Intertrigo

Definition

Intertrigo is an inflammation of the top layers of skin caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungi in the folds of the skin. The color of affected areas ranges usually from pink to brown. Intertrigo is defined as an inflammation of the body folds, which is caused by skin rubbing against skin coupled with heat and moisture. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore. Intertrigo is characterized by skin reddening , maceration , burning, and itching. Intertrigo is a yeast infection (candida albicans) of the skin. Intertrigo occur more often among overweight person, those with diabetes.

Causes of Intertrigo

• Autoeczematization and infection also may be the cause of intertrigo
• Poor hygiene, may lead to intertrigo
• Rare inherited conditions such as Hailey-Hailey disease may also lead to the intertrigo
• An obese person is more prone to get affected by intertrigo
• Blistering skin disorders such as bullous pemphigoid are the main cause of intertrigo.
• Whether infectious agents play a primary role in spreading intertrigo
• Intertrigo is usually yeast infection of skin folds caused by Candida albicans.
• To some extent erythema, is also responsible for causing intertrigo
• Some initiating factors such as friction, perspiration, maceration, or irritation from stool, urine, drainage, or topical agents may lead to intertrigo

Symptoms of Intertrigo

The Possible Symptoms for Intertrigo are as:-

• The affected area may smell cheesy or yeasty.
• Intertrigo is made worse by sweating.
• You may also have seborrhoeic dermatitis or thrush (candidiasis).
• The occurrence of blisters are common during intertrigo
• During intertrigo, you may have the feeling of burning, cracking and itching.
• There will be great pain over the affected area.
• There may be peeling on the hands, particularly between the fingers and swollen nail folds above the cuticle.
• The affected area gets red and skin become moist.
• The occurrence of skin rash on inner thighs are common in intertrigo disease.
• There may be rashes on your abdominal site.

Treatments for Intertrigo

• The topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin and erythromycin are very useful in reducing the bacterial infection.
• The Nizoral Cream is also ideal for killing yeast products.
• Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream may also prove effective for the treatment of intertrigo
• Yeasts and fungi may be treated with topical antifungals such as clotrimazole and terbinafine cream or oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine.
• Stronger topical steroid creams will be more rapidly effective, but if used for more than a few days may cause serious skin damage.
• If itching is severe, an antihistamine may be prescribed.
• Antiperspirants may be used to reduce the sweating problem but should only be tried when it has completely healed.
• Medicated powder called Mycostatin Powder is very helpful for curing intertrigo. The affected person may apply it 3-4 times a day. The powder helps keep the area dry as well as kills the yeast.