Treatment FAQ

what treatment for intertrigo

by Dr. Kieran Lynch MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Jun 14, 2020

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The most common places that intertrigo occurs include: In the crease (s) of your neck. In your armpits. Beneath or between your breasts. Between your belly folds. Between your buttocks. In your groin at your scrotum. In your inner thighs. Between your toes and fingers.

How do I get rid of intertrigo?

Nov 13, 2020 · Intertrigo infected by bacteria should be treated with topical (eg, mupirocin) or oral antibiotics (eg, penicillin) along with low-potency topical steroids. Intertrigo infected by …

What is the prognosis of intertrigo?

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 ).

How can intertrigo be treated?

Dec 07, 2020 · Placing gauze or cotton in between the folds of skin where intertrigo has developed keeps the folds from rubbing together and creating friction that can worsen your rash. It also helps keep the skin dry. [6] If you tape the gauze or cotton to your skin, use surgical tape and make sure you don't put any tape on the rash itself. 3

How can I prevent intertrigo?

Sep 08, 2021 · Some people find relief with a vinegar treatment for intertrigo. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar into one quart of lukewarm water. Soak a soft cloth in this solution and apply to the rash twice daily for up to 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly.

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What is the fastest way to heal intertrigo?

Uncomplicated, uninfected intertrigo can be treated with barrier ointments, such as petrolatum (such as Vaseline) and zinc oxide (such as Desitin). Applying cotton compresses saturated with a drying solution such as Burow's solution to the skin folds for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day can also help the rash heal.Jul 11, 2021

What cream is best for intertrigo?

Topical antifungals used for intertrigo are nystatin and azole drugs, including miconazole, ketoconazole, or clotrimazole. You usually use the cream twice a day for two to four weeks . If your rash is very itchy, the doctor may also prescribe an antifungal combined with a low-dose corticosteroid.Feb 26, 2019

How can I treat intertrigo at home?

Home Remedies for IntertrigoPlace an absorbent dressing (such as a telfa pad, menstrual pad, or gauze) against the rash and changing it regularly.Use a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting to air out the skin fold.Use a soft towel to gently dry the area several times a day.More items...

What clears intertrigo?

Intertrigo usually clears up if the affected areas are kept as clean and dry as possible. Try wearing loose clothing and reducing skin-to-skin friction in affected areas. Applying an ointment (Vaseline, A+D, others) to the skin can help. Weight loss may be helpful as well.

Is hydrocortisone cream good for intertrigo?

For persistent irritation, 0.5–1.0% hydrocortisone cream twice daily may help. Discontinue if you are no better after 2 weeks of use. Adding a topical antifungal to the hydrocortisone, such as clotrimazole cream, may help if yeast infection is suspected.

Does baby powder help intertrigo?

Baby powder works great for preventing chafing and rashes like intertrigo. Intertrigo is a common form of dermatitis affecting skin folds, particularly the area beneath the breasts.Jun 21, 2018

Do I need to see a doctor for intertrigo?

Symptoms of intertrigo Some may experience itchy or oozing skin, while others may notice a foul odour emanating from the area. The symptoms of intertrigo can vary between individuals, so it's important to see a doctor to have it diagnosed by a professional.

How long does it take to treat intertrigo?

Mix equal amounts of clotrimazole 1% cream (or miconazole 1% cream) and hydrocortisone 1% cream and apply a thin layer to the affected area. People should do this twice a day until the rash is clear, which may take 3–8 weeks.May 12, 2020

Why do I keep getting intertrigo?

Intertrigo is caused by skin-to-skin friction that is made worse by heat and moisture. This most commonly happens between skin folds or creases and between your toes or fingers. The trapped moisture — often due to sweating — causes your skin surfaces to stick together.Aug 24, 2021

How do I know if my intertrigo is infected?

Patients may present with itching, burning, and pain in the affected areas. 1,3 More prominent inflammation could be a sign of secondary infection. Well-demarcated red, weeping intertrigo may be mechanical or may be a sign of secondary GABHS infection.Sep 1, 2005

How to use Intertrigo for babies?

Intertrigo in babies requires special care, because the affected skin area is so delicate. Keep the area clean, wash it gently with a mild soap, and pat it dry. Use an absorbent diaper and wrap it loosely.

What does it feel like to have an intertrigo?

Intertrigo starts as redness or small bumps or spots in skin folds. The rash can feel: itchy. uncomfortable. burning. prickly. painful. The intertrigo appears on both sides of the skin fold, almost like a mirror image. If it’s not infected, the rash is usually symmetrical.

Why does intertrigo rash happen?

The main cause of intertrigo is the irritation of skin rubbing against skin. These areas are often moist, warm, and lacking air exposure. This makes them perfect breeding areas for microorganisms. These bacteria or fungi worsen the rash and its symptoms.

Why does my intertrigo smell bad?

If you have a secondary infection from bacteria, fungus, or yeast, the intertrigo becomes more inflamed and can develop a bad smell . Intertrigo with a secondary infection is often asymmetrical (not even or present on both sides). You may have intertrigo in more than one skin area.

What is the most common fungus in intertrigo?

Candida (a yeast ) is the fungus group that’s most commonly associated with intertrigo. About 80 percent to 90 percent#N#Trusted Source#N#of all skin yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans (also called thrush).

What antibiotics can you use for a bacterial infection?

If the infection is more severe, the doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as penicillin, flucloxacillin, or erythromycin. The doctor may also prescribe a low-potency corticosteroid and advise you to use an antibiotic soap.

Is intertrigo common in older people?

Intertrigo is common and can occur at any age, but it’s more common in the very young and in older people. In babies, intertrigo most often appears as diaper rash.

What is the best treatment for intertrigo?

Simple intertrigo may be treated with drying agents (eg, talc, cornstarch). Where appropriate, antimycotic agents (miconazole, clotrimazole) are helpful, especially if used with a mild- to mid-potency (class III-VI) steroid for a short duration.

What antibiotics are used for intertrigo?

Intertrigo infected by bacteria should be treated with topical (eg, mupirocin) or oral antibiotics (eg, penicillin) along with low-potency topical steroids. Intertrigo infected by yeasts or dermatophytes should be treated with antifungal agents. [ 19] .

What is the best product for diaper dermatitis?

Commercially available barrier pastes sold for diaper dermatitis (eg, Desitin) can be helpful, as can absorbent diapers. Tetrix, a prescription dimethicone barrier cream, may be more protective and less greasy than traditional petrolatum-based barrier products such as zinc oxide ointment.

Can diapers cause intertrigo?

Since intertrigo in the perineum often is complicated by incontinence, new breakthroughs in absorbent diapers have made diaper dermatitis easier to avoid. However, contact dermatitis in reaction to these diapers, whether irritant or allergic, can occur; therefore, monitor waistlines and leg openings for intertrigo.

How to get rid of intertrigo rash?

2. Separate skin surfaces with gauze or cotton. Placing gauze or cotton in between the folds of skin where intertrigo has developed keeps the folds from rubbing together and creating friction that can worsen your rash. It also helps keep the skin dry.

What are the signs of intertrigo?

Tip: Bright red coloring, oozing, dry cracked skin, and an unpleasant odor are signs of infection. Discuss possible risk factors with your doctor.

What to do if your rash is over the counter?

If over-the-counter remedies have been ineffective to treat your rash, your doctor may prescribe a cream or ointment. Prescription-strength creams and ointments typically have a higher percentage of active ingredients than those available over the counter.

Can you have intertrigo from a different cause?

It's best to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor to make sure you have intertrigo. It's possible to have similar symptoms from a different cause, such as ringworm or bed bug, flea, or tick bites.

Can you get intertrigo while pregnant?

If you have to stay in bed, for example, while pregnant or recovering from surgery or an injury, you may also be at risk of developing intertrigo. Medical devices such as splints or artificial limbs can also trap moisture against the skin, leading to intertrigo.

Is Intertrigo more common in warm climates?

Knowing risk factors that apply to you can help your doctor better diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Intertrigo is more common in warm, moist climate s. Additionally, it more often affects people who have extra weight on their body.

How to get rid of intertrigo rash?

Some people find relief with a vinegar treatment for intertrigo. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar into one quart of lukewarm water. Soak a soft cloth in this solution and ...

How to tell if you have intertrigo?

Other common signs and symptoms of intertrigo include: Burning, itching or pain within the irritated skin fold. Raw-looking skin within a fold. Well-defined red rash that may also be weepy (oozing) Yeast-like or putrid odor from the rash.

Can you get intertrigo from a hot climate?

Intertrigo tends to be more common in people who are overweight, bed-bound, use artificial limbs, or live in hot, humid climates, but the condition can occur in anyone. The key to intertrigo treatment lies in drying out the rash and eliminating the skin infection.

Is Intertrigo a substitute for medical advice?

It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Intertrigo.

Can you use Intertrigo if it doesn't work?

Do not overuse antibacterial ointments, as this can cause a different type of rash to develop. Intertrigo can lead to a serious infection left untreated, so if a home remedy doesn’t work you should see a doctor for treatment. Prescription powders and creams offer more alternatives for eliminating this painful rash quickly.

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