Intertrigo Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

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Home . Dermatology . Medical Dermatology . Intertrigo

If you are dealing with the symptoms of intertrigo, our medical dermatology specialists at Regency can help. We will assess the severity of your condition to accurately determine the best course of treatment for you.

What is Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is a common skin condition causing redness, itching, pain, weeping, and increased odor of the skin folds. Skin folds occur anywhere there is skin-on-skin contact, such as in the groin, buttocks, and underneath the breasts, abdomen, or arms. The increased friction/rubbing in these areas and lack of air circulation initiate this skin condition and can promote overgrowth of bacteria or fungi. Intertrigo can affect all people; however, it is most common in bedridden older adults and infants.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for intertrigo include obesity, incontinence, poor hygiene, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and medical conditions that suppress your immune system. These can include diabetes, HIV, and other conditions.

Diagnosis of intertrigo is typically made clinically; however, a culture may be taken to rule out bacterial or fungal infection, and a skin biopsy may be done if the diagnosis is unclear.

Treatment

Treatments that can reduce the risk of intertrigo recurring include:

Daily cleansing of skin folds with a mild cleanser and drying the area well after
Allowing air to reach the area when possible
Daily application of drying powders
Using absorbent material to soak up moisture between skin folds
Weight loss
Getting underlying conditions such as excessive sweating and diabetes well under control

There are also several prescription creams with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may be used as treatment.