Intertrigo

An intertrigo is an inflammation(rash) of the body folds (adjacent areas of skin).

An intertrigo sometimes refers to a bacterial, fungal, or viralinfectionthat has developed at the site of broken skin due to such inflammation.

An intertrigo usually develops from the chafing of warm, moist skin in the areas of the inner thighsand genitalia, the armpits, under the breasts, the underside of the belly, behind the ears, and the web spaces between the toesand fingers. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore. Intertrigos occur more often among overweightindividuals, those with diabetes, those restricted to bed rest or diaperuse, and those who use medical devices, like artificial limbs, that trap moisture against the skin. Also, there are several skin diseases that can cause an intertrigo to develop, such as dermatitisor inverse psoriasis.

Treatments

In general, treatment for all skin rashes, less is more, and consult a dermatologist if it persists for more than a week. Infections can be treated with a topical and/or oral medication(s). The most common treatment being a baby diaper rashointment such as a topical zinc oxidecream. Some commonly available over the counterbrand names: Desitin, Butt Paste, and Balmex. There are also many other generic diaper rashcreams that may work. Also for a persistent intertrigo infection it is common for an anti-fungal cream, most commonly clotrimazole1%, to be used in conjunction with a diaper rash ointment.

It is suggested to use a paper towel to apply the zinc oxide cream and/or anti-fungal ointment(s) to avoid excessive hand washing, as it is very difficult to wash zinc oxide ointment from the hands because it resists water. Other ingredients in baby rash ointments that are beneficial to relief of intertrigo is cod liver oiland shark liver oil. These oils are also available in pill forms that may also help the infection (see links).

Hydrocortisoneavailable at drug stores and over the counter in low dosages is beneficial in relieving the pain and symptoms of the infection but does not cure the infection.

Keeping the area of the intertrigo dry and exposed to the aircan help prevent recurrences. If the individual is overweight, losing weightcan help. Using antibacterialsoap, surrounding the skin with absorbent cottonor a band of cotton fabric, and treating the skin with absorbent body powders and even antiperspirantswill all help prevent future occurrences. Relapses of intertrigos are common, however, and require periodic carefrom a dermatologist.

Prescription Medicines

These prescriptions are very dangerous and are usually only prescribed by a doctor for extreme cases.

• Grifulvin V
• Griseofulvin

See also

• Diaper rash
• List of skin diseases

External links

• A.O.C.D.: Intertrigo
• eMedicine: Intertrigo(by Samuel Selden, M.D.)
• DERMAdoctor: Intertrigo(by Audrey Kunin, M.D.)de:Intertrigo

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intertrigo Wikipedia article Intertrigo.