Intertrigo

Intertrigo

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

An intertrigo sometimes refers to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that 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 thighs and genitalia, the armpits, under the breasts, the underside of the belly, behind the ears, and the web spaces between the toes and fingers. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore. Intertrigos occur more often among overweight individuals, those with diabetes, those restricted to bed rest or diaper use, 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 dermatitis or 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 rash ointment such as a topical zinc oxide cream. Some commonly available over the counter brand names: Sudocrem, Desitin, and Balmex. There are also many other generic diaper rash creams that may work. Also for a persistent intertrigo infection it is common for an anti-fungal cream, most commonly clotrimazole 1%, 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 oil and shark liver oil. These oils are also available in pill forms that may also help the infection (see links).

Hydrocortisone available at drug stores and over the counter in low dosages is beneficial in relieving the pain and symptoms of the infection but is not curative.

Keeping the area of the intertrigo dry and exposed to the air can help prevent recurrences. If the individual is overweight, losing weight can help. Using antibacterial soap, surrounding the skin with absorbent cotton or a band of cotton fabric, and treating the skin with absorbent body powders and even antiperspirants (with caution: do not apply it directly on the intertrigo because it will hurt) will all help prevent future occurrences. Relapses of intertrigos are common, however, and require periodic care from a dermatologist.

Prescription Medicines

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

ee also

* Diaper rash
* List of skin diseases

External links

* [http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/intertrigo.html A.O.C.D.: Intertrigo]
* [http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic198.htm eMedicine: Intertrigo] (by Samuel Selden, M.D.)
* [http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter163.asp DERMAdoctor: Intertrigo] (by Audrey Kunin, M.D.)


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • intertrigo — [ ɛ̃tɛrtrigo ] n. m. • 1798; mot lat., rad. tritum, de terere « frotter » ♦ Méd. Inflammation de la peau au niveau des plis. ● intertrigo nom masculin (latin intertrigo, inis, écorchure, de inter, entre, et terere, frotter) Infection cutanée… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • intertrigo — INTERTRÍGO s.n. Inflamaţie localizată la cutele naturale ale pielii; opăreală. – Din fr. intertrigo. Trimis de valeriu, 21.07.2003. Sursa: DEX 98  INTERTRÍGO s. (med.) (pop.) opăreală. Trimis de siveco, 05.08.2004. Sursa: Sinonime  intertrígo s …   Dicționar Român

  • Intertrigo — Classification et ressources externes Intertrigo du pli inguinal CIM 10 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • intertrigo — intértrigo intértrigo m. dermat. Inflamación de la piel en las zonas con roce y húmedas por el sudor, que se sobreinfectan por bacterias y hongos. Suele aparecer en los pliegues cutáneos (espacios interdigitales del pie, ingle, surco submamario) …   Diccionario médico

  • Intertrigo — Clasificación y recursos externos CIE 10 L30.4 (ILDS L30.490) CIE 9 695.89 …   Wikipedia Español

  • intertrigo — s. m. O mesmo que intertrigem.   ‣ Etimologia: latim intertrigo, inis …   Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa

  • intertrigo — (Del lat. intertrīgo, igĭnis, rozadura). m. Med. Inflamación erisipelatosa producida por el roce de dos superficies cutáneas, acompañada de picazón y secreción más o menos abundante …   Diccionario de la lengua española

  • Intertrigo — In ter*tri go, n. [L., fr. inter between + terere, tritum, to rub.] (Med.) A rubbing or chafing of the skin; especially, an abrasion or excoriation of the skin between folds, as in fat or neglected children. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Intertrīgo — (lat.), 1) das Wundsein (s.d.), namentlich der. Kinder; 2) so v.w. Afterfratt …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Intertrīgo — (lat.), das Wundsein der Haut, besonders zwischen zwei sich berührenden Hautflächen …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Intertrigo — Intertrīgo (lat.), Wundsein, die Hautentzündung zwischen zwei sich berührenden Hautflächen (s. Hautwolf) …   Kleines Konversations-Lexikon

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”