Intertrigo

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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.

Differentiating intertrigo from other diseases

Intertrigo should be differentiated from other diseases causing papulosquamous or erythmatosquamous rash. The differentials include:

Disease	Rash Characteristics	Signs and Symptoms	Associated Conditions
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma/Mycosis fungoides^[1]	Premycotic phase: A scaly, red rash in areas of the body that usually are not exposed to the sun. This rash does not cause symptoms and may last for months or years. Patch phase: Thin, erythematous, eczema-like rash. Plaque phase: Small raised bumps (papules) or hardened lesions on the skin, which may be erythematous. Tumor phase: Tumors form on the skin. Infection secondary to ulcers.	Epidermal atrophy or poikiloderma Generalized itching (pruritus) Pain in the affected area of the skin Insomnia Red (erythematous) patches scattered over the skin of the trunk and the extremities Tumor-like lobulated outgrowths form on the skin in the latter phase of the disease Weight loss Lymphadenopathy Malaise and fatigue Anemia May progress to Sezary syndrome (skin involvement plus hematogenous dissemination)	Sezary syndrome
Pityriasis rosea^[2]	Pink or salmon in color, which may be scaly; referred to as “herald patch” Oval shape Long axis oriented along the cleavage lines Distributed on the trunk and proximal extremities Squamous marginal collarette and a “fir-tree” or “Christmas tree” distribution on posterior trunk Secondary to viral infections Resolves spontaneously after 6-8 weeks	Preceded by a prodrome of: Sore throat Gastrointestinal disturbance Fever Arthralgia	Infection by any of the following:^[3] HHV-6 HHV-7 HHV-8
Pityriasis lichenoides chronica	Recurrent lesions are usually less evenly scattered than in cases of psoriasis Brownish red or orange-brown in color Lesions are capped by a single detachable, opaque, mica-like scale Often leave hypopigmented macules	High fever Malaise Myalgias Paraesthesia Pruritus	Infection by any of the following:^[4] Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Toxoplasma gondii Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Nummular dermatitis^[5]	Multiple coin-shaped eczematous lesions Commonly affecting the extremities (lower>upper) and trunk May ooze fluid and become dry and crusty	Often appears after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion (from friction), or insect bite Lesions commonly relapse after occasional remission or may persist for long periods Pruritus	Associated with: Dry skin Emotional stress Allergens (rubber chemicals, formaldehyde, neomycin, chrome, mercury, and nickel) Staphylococcus infection Seasonal variation Alcohol Drugs Atopy
Secondary syphilis^[6]	Round, coppery, red colored lesions on palms and soles Papules with collarette of scales	Fever Generalized lymphadenopathy Sore throat Patchy hair loss Headache Weight loss Myalgia Fatigue	Associated with: Condylomata lata Corona verinata Positive VDRL test
Bowen’s disease^[7]	Erythematous, small, scaly plaque, which enlarges erratically over time Scale is usually yellow or white and it is easily detachable without any bleeding Well-defined margins	Pruritus Pain Bleeding lesions	Associated with:^[8] Erythroplasia of Queyrat (Bowen’s disease of the penis) Squamous cell carcinoma Solar radiation and ultraviolet (UV) exposure Radiotherapy Immunosuppression Arsenic exposure Human papilloma virus (HPV) type 16 Merkel cell polyomavirus Sjögren’s syndrome
Exanthematous pustulosis^[9]	Numerous small, primarily non-follicular, sterile pustules, arising within large areas of edematous erythema	Fever Leukocytosis Intracorneal, subcorneal, and/or intraepidermal pustules with papillary dermal edema containing neutrophils and eosinophils	Associated with:^[10] Antibiotics (penicillins, sulfonamides, tetracyclines) Carbamazepine Calcium channel blockers (Diltiazem) Hydroxychloroquine
Hypertrophic lichen planus^[11]	Classically involves shin and ankles and is characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques and nodules covered by a scale Lesions may transform into hyperkeratotic thickened, elevated, purplish or reddish plaques and nodules	Chronic pruritus Scaling May be asymptomatic	Associated with Hepatitis C virus infection^[12]
Sneddon–Wilkinson disease^[13]	Flaccid pustules that are often generalized and have a tendency to involve the flexural areas Annular configuration	Pruritus May be asymptomatic	Associated with: Monoclonal gammopathy, usually an IgA paraproteinemia^[14] Crohn’s disease^[15] Osteomyelitis Adalimumab^[16]
Small plaque parapsoriasis^[17]	Erythematous plaques with fine scaly surface May present with elongated, finger-like patches Symmetrical distribution on the flanks Known as digitate dermatosis	Lesions may be asymptomatic May be mildly pruritic May fade or disappear after sun exposure during the summer season, but typically recur during the winter	May progress to mycosis fungoides^[18]
Intertrigo^[19]	Red and fleshy looking lesion in skin folds Itching Oozing May be sore	Pruritus Musty odor	Associated with: Infections (Fungal, bacterial, viral) Allergies Diabetes Obesity
Langerhans cell histiocytosis^[20]	Scaling and crusting of scalp	Pathological fractures^[21] Visceromegaly (hepatomegaly, spleenomegaly) Chronic cough Dyspnea^[22] Lymphadenopathy	Associated with: Diabetes insipidus^[23] Pancytopenia
Tinea manuum/pedum/capitis^[24]	Scaling, flaking, and sometimes blistering of the affected areas Hair loss with a black dot on scalp in case of tinea capitis	Pruritus KOH preparation of the lesions confirms fungal infection	Associated with: Diabetes Immunosupression Intimate contact with infected person May lead to asthma exacerbation
Seborrheic dermatitis	Papulosquamous, scaly, flaky, itchy, and red rash found particularly at sebaceous gland-rich areas of the body	Pruritus	Associated with:^[25] AIDS Stress^[26] Fungal infection Fatigue Sleep deprivation Change of season Parkinson’s disease Biotin deficiency

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, Butt Paste, 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 does not cure the infection.

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 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.

External links

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

de:Intertrigo nl:Intertrigo

Template:WH Template:WikiDoc Sources

↑ “Mycosis Fungoides and the Sézary Syndrome Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version – National Cancer Institute”.
↑ Mahajan K, Relhan V, Relhan AK, Garg VK (2016). “Pityriasis Rosea: An Update on Etiopathogenesis and Management of Difficult Aspects”. Indian J Dermatol. 61 (4): 375–84. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.185699. PMC 4966395. PMID 27512182.
↑ Prantsidis A, Rigopoulos D, Papatheodorou G, Menounos P, Gregoriou S, Alexiou-Mousatou I, Katsambas A (2009). “Detection of human herpesvirus 8 in the skin of patients with pityriasis rosea”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 89 (6): 604–6. doi:10.2340/00015555-0703. PMID 19997691.
↑ Smith KJ, Nelson A, Skelton H, Yeager J, Wagner KF (1997). “Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta in HIV-1+ patients: a marker of early stage disease. The Military Medical Consortium for the Advancement of Retroviral Research (MMCARR)”. Int. J. Dermatol. 36 (2): 104–9. PMID 9109005.
↑ Jiamton S, Tangjaturonrusamee C, Kulthanan K (2013). “Clinical features and aggravating factors in nummular eczema in Thais”. Asian Pac. J. Allergy Immunol. 31 (1): 36–42. PMID 23517392.
↑ “STD Facts – Syphilis”.
↑ Neagu TP, Ţigliş M, Botezatu D, Enache V, Cobilinschi CO, Vâlcea-Precup MS, GrinŢescu IM (2017). “Clinical, histological and therapeutic features of Bowen’s disease”. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 58 (1): 33–40. PMID 28523295.
↑ Murao K, Yoshioka R, Kubo Y (2014). “Human papillomavirus infection in Bowen disease: negative p53 expression, not p16(INK4a) overexpression, is correlated with human papillomavirus-associated Bowen disease”. J. Dermatol. 41 (10): 878–84. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12613. PMID 25201325.
↑ Szatkowski J, Schwartz RA (2015). “Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP): A review and update”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 73 (5): 843–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.07.017. PMID 26354880.
↑ Schmid S, Kuechler PC, Britschgi M, Steiner UC, Yawalkar N, Limat A, Baltensperger K, Braathen L, Pichler WJ (2002). “Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: role of cytotoxic T cells in pustule formation”. Am. J. Pathol. 161 (6): 2079–86. doi:10.1016/S0002-9440(10)64486-0. PMC 1850901. PMID 12466124.
↑ Ankad BS, Beergouder SL (2016). “Hypertrophic lichen planus versus prurigo nodularis: a dermoscopic perspective”. Dermatol Pract Concept. 6 (2): 9–15. doi:10.5826/dpc.0602a03. PMC 4866621. PMID 27222766.
↑ Shengyuan L, Songpo Y, Wen W, Wenjing T, Haitao Z, Binyou W (2009). “Hepatitis C virus and lichen planus: a reciprocal association determined by a meta-analysis”. Arch Dermatol. 145 (9): 1040–7. doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2009.200. PMID 19770446.
↑ Lutz ME, Daoud MS, McEvoy MT, Gibson LE (1998). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a clinical study of ten patients”. Cutis. 61 (4): 203–8. PMID 9564592.
↑ Kasha EE, Epinette WW (1988). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) in association with a monoclonal IgA gammopathy: a report and review of the literature”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 19 (5 Pt 1): 854–8. PMID 3056995.
↑ Delaporte E, Colombel JF, Nguyen-Mailfer C, Piette F, Cortot A, Bergoend H (1992). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis in a patient with Crohn’s disease”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 72 (4): 301–2. PMID 1357895.
↑ Sauder MB, Glassman SJ (2013). “Palmoplantar subcorneal pustular dermatosis following adalimumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis”. Int. J. Dermatol. 52 (5): 624–8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05707.x. PMID 23489057.
↑ Lambert WC, Everett MA (1981). “The nosology of parapsoriasis”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 5 (4): 373–95. PMID 7026622.
↑ Väkevä L, Sarna S, Vaalasti A, Pukkala E, Kariniemi AL, Ranki A (2005). “A retrospective study of the probability of the evolution of parapsoriasis en plaques into mycosis fungoides”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 85 (4): 318–23. doi:10.1080/00015550510030087. PMID 16191852.
↑ Janniger CK, Schwartz RA, Szepietowski JC, Reich A (2005). “Intertrigo and common secondary skin infections”. Am Fam Physician. 72 (5): 833–8. PMID 16156342.
↑ Satter EK, High WA (2008). “Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a review of the current recommendations of the Histiocyte Society”. Pediatr Dermatol. 25 (3): 291–5. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2008.00669.x. PMID 18577030.
↑ Stull MA, Kransdorf MJ, Devaney KO (1992). “Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone”. Radiographics. 12 (4): 801–23. doi:10.1148/radiographics.12.4.1636041. PMID 1636041.
↑ Sholl LM, Hornick JL, Pinkus JL, Pinkus GS, Padera RF (2007). “Immunohistochemical analysis of langerin in langerhans cell histiocytosis and pulmonary inflammatory and infectious diseases”. Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 31 (6): 947–52. doi:10.1097/01.pas.0000249443.82971.bb. PMID 17527085.
↑ Grois N, Pötschger U, Prosch H, Minkov M, Arico M, Braier J, Henter JI, Janka-Schaub G, Ladisch S, Ritter J, Steiner M, Unger E, Gadner H (2006). “Risk factors for diabetes insipidus in langerhans cell histiocytosis”. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 46 (2): 228–33. doi:10.1002/pbc.20425. PMID 16047354.
↑ Al Hasan M, Fitzgerald SM, Saoudian M, Krishnaswamy G (2004). “Dermatology for the practicing allergist: Tinea pedis and its complications”. Clin Mol Allergy. 2 (1): 5. doi:10.1186/1476-7961-2-5. PMC 419368. PMID 15050029.
↑ Schwartz RA, Janusz CA, Janniger CK (2006). “Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview”. Am Fam Physician. 74 (1): 125–30. PMID 16848386.
↑ Misery L, Touboul S, Vinçot C, Dutray S, Rolland-Jacob G, Consoli SG, Farcet Y, Feton-Danou N, Cardinaud F, Callot V, De La Chapelle C, Pomey-Rey D, Consoli SM (2007). “[Stress and seborrheic dermatitis]”. Ann Dermatol Venereol (in French). 134 (11): 833–7. PMID 18033062.

[urlMycosis_Fungoides_and_the_Sézary_Syndrome_Treatment_(PDQ®)—Patient_Version_-_National_Cancer_Institute-1] “Mycosis Fungoides and the Sézary Syndrome Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version – National Cancer Institute”.

[pmid27512182-2] Mahajan K, Relhan V, Relhan AK, Garg VK (2016). “Pityriasis Rosea: An Update on Etiopathogenesis and Management of Difficult Aspects”. Indian J Dermatol. 61 (4): 375–84. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.185699. PMC 4966395. PMID 27512182.

[pmid19997691-3] Prantsidis A, Rigopoulos D, Papatheodorou G, Menounos P, Gregoriou S, Alexiou-Mousatou I, Katsambas A (2009). “Detection of human herpesvirus 8 in the skin of patients with pityriasis rosea”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 89 (6): 604–6. doi:10.2340/00015555-0703. PMID 19997691.

[pmid9109005-4] Smith KJ, Nelson A, Skelton H, Yeager J, Wagner KF (1997). “Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta in HIV-1+ patients: a marker of early stage disease. The Military Medical Consortium for the Advancement of Retroviral Research (MMCARR)”. Int. J. Dermatol. 36 (2): 104–9. PMID 9109005.

[pmid23517392-5] Jiamton S, Tangjaturonrusamee C, Kulthanan K (2013). “Clinical features and aggravating factors in nummular eczema in Thais”. Asian Pac. J. Allergy Immunol. 31 (1): 36–42. PMID 23517392.

[urlSTD_Facts_-_Syphilis-6] “STD Facts – Syphilis”.

[pmid28523295-7] Neagu TP, Ţigliş M, Botezatu D, Enache V, Cobilinschi CO, Vâlcea-Precup MS, GrinŢescu IM (2017). “Clinical, histological and therapeutic features of Bowen’s disease”. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 58 (1): 33–40. PMID 28523295.

[pmid25201325-8] Murao K, Yoshioka R, Kubo Y (2014). “Human papillomavirus infection in Bowen disease: negative p53 expression, not p16(INK4a) overexpression, is correlated with human papillomavirus-associated Bowen disease”. J. Dermatol. 41 (10): 878–84. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12613. PMID 25201325.

[pmid26354880-9] Szatkowski J, Schwartz RA (2015). “Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP): A review and update”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 73 (5): 843–8. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.07.017. PMID 26354880.

[pmid12466124-10] Schmid S, Kuechler PC, Britschgi M, Steiner UC, Yawalkar N, Limat A, Baltensperger K, Braathen L, Pichler WJ (2002). “Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: role of cytotoxic T cells in pustule formation”. Am. J. Pathol. 161 (6): 2079–86. doi:10.1016/S0002-9440(10)64486-0. PMC 1850901. PMID 12466124.

[pmid27222766-11] Ankad BS, Beergouder SL (2016). “Hypertrophic lichen planus versus prurigo nodularis: a dermoscopic perspective”. Dermatol Pract Concept. 6 (2): 9–15. doi:10.5826/dpc.0602a03. PMC 4866621. PMID 27222766.

[pmid19770446-12] Shengyuan L, Songpo Y, Wen W, Wenjing T, Haitao Z, Binyou W (2009). “Hepatitis C virus and lichen planus: a reciprocal association determined by a meta-analysis”. Arch Dermatol. 145 (9): 1040–7. doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2009.200. PMID 19770446.

[pmid9564592-13] Lutz ME, Daoud MS, McEvoy MT, Gibson LE (1998). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a clinical study of ten patients”. Cutis. 61 (4): 203–8. PMID 9564592.

[pmid3056995-14] Kasha EE, Epinette WW (1988). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) in association with a monoclonal IgA gammopathy: a report and review of the literature”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 19 (5 Pt 1): 854–8. PMID 3056995.

[pmid1357895-15] Delaporte E, Colombel JF, Nguyen-Mailfer C, Piette F, Cortot A, Bergoend H (1992). “Subcorneal pustular dermatosis in a patient with Crohn’s disease”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 72 (4): 301–2. PMID 1357895.

[pmid23489057-16] Sauder MB, Glassman SJ (2013). “Palmoplantar subcorneal pustular dermatosis following adalimumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis”. Int. J. Dermatol. 52 (5): 624–8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05707.x. PMID 23489057.

[pmid7026622-17] Lambert WC, Everett MA (1981). “The nosology of parapsoriasis”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 5 (4): 373–95. PMID 7026622.

[pmid16191852-18] Väkevä L, Sarna S, Vaalasti A, Pukkala E, Kariniemi AL, Ranki A (2005). “A retrospective study of the probability of the evolution of parapsoriasis en plaques into mycosis fungoides”. Acta Derm. Venereol. 85 (4): 318–23. doi:10.1080/00015550510030087. PMID 16191852.

[pmid16156342-19] Janniger CK, Schwartz RA, Szepietowski JC, Reich A (2005). “Intertrigo and common secondary skin infections”. Am Fam Physician. 72 (5): 833–8. PMID 16156342.

[pmid18577030-20] Satter EK, High WA (2008). “Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a review of the current recommendations of the Histiocyte Society”. Pediatr Dermatol. 25 (3): 291–5. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2008.00669.x. PMID 18577030.

[pmid1636041-21] Stull MA, Kransdorf MJ, Devaney KO (1992). “Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone”. Radiographics. 12 (4): 801–23. doi:10.1148/radiographics.12.4.1636041. PMID 1636041.

[pmid17527085-22] Sholl LM, Hornick JL, Pinkus JL, Pinkus GS, Padera RF (2007). “Immunohistochemical analysis of langerin in langerhans cell histiocytosis and pulmonary inflammatory and infectious diseases”. Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 31 (6): 947–52. doi:10.1097/01.pas.0000249443.82971.bb. PMID 17527085.

[pmid16047354-23] Grois N, Pötschger U, Prosch H, Minkov M, Arico M, Braier J, Henter JI, Janka-Schaub G, Ladisch S, Ritter J, Steiner M, Unger E, Gadner H (2006). “Risk factors for diabetes insipidus in langerhans cell histiocytosis”. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 46 (2): 228–33. doi:10.1002/pbc.20425. PMID 16047354.

[pmid15050029-24] Al Hasan M, Fitzgerald SM, Saoudian M, Krishnaswamy G (2004). “Dermatology for the practicing allergist: Tinea pedis and its complications”. Clin Mol Allergy. 2 (1): 5. doi:10.1186/1476-7961-2-5. PMC 419368. PMID 15050029.

[pmid16848386-25] Schwartz RA, Janusz CA, Janniger CK (2006). “Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview”. Am Fam Physician. 74 (1): 125–30. PMID 16848386.

[pmid18033062-26] Misery L, Touboul S, Vinçot C, Dutray S, Rolland-Jacob G, Consoli SG, Farcet Y, Feton-Danou N, Cardinaud F, Callot V, De La Chapelle C, Pomey-Rey D, Consoli SM (2007). “[Stress and seborrheic dermatitis]”. Ann Dermatol Venereol (in French). 134 (11): 833–7. PMID 18033062.

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Intertrigo

Differentiating intertrigo from other diseases

Treatments

Prescription Medicines

See also

External links

Looking for the patient version?