Internet Explorer is no longer supported on our website. We recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge
Learn about compatible browsers
Intertrigo
Overview
Intertrigo is a skin condition that causes redness and swelling (inflammation) and a rash. It occurs in skin folds, where skin rubs against other skin.
Intertrigo isn’t contagious. You can’t be infected by others, or give it to someone else if you have it.
Intertrigo is triggered by constant moisture in skin folds:
- Around the groin
- Under the armpits
- In the inner thigh area
- Under the breasts
- In belly (abdominal) skin folds
Intertrigo can occur in men and women of any age. If you have diabetes or are overweight you’re more likely to develop intertrigo.
You can help treat your intertrigo by keeping the affected areas of your body clean and dry. If the skin becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid cream. If the condition comes back or is difficult to treat, your doctor will talk with you about additional treatment.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of intertrigo are:
- Moist, reddish-brown patches (rash), usually on both sides of a skin fold.
- Itching and burning. The skin may also ooze or leak fluid and have an unpleasant odor.
- Cracked, flaking dry skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
Intertrigo occurs when there’s continuous moisture within skin folds. Yeast and bacteria can easily grow in these conditions.
You’re more likely to develop intertrigo if you:
- Live in a warm, moist climate
- Have diabetes
- Are overweight or obese
- Are incontinent or wear adult diapers
- Must remain in bed for long periods of time
People may also develop intertrigo if they wear an artificial limb, splint, or brace that traps moisture near their skin folds.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They may recommend additional testing that may include:
- Skin test. A doctor gently scrapes a small skin sample from the affected area. This would be checked under a microscope in a lab.
- Wood’s lamp. A special light can be used in a dark room to identify bacterial infection (erythrasma) in intertrigo areas.
- Skin biopsy. A doctor takes a small tissue sample that will be checked in a lab. The biopsy can identify intertrigo and check for another conditions.
Prevention
You can use these suggestions to help prevent intertrigo or keep it from getting worse.
Keep your skin dry. Regularly dry your skin with a towel or hair dryer (set on “cool”) if you:
- Live in a warm, moist climate.
- Wear an artificial limb or cast.
- Have bladder control problems. Be sure to keep your skin as clean and dry as possible.
- Have numerous skin folds.
Aim to air out your skin for 30 minutes at least 2 times a day. Blow air on your skin and skin folds, using a hair dryer or fan.
Dry your skin well after showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Dry skin folds and other areas that trap moisture, such as armpits, groin, and under breasts.
- Use Zeasorb AF powder to keep the areas dry.
- Clean skin folds between showers. Gently pat the affected areas using a clean washcloth made of 100% cotton. Then dry the skin with a hair dryer Don’t use soap or cleanser.
Manage your weight. If you’re overweight, losing weight can reduce your risk of intertrigo.
Avoid moisturizing creams. These products can trap moisture and break down skin tissue. This makes skin infection more likely.
Treat early symptoms. Use over-the-counter medicated skin creams or gels, such as:
- 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. Apply twice a day to relieve itching.
- Antifungal cream that contains clotrimazole or miconazole. Use if you have small red dots at the edges of skin folds. Apply twice a day to prevent yeast from overgrowing.
Choose the right clothes. Wear cotton clothing. Avoid:
- Tight clothing and shoes.
- Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and spandex.
Intertrigo is a chronic condition. Doctors expect people to have it more than once. You can repeat the treatments described here, as needed.
Additional References
Disclaimer
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.