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Intertrigo

Definition

Intertrigo is an inflammation of the top layers of skin due to moisture, bacteria, yeast, or fungus in the folds of the skin.

Common Causes

Intertrigo tends to occur in warm, moist areas of the body where two skin surfaces rub or press against each other. It is most common in persons who are obese. Intertrigo may also be seen in people who must stay in bed or who wear medical devices that may trap moisture against the skin, such as artificial limbs, splints, and braces.

Intertrigo is common in warm, moist climates.

The affected areas of skin are usually pink to brown. If the skin is particularly moist, it may begin to break down. In severe cases, there may be a foul odor.

Home Care

Weight loss and frequent moving of the body are often helpful. Keeping areas of folded skin open with dry towels or blowing a fan across moist areas can also help. Loose, unrestrictive clothing should be worn.

Call your health care provider if

Call your physician if intertrigo persists despite good home care or if it spreads beyond a skin fold.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider can often make the diagnosis of intertrigo based upon the appearance of your skin. A skin scraping and KOH examination may also be done to rule out the possibility of a fungal infection. A Wood's lamp may be used to rule out a bacterial infection called erythrasma.

Rarely, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options for intertrigo include a low-dose steroid cream, a drying agent such as Domeboro soaks, or an antibiotic or antifungal cream applied to the skin.

Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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