Diseases

Simple intertrigo can be prevented by liberally applying a lubricating ointment like petrolatum directly into the intertriginous skin fold predisposed to irritation prior to any physical activity. Carefully drying the affected area after bathing or showering is also helpful. In obese individuals with a large abdominal skin folds (panniculus), weight reduction can diminish the folds so that intertrigo is prevented.

Intertrigo may be complicated by a variety of infectious microorganisms that must be eliminated before the condition is likely to improve. Since fungal infections are very common in the intertriginous zones, it is important to perform appropriate tests (such as microscopically analyzing small scrapings of affected skin) to exclude this problem. Most dermatologists and some primary care physicians are able to perform potassium hydroxide mounts of scale obtained from the irritated skin right in the office and visualize the fungus under the microscope. There are a variety of other skin diseases that may present a picture similar to intertrigo but are treated quite differently. If the condition does not respond to the simple treatment methods listed above, further diagnostic procedures may have to be done to elucidate the true diagnosis.

Treatment of uncomplicated intertrigo primarily involves changing those environmental factors that have predisposed the patient to the condition. Areas of involvement are covered with a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone cream, which is available without a prescription, and then covered with zinc oxide paste or ointment (Desitin).

Symptoms of intertrigo include itching and burning in the intertriginous zones. Occasionally, long-standing intertrigo may produce a musty smell. With intertrigo, these areas become inflamed and appear red and sometimes scaly.

Environmental factors play a major role in exacerbations of intertrigo. They include increases in temperature and humidity encountered most frequently during the summer months.Activities such as bicycle riding or running, which produce repetitive movements, produce frictional forces which may injure the skin. The presence of large folds of skin, such as those that result from obesity, also enhances the likelihood of intertrigo.

Simple intertrigo is an irritant dermatitis caused by the combination of frictional rubbing, increased temperature, and moisture. Intertrigo can be complicated by various microorganisms, including yeasts, dermatophytic fungi, bacteria, as well as allergic and irritant reactions to various medications and chemicals. There are also some uncommon exotic dermatologic diseases that have a predilection to appear in the intertriginous zones.

Intertrigo is a very common inflammatory condition affecting areas of skin that are characteristically in contact with each other, such as the groin, armpits, under the breasts, and skin folds on the anterior torso. These areas of skin that are in contact with each other are referred to as the intertriginous zones. In obese individuals, skin folds may occur in a variety of other areas and so can be affected by intertrigo.

If the patient is willing to change certain habits that may predispose to intertrigo the prognosis is quite good. It almost always resolves rapidly.

Intertrigo can be diagnosed by most doctors purely on the basis of its appearance -- a red rash affecting one or more intertriginous areas. If the condition does not respond to conventional treatments, then a referral should be made to a dermatologist.