on the introduction of foods such as sweets, chocolate, cakes, muffins and other industrial culinary products containing a large amount of dyes and preservatives, which often cause allergic manifestations on the skin, even in adults. Given the immaturity of the enzymatic systems of the digestive tract in young children, the immaturity of the immune system, these products are not recommended to be introduced into the diet of children under 3 years of age.

If your baby periodically has manifestations of food allergies on the skin, vaccination is postponed until the rash fades and is carried out against the background of taking antihistamines prescribed by a pediatrician or an allergist-immunologist a few days before and after vaccination. It is necessary to follow a hypoallergenic diet for a nursing mother and child at least 7-10 days before and after the proposed vaccination. According to the doctor’s prescription, probably, to stabilize the skin process, it will be necessary to use external agents to treat the skin so that vaccination does not serve as a factor that provoked an exacerbation.

Intertrigo (diaper rash)

Diaper rash usually appears in large folds of skin, especially where a child’s skin comes into contact with urine, feces, and diapers. Most often, diaper rash appears on the buttocks, in the inguinal-femoral folds, but sometimes the skin can turn red in a similar way in the axillary and cervical folds and even behind the ears. In advanced cases, cracks, erosions and sores may appear on the surface.

Prevention of diaper rash is the timely change of diapers and diapers, air baths. In case of diaper rash, the pediatrician, in accordance with the type of skin, will prescribe baths with decoctions of certain herbs, as well as a remedy for application after bathing in skin folds.

Prickly heat

Prickly heat is associated with the peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the sweat glands. Usually occurs in hot weather, when the child overheats due to fever, high air temperature or excessive wrapping.

Prickly heat appears on the skin with multiple small (1–2 mm) bright red spots. Rashes in babies often appear on the neck, chest and abdomen. The prickly heat of the baby practically does not bother, and if the rules of skin care are followed, it quickly disappears. Small manifestations of miliaria are not a reason for a medical withdrawal from vaccination if there are no infected elements.

Skin eruptions due to parasitic infestations

In infants, more often from the age of 6 months, infection with various parasites is very likely – pinworms, giardia, roundworms. Toxins, waste products of parasites, helminths are absorbed into the blood and are an allergenic factor, in most cases they can cause rashes on the skin of a child.

Only a pediatrician can identify this type of rash after an examination and necessary examinations, after which treatment is prescribed individually.

Rashes in infectious diseases

If the rash on the skin is accompanied by fever, chills, runny nose, general malaise, loss of appetite, if there has been contact with patients in the family or in a public place for 7–14 days, the child is likely to have manifestations of infection.

Rashes occur with such infectious diseases as: chicken pox, measles, rubella, scarlet fever, infectious mononucleosis, meningococcal infection, enterovirus infection and other viral diseases. To make a diagnosis, an examination of a child by a pediatrician must be carried out at home or in a special box in a children’s clinic.

Hemorrhagic eruptions in diseases of the blood and vessels

In addition to infections, a rash occurs in diseases of the blood and blood vessels. Hemorrhagic rashes look like red or dark spots (bruises) that do not disappear when pressed. In the presence of a hemorrhagic rash, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, a hematologist and conduct additional research methods.

Insect bites

Young children often suffer from mosquito and midge bites. Parents notice skin rashes in the morning, after the child wakes up or after walking in the forest park area. The appearance of pink or reddish spots is characteristic, mainly on open areas of the body, and the presence of elements on the face or on one half of it is obligatory (in the event that the child slept on his side).