Redness localized in the folds of the body, the intertrigo is the result of a cutaneous maceration which can be of infectious or inflammatory origin. Diabetes, obesity and taking cortisone are contributing factors.
Definition: what is intertrigo?
The intertrigo is a localized skin inflammation in the folds such as the large inguinal, sub-mammary, axillary, abdominal, intergluteal folds or the small intertoe folds, umbilicus…
There are two types of intertrigo:
► The infectious intertrigo: this is usually caused by bacteria or fungi. “The two most common families of fungi are dermatophytes and candida albicans.“, explains Dr. Flora Fischer, dermatologist. In theory, infectious intertrigo is contagious “but in practice, those affected are often obese, diabetic, athletes whose feet have macerated in wet socks, or people on broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment“
► The inflammatory intertrigo : this is not contagious and is due to psoriasis or eczema.
What are the symptoms of intertrigo?
The intertrigo usually results in localized redness and itching. Redness appears when friction and humidity induce a maceration with inflammation of the skin. These can be different depending on the cause. “The intertrigo linked to a dermatophyte type fungus will cause redness with very clear borders. The intertrigo linked to a candida-type fungus will rather lead to redness with more irregular edges possibly accompanied by micro pustules“, warns Flora Fischer. Some bacteria can, for their part, cause plates rather brown and not red.
Regardless of the area, the intertrigo is manifested by a often reddened skin rash that may itch. The appearance will not always be exactly the same from one intertrigo to another depending on the agent involved.
You can recognize an inguinal intertrigo by spotting reddened areas located in the folds of the groin, inside the thighs or towards the anus.
Treatment depends on the cause of the intertrigo. “First of all, it is necessary to make prevention by evoking hygiene measures to limit the risk of intertrigo.” For this it is necessary to always wash and dry the folds well daily, wash the underwear at 60°C but also the socks, to fight against the favoring or aggravating factors such as the diabetes, obesity or taking cortisone. If the intertrigo is due to a fungus (dermatophytes or candida albicans), the proposed treatment is often local application of antifungals in the form of creams for three to four weeks. Never apply cortisone if the cause of the intertrigo is infectious because it promotes the proliferation of fungi. “If the location is very extensive, we can help ourselves with oral antifungal treatments“, says Dr. Fischer. If the intertrigo is of non-infectious origin and caused by psoriasis or eczema, the doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids.
What creams and ointments?
The most commonly used antifungal creams or ointments are Econazole or Ciclopiroxolamine. If the intertrigo is caused by bacteria, a topical antibiotic such as Erythromycin can be used.
Thanks to Dr Flora Fischer, dermatologist and author of the book Confidences of a dermatologist (Editions Robert Laffont).