The armpits are more often the site of inflammatory conditions. To better consider this problem, the dermatologist, Isabelle Gallay answers all our questions about the intertrigo.
Definition: what is an underarm intertrigo?
Intertrigo is a common skin infection, favored by local maceration. It causes local redness and oozing in the armpit folds. It is a dermatosis of the folds.
“Irritation in the armpit folds is usually the result of a degradation of the skin barrier due to an allergy to a deodorant or a cleaning product or to the wearing of a synthetic textile“, explains Dr. Isabelle Gallay. red patches in the armpits resulting from inflammation can be due to different pathologies such as a eczema, contact dermatitis or bacterial infection. “In most cases, the red patches in the armpit creases are of bacterial or allergic origin or the fact of psoriasis. When an antifungal is prescribed, very often there is intolerance and worsening of the damaged skin in this place of the body“, explains Dr. Isabelle Gallay.
What are the causes of an intertrigo in the armpits?
The main cause of an intertrigo of the armpit folds is a deodorant allergy. “You must immediately stop applying the deodorant and use a mild pH-neutral soap which respects the skin or a dermatological shower gel and above all rinse well and dry the armpits well“, she notes.
Are babies prone to armpit intertrigo?
Babies are sometimes over covered and sweaty : they can develop bacterial infections in the folds or have allergies to textiles whose penetration into the skin is favored by humidity and maceration.
Does an intertrigo under the armpit smell?
It can indeed be accompanied by a unpleasant odor which is the consequence of an imbalance of the microbial flora on this area.
Who to consult in case of intertrigo in the armpits?
You should consult a dermatologist, through his general practitioner, as quickly as possible for rapid care and to avoid diagnostic errors. Today, there are specialized care teams that the general practitioner can call upon.
What is the treatment for an intertrigo in the armpit?
It’s necessary moisturize the skin of the armpits with a neutral moisturizing cream to restore the skin barrier. It could be a problem bacterial in patients who do not have natural antibiotics in their sweat capable of naturally eliminating pathogenic bacteria. If the symptoms persist, the dermatologist may consider other pathologies such as psoriasis Where eczema and set up a local treatment from topical corticosteroids or if the infection is bacterial, he may prescribe a short course of topical antibacterials or systemic antibiotics. “These bacteria are generally the result of an erythrasma characterized by very red, even brown patches with sometimes fine desquamation, and the treatment will rebalance the microbiota.“.
What prevention to avoid an intertrigo in the armpits?
It’s necessary avoiding the application of deodorants and perfumed soapsthe wearing of certain fabrics that would promote perspiration. A humid environment encourages the proliferation of bacteria and therefore skin reactions and allergies.
Thanks to Dr Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist in Dijon and member of the National Syndicate of Venereologist Dermatologists.